Clicking on this link will take you to a list of Christian leaders. This document amazes me, not just because of its invaluable content, but because of these names. It often seems like there are so few things upon which we can agree. This document is precious evidence of that agreement. It is also a powerful witness of Christ to the world.
This statement from Sojourners, an organization with the mission to "articulate the biblical call to social justice, inspiring hope and building a movement to transform individuals, communities, the church, and the world," calls for Christian leaders to unite under the belief that where our treasure is, there are hearts will be also: the national budget is a moral document.
"As Christians, we believe the moral measure of the debate is how the most poor and vulnerable people fare. We look at every budget proposal from the bottom up—how it treats those Jesus called “the least of these” (Matthew 25:45)."
The involvement of Christian leaders in the care of the poor is imperative. Sojourners believes that followers of Christ are not only being called by God to "pray, fast, give alms and to speak out for justice" but are also being called to commit to fiscal responsibility and shared sacrifice on individual and corporate levels. This includes resisting budget cuts that would harm the least of these. The poor do not have powerful lobbies... unless you count the Old Testament prophets and the New Testament Messiah.
Interested in adding your name to this list? Sign up here.
I have this one.
ReplyDeleteThis is a document that is very inspirational. I agree that the leaders who have signed it help to show us the importance of working for social justice and are a witness of Christ to the world. Unfortunately this is a document that many people will never see.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of leadership behind this document is a good one. It appears that it has been sent to the government as a recommendation to consider as the leaders of our government work on the budget. What is being requested is that the leaders remember those who are in financial need in our country and that these people are protected.
The call here for keeping the dignity of the poor and vulnerable people in our country as the budgets are developed is impressive and hopefully something that our governmental leaders will take to heart as they do their work. The thing that I found the most impressive about this document was that it was not being judgmental, but was written in a way that is encouraging the leaders to do what is right. It is also showing what the religious leaders are doing to ask God for continued blessings for our country.