Unity Declaration Speaks Out Against Racism and Poverty

"As leaders from diverse families of U.S. Christianity, we are called by the Spirit to work together with new urgency against the resurgence of racism and persistence of poverty in America. We see around us an increase of harmful attitudes and policies toward people of color and people in need. That painful reality and the current push for trillions of dollars in cuts to anti-poverty programs are bringing us together in a new way." 

The statement  above was was part of a  Unity Declaration on Poverty and Racism signed by 80 Christian leaders including several members of the Bread for the World community. They include  President Rev. David Beckmann, President-Emeritus Rev. Art Simon, and Rev. José García, Senior Advisor for Prayer and Strategic Initiatives.

Current and former Bread board members also added their signature to the document: John Carr, Dr. Iva Carruthers, Rev. Walter Contreras, Rev. Carlos Malavé, Bishop Richard E. Pates, Senior Bishop Lawrence Reddick, Rev. Jim Winkler and Rev. Dr. Jo Anne Lyon.

"The declaration goes on to call Congress and our churches to action. We are hand-delivering this message to every member of Congress, and we ask that you share it with your leaders and members of your communities," said Rev. Jim Wallis, president and founder of Sojourners, who helped organize the effort.