Sign the Clergy Call to Action Today
At this critical time of financial crisis and political gridlock, will you stand up for working families and call for policies and measures that will make this country a Land of Opportunity for all? Add your name and join the clergy leaders below who have already signed by clicking on the link below:
Rev. Dr. Ryan Bell, Hollywood Adventist Church, Los Angeles, CARev. Dr. George Cummings, Imani Community Church, Oakland, CA
Pastor Lucy Kolin, Resurrection Lutheran Church, Oakland, CA
Rev. Jane Gould, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Lynn, MA
Rabbi Greg Litcofsky, Temple Shir Tikva, Wayland, MA
Imam Tahir Anwar, South Bay Islamic Association, San José, CA
Father Michael Jacques, St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, New Orleans, LA
Pastor Troy Jackson, University Christian Church, Cincinnati, OH
Rev. Michael-Ray Mathews, PICO National Network, San José, CA
As clergy, we regularly witness the devastating realities of unemployment, foreclosure and financial stress on families in our communities. We weep at the sight of a young father searching fruitlessly for work; a child evicted from her home by a bank; a retiree watching her life savings disappear – all due to an economic crisis they did not cause.
At this moment of economic turmoil and political gridlock, we resolutely stand for and with our people. For generations America has been a land of opportunity, a place where hard work leads to a better life. Yet today, although Americans are working extremely hard, poverty and inequality are growing faster than any time since the 1920s. Our nation fails to ask those with means to pay their fair share, while working people feel the deck is stacked against them. Just as God called the ancient prophets in our Scriptures to condemn injustice and idolatry, we too must speak out when we see the unchecked greed of wealthy elites and the corrupting influence of powerful special interests on our government.
As faith leaders from many religious traditions, we believe that the public debate about economic recovery is not simply about differing political visions, but about competing moral and spiritual values that have profound consequences for our people. The debate is about who we are as a nation, the opportunities we all have to live better lives, and the covenant that binds us together. The American people believe in taking responsibility for our own well-being and in helping our neighbors in need. We expect a government as good as our people, a government that works for everyone -- not just the powerful and well-connected.
The American faith community has a vital role to play in healing our nation. We must shine a light on the pathways that lead toward opportunity and renewal. We must help individuals and society make decisions that reflect our deepest moral values. We must care for and protect the most vulnerable in our midst, and we must all contribute our fair share.
We pledge to teach, preach and organize to unify people of faith around reducing poverty and increasing economic and racial justice. We will challenge our elected leaders from both parties to put the needs of working families, the poor and the common good of our nation ahead of short-term political calculus and special interests. Join us in making America a land of opportunity for all people.
Signed,
At this moment of economic turmoil and political gridlock, we resolutely stand for and with our people. For generations America has been a land of opportunity, a place where hard work leads to a better life. Yet today, although Americans are working extremely hard, poverty and inequality are growing faster than any time since the 1920s. Our nation fails to ask those with means to pay their fair share, while working people feel the deck is stacked against them. Just as God called the ancient prophets in our Scriptures to condemn injustice and idolatry, we too must speak out when we see the unchecked greed of wealthy elites and the corrupting influence of powerful special interests on our government.
As faith leaders from many religious traditions, we believe that the public debate about economic recovery is not simply about differing political visions, but about competing moral and spiritual values that have profound consequences for our people. The debate is about who we are as a nation, the opportunities we all have to live better lives, and the covenant that binds us together. The American people believe in taking responsibility for our own well-being and in helping our neighbors in need. We expect a government as good as our people, a government that works for everyone -- not just the powerful and well-connected.
The American faith community has a vital role to play in healing our nation. We must shine a light on the pathways that lead toward opportunity and renewal. We must help individuals and society make decisions that reflect our deepest moral values. We must care for and protect the most vulnerable in our midst, and we must all contribute our fair share.
We pledge to teach, preach and organize to unify people of faith around reducing poverty and increasing economic and racial justice. We will challenge our elected leaders from both parties to put the needs of working families, the poor and the common good of our nation ahead of short-term political calculus and special interests. Join us in making America a land of opportunity for all people.
Signed,
http://salsa3.salsalabs.com/o/2115/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=6715