Christian Leaders Call for ‘Circle of Protection’ Around Programs for Poor People

A diverse coalition of Christian leaders, including Catholic bishops, the National Association of Evangelicals, Bread for the World, Salvation Army, Christian Churches Together in the USA, National Council of Churches and other Evangelical and mainline Protestants, has called for a priority for the poor in the current budget process through a  common statement, “A Circle of Protection.”

“As Christian leaders, we are committed to fiscal responsibility and shared sacrifice,” said the statement. “We are also committed to resist budget cuts that undermine the lives, dignity, and rights of poor and vulnerable people. Therefore, we join with others to form a Circle of Protection around programs that meet the essential needs of hungry and poor people at home and abroad.”

Earlier letters to Congress from Bishop Hubbard and Bishop Blaire addressing the moral dimensions of the budget can also be found online: www.usccb.org/sdwp/2012-Budget-Letter-to-House-04-13-11.pdf and www.usccb.org/sdwp/Final-2011-CR-letter-Domestic-Senate.pdf