Sanders rallies support from faith leaders

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Sen. Bernie Sanders says he's "no biblical scholar," but he agrees with the verse that says, "Without vision, the people will perish."

The Democratic presidential hopeful shared his vision with African-American faith leaders at a prayer breakfast Tuesday in Columbia, South Carolina.

Sanders said income inequality is a moral issue that Americans and those who hope to lead them "must talk about."

The Vermont senator was introduced by South Carolina state Rep. Joe Neal, who also is a pastor. Neal said Sanders' populist message, that "we're all in this together," is "the cornerstone of nearly every religion."

Singer Shirley Murdock, who performed several gospel songs, applauded Sanders as a man "who has a dream."

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192-a-11-(Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Democratic presidential candidate, at prayer breakfast)-"important that is"-Democratic presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders quotes a Bible verse that undergirds his campaign. (16 Feb 2016)

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193-a-09-(Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Democratic presidential candidate, at prayer breakfast)-"must talk about"-Democratic presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders says too much of the nation's wealth is controlled by too few individuals. (16 Feb 2016)

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194-a-10-(State Representative Joe Neal, who also is a pastor, at prayer breakfast)-"in this together"-South Carolina State Representative Joe Neal, who also is a pastor, says he's supporting Bernie Sanders for president. (16 Feb 2016)

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195-a-11-(Shirley Murdock, singer and songwriter, at prayer breakfast)-"a dream, y'all (applause fades)"-Singer-songwriter Shirley Murdock says she's pleased to perform gospel songs at the prayer breakfast with Bernie Sanders. (16 Feb 2016)

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