Religious leaders conduct values audit of federal budget
Today at noon Christian leaders of faith-based non-profits are holding a press conference call to discuss how the budget proposal submitted by the Obama administration last week is a major shift in prioritizing domestic poverty that can really help level the playing field. The faith-based groups on the call serve millions in low-income and poor communities around the nation and are facing a massive spike in demand for services at a time of shortfall in revenue and charitable giving.
Speakers include Noel Castellanos, CEO of Christian Community Development Association; Candy Hill, Senior Vice President of Social Policy and Government Affairs, Catholic Charities USA; Mary Nelson, founder of Bethel New Life, an urban ministry that serves as a model for national programs that promote the social, economic, and spiritual welfare; and Sojourners’ Jim Wallis.
Budgets are moral documents that reflect our values and priorities as a nation. These leaders will call upon Congress to make sure this one preserves funding that prioritizes the poor. The current economic recession threatens to push 9 million more Americans into poverty while funding continues to decrease for faith-based non-profits serving these communities, so the moment is especially critical.
We’ll have audio later!