Wednesday, February 8, 2012 , Vol. XI No.3

Can Christians Be Conservative?
THINKING THEOLOGICALLY
by: Larry Greenfield

What’s the deal with fracking?
LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENTS
by: Courtney Eccles

A Moral Obligation
FAITH REFLECTIONS
by: Betsy Neely

Moral Minimum

Dear Friends:
On January 31, 2012, PCG joined with a coalition of religious leaders, community activists, and low-wage workers to seek an increase in the state minimum wage. We traveled to Springfield to make the case for SB 1565, which would raise the current level of $8.25 per hour to slightly above $10 over the next three or four years. This higher figure would approximate a living wage.

The bill would also index the minimum wage to inflation so that those at the bottom do not fall behind by default every year.

The coalition rented an Amtrak train car so that we could make the trip down from Chicago and back together. Riding together were individuals across race and class, from suburbs and inner city. Going down and back, we talked, prayed, learned to do advocacy together, and shared our experiences of the day. All these things were fun, and at times, deeply moving.

Every part of our program worked according to plan, including delivering scrolls with 220 signatures of faith leaders to legislators; holding a press conference and rally, ably led by Rev. Dr. Norval Brown of Grace United Protestant Church of Park Forest and addressed by the bill’s sponsor, Senator Kimberly Lightford (D-4th); and visiting individually with representatives and senators in their offices.

Even with all this, what stood out most was the affirmation from many senators and representatives that they had heard a moral voice.

In his speech at the National Day of Prayer breakfast last week, President Barack Obama stated: “We can’t leave our values at the door … the majority of great reformers in American history did their work not just because it was sound policy, or they had done good analysis … but because their faith and their values dictated it.”

Economic policies should be subject to moral judgment. Claims to morality must stand the test of intellect. In the world we seek, morality and policy will be synonymous. If they are not, we will lose our souls as individuals and our stature as a nation.

It is unfair, unjust, immoral, to require individuals to work 40 hours a week for something less than a livable wage: “Who serves as soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of the grapes? … when the plowman plows and the thresher threshes, they ought to do so in the hope of sharing the harvest.”
(1 Corinthians 9:7–11).

Some legislators argued that a minimum wage constrains the number of new jobs, especially for small business. But isn’t this what was heard years ago when reformers called for safe working conditions, the elimination of child labor, and a five-day work week? Yes, costs may go up. But so do fairness and decency in the workplace.

What about jobs for part-time youth? Nearly 85% of those affected by minimum wage legislation are at least 20 years old. Most are adults struggling in full-time jobs to support their families. (Community Population Survey 2010).

The economy is driven by consumer demand. Putting more money in the hands of those who must spend it to provide food, shelter, and clothing is sound economic policy. In the face of greater demand, business will create the jobs we so desperately need.

On the way home, as the train was approaching Union Station, I was asked to offer a prayer, which as best I can recall, included these words: “Gracious God, we come from all parts of this city, rich and poor, and, indeed, from across the state. Our hands are joined in common purpose. We seek support for those who most need of your help. We come home tonight in your name. Amen. ”

Passing SB 1565 will be an uphill battle, but it could happen this year. We need your support. There is nothing more exhilarating than being in the right fight.

Sincerely,


The Rev. Alexander Sharp, Executive Director

PCG NEWS

Environmental Lobby Day

Slideshow: Raise Illinois, Train to Springfield

Who’s Been Reading Mark Lately?

STUDY THE LECTIONARY

Biblical scholar Jay Wilcoxen advocates for the plain and direct sense of the Lectionary readings for each week.

Mar 4
The 2nd Sunday in Lent (Year B)
“The preparation for the Lord’s passion continues for those of Abraham’s covenant. ”

Feb 26
The 1st Sunday in Lent (Year B)
“The preparation for the Lord’s passion begins with Noah—and baptism through the flood. ”

Feb 22
Ash Wednesday (Year B)
“In a world darkened by sin, prayers of confession and penance are the acceptable sacrifices to God. ”

Feb 19
Transfiguration Sunday (Year B)
“The glory of God appears to humans in rare moments of transition—transition in leadership and in mission.”

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Executive Director

Last April, 2011, Rev. Alexander E. Sharp , PCG Executive Director, announced his decision to step down from the position of Executive Director no earlier than January 1, 2012 and no later than June 30. He expects to devote his work full-time to drug policy reform both in Illinois and in other states. The PCG Search Committee, comprised of PCG Board members, is currently seeking applications for the position of Executive Director. Procedures for applying are noted in the posting.

TAKE ACTION

PCG believes that it is imperative for people of faith to participate actively in our political democracy. Become an advocate.

Read PCG’s 2011 Legislative Summary

Read about the results of PCG’s legislative work during the spring session of the Illinois General Assembly. Our work on the state budget crisis, in concert with the Responsible Budget Coalition, continued throughout the entire 2010 legislative session, with approval of the long-sought income tax increase coming on the final day, January 11, 2011. We celebrate several other important legislative successes, achieved during the 2011 session, particularly in the areas of criminal justice and the environment. Contact Laura Dean Friedrich if you would like more information about our policy advocacy work.

Sign a Petition Supporting an Increase in Minimum Wage

PCG is working with the Raise Illinois Coalition to pass legislation to increase the minimum wage in Illinois. A full-time worker making the current minimum wage ($8.25/hour) earns about $17,000 a year before taxes, which studies have demonstrated, is simply not enough to live on in Illinois. As disparities between the rich and the poor grow larger, increasing the minimum wage by 50 cents each year for four years (until it reaches $10.65) would go a long way in keeping families out of extreme poverty. Please take a moment to sign one of two petitions to members of the Illinois General Assembly. Faith leaders and clergy are asked to sign the faith letter and church and community members are asked to sign the voter letter. We hope to deliver the letters and signatures at the beginning of the new legislative session in January. For more information on the bill, please visit Raise Illinois.

Watch the State of the Union

Did you miss the 2012 State of the Union? Not to worry, we’ve got links to the full speech as well as the Republic Response. The White House website has the address complete with graphs, statistics, and charts highlighting the particular issues that the President discusses. The Huffington Post has the full Republican Response from Indiana Governor, Mitch Daniels in both video and text form. (Watch the State of the Union.) (Watch the Republican Response.)

Minimum Wage Lobby Day in Springfield

Springfield, IL: Protestants for the Common Good is working with the Raise Illinois Coalition to increase the state’s minimum wage. The coalition is holding a faith lobby day in Springfield on the first day of session. The group will take the train together down to the capitol (we’ve reserved a whole train car!), which will include time for training and education on the bill. Participants will meet with legislators throughout the day and then take the train back to the city in the evening. If you’re interested in coming with us, please register here or contact Laura Dean Friedrich at ldfriedrich@thecommongood.org or 312–223–9544 ×223.

Read Governor Quinn’s State of the State

Last Wednesday, Gov. Quinn addressed the Illinois General Assembly and gave his 2012 State of the State Address. Gov. Quinn’s main them was “Moving Illinois Forward”. Take a look at the text of the speech on the Governor’s website – video of the address is available as well.

PARTICIPATE

Please join in the work of PCG and our coalition partners by attending the following events.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Food Film Festival – “Forks Over Knives”

Rockford, IL: Rockford Urban Ministry, in collaboration with local environmental groups, has created a February Food Film Festival. “Forks Over Knives” is a documentary exploring the relationship between degenerative diseases and eating meat. The film will be shown at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 3300 Rural St., beginning at 7:15 p.m. This film is presented by Vegetarians in Motion and will be preceded by a monthly vegetarian potluck. Contact Carole Burmeister at (815) 397–5579 for more information. This showing is free and open to the public.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Food Film Festival – “Food Inc.”

Rockford, IL: The second film in Rockford’s Food Film Festival will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 4848 Turner St., beginning at 7:00 p.m. Drawing on Eric Schlosser’s Fast Food Nation and Michael Pollan’s The Omnivore’s Dilemma, director Robert Kenner’s provocative, Oscar-nominated documentary “Food Inc.” explores the food industry’s detrimental effects on our health and environment. This event is free and open to the public.

Sunday, February 26, 2012
Educational Event at First Congregational UCC

Naperville, IL: PCG Deputy Director, Laura Dean Friedrich, will be leading the first session in a two-part series on political polarization and income inequality. The Faith Formation Class is held from 8:45 until 9:45 a.m. before the worship services. First Congregational UCC is located at 25 E. Benton Ave. For more information on the adult education session, contact Laura Dean at ldfriedrich@thecommongood.org

Friday, March 2, 2012
Kids Count Symposium and Business Luncheon

Chicago, IL: Voices for Illinois Children’s 2012 symposium will focus on “Investing in Opportunities for Children – Now”. The event will include information from the Kids Count 2012 data book, a three-person panel with time for discussion and questions, and a presentation from keynote speaker Patrick McCarthy, President and CEO of the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The event will be held at the Bank of America Building, 135 S. LaSalle St., Suite 4300, from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. and will be followed by a business luncheon. Tickets can be purchased through the online event page.

Sunday, March 4, 2012
Educational Event at First Congregational UCC – part 2

Naperville, IL: In the second of two sessions, PCG staff member, Laura Dean Friedrich, explores our country’s rising income inequality and why it’s an issue for people of faith. This session is part of the Faith Formation Class series, and will take place before the worship service from 8:45 until 9:45 a.m. First Congregational Church of Naperville is located at 25 E. Benton. All are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Laura Dean at ldfriedrich@thecommongood.org.

CONTACT US

The Common Good Network welcomes responses from readers about individual articles or the newsletter as a whole. We also welcome submissions from our readers. Take a moment to tell us what you think. Please email your suggestions, comments, and submissions to cgn@thecommongood.org. Protestants for the Common Good relies on its members and readers for much of its support. If you are able to contribute, please do so.

© 2012 Protestants for the Common Good. All Rights Reserved.

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