Covenant News

Young Religious Leaders Asked to Join Poverty Fight

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 13, 2004) - Vowing to make the case for the poor a central issue in the upcoming fall election, religious leaders from across America will gather here May 23-25 to engage political leaders and to show national unity on issues of compassion and justice for the poor.

"Leadership is critically needed right now for the sake of America's poorest families," says Jim Wallis, president of Call to Renewal and convener of the event known as Pentecost 2004. "Together, we must take on the responsibility to make poverty a 'religious' issue in the 2004 election debates. It is more important than ever to show that we are united in Jesus Christ, in our biblical faith and in the one social issue that brings us together across all our theological and political differences - God's command to care for the poor."

Joining leaders from across America will be Glenn Palmberg, president of the Evangelical Covenant Church and a member of the executive board of Call to Renewal. He is excited about a special emphasis on attracting "emerging leaders" to this event – registrants age 30 and younger who want to apply their faith in the arena of political activism.

"I hope a number of our emerging young leaders in the Covenant will come to this event," Palmberg said. "It's a wonderful opportunity for anyone who has a heart for the poor and an interest in working against poverty." A special training track will provide young leaders with tools and resources for faith-based advocacy, as well as opportunities to network with national and regional church leaders, faith-based activists, Washington-based policy staff, and with one another. For a more detailed look at the young emerging leaders program schedule, see Emerging Leaders

Wallis will be the keynote speaker for the kick-off gathering on Sunday evening, May 23, addressing the importance of redefining "religious issues" in the fall election to include a central focus on domestic and global poverty. "One of every six children still poor in wealthy America is a religious issue," Wallis argues. "The number of poor families now rising the last two years is a religious issue. One billion people living on less than $1 per day around the world is a religious issue. Hunger, health care, housing, education, jobs - are all moral and religious issues.

"Regardless of our convictions on other 'religious issues' and whether we are Democrats, Republicans, or Independents, Christians across the theological and political spectrum must make a common witness this year," Wallis continued. "The poor must not be forgotten in the election of 2004. We will come to Washington to deliver that message . . . and to show our unity on compassion and justice for the poor - between Evangelicals, Catholics, Protestants, Pentecostals, Black, Hispanic, and Asian churches."

On Monday, May 24, church leaders from across the political and religious spectrum will talk about their efforts to rally around the cause of the poor. Noted broadcast journalist Bill Moyers will address a luncheon group on "Religion and Politics" in this election year. Other speakers include Ron Sider, Robert Franklin, Leah Gaskin Fitchue, John Chane, Yvonne Delk, Mary Nelson, David Beckmann, Michael Mata, and E.J. Dionne of the Washington Post.

Monday evening, participants will join Episcopal Bishop John Chane, Wes Granberg-Michaelson and the heads of several denominations in a special service at the Washington National Cathedral. Dr. James A. Forbes Jr., of The Riverside Church in New York City will speak.

Invitations have been issued to the presumptive Democratic nominee and President Bush to address the group and field questions during a Tuesday morning session.

"I've worked with its (Call to Renewal) leaders and seen first-hand their devotion to Christ," Palmberg noted. "They have managed to draw Christians from a number of different affiliations together around the biblical call to care and advocate for the poor - and they are making a difference. I'm looking forward to Pentecost 2004 and I would love to see a good, strong contingent of Covenanters there with me."

For more detailed information on Pentecost 2004, visit the Call to Renewal website at www.calltorenewal.org.

Printable version of this page.