Civility and harmony are not words which typically depict the 2008 election cycle. And after what has already been a rather venomous campaign season, it may seem as though the chances of Republicans and Democrats coming together on the big issues we face are at best, unlikely.

But alas, a ray of hope remains.

This morning, the Save Darfur Coalition, an alliance of more than 180 faith-based, advocacy and human rights organizations, released a joint-statement signed by all three major party candidates, Obama, Clinton and McCain, in unity over ending the genocide in Darfur.

While not unprecedented in presidential politics, this statement represents a defining moment in the struggle to call the world’s attention to this crisis. Today all candidates have spoken in one voice and declared that ending genocide in Darfur is a priority of not just a U.S. Administration but also of the international community, which is primarily tasked with handling situations of this nature.

Here’s an excerpt of the statement:

“As we campaign for President of the United States over the next several months, we expect there to be significant focus on the many differences between us,” reads the statement, which is also featured today in a New York Times advertisement. “It is with this awareness that we are taking the uncommon step of issuing a joint statement about an issue. After more than five years of genocide, the Sudanese government and its proxies continue to commit atrocities against civilians in Darfur. This is unacceptable to the American people and to the world community.”

In addition to the statement, the Coalition has taken out a paid advertisement in the New York Times with signatures from the candidates.

The past seven years of Bush Administration foreign policy have been destructive in terms of America’s ability to be a moral leader in the world. The Bush Administration characterized the situation in Darfur as genocide yet, as on so many other issues, it has offered empty rhetoric in place of meaningful action towards confronting the regime in Khartoum, Sudan.

January 20, 2009 will be a new day for America. Whichever candidate is administered the oath of office will be tasked with cleaning up Bush’s messes and, when it comes to Darfur, implementing a policy that truly works towards ending the genocide.

Today, we should all pause and regardless of political party, be proud that when it comes to ending genocide each of the candidates are ready to declare “never again.”