In a recent sermon, our rector gave definition to and contrasted charity and justice, saying that charity is a good thing, in that it provides for immediate needs of people in trouble, often on a one-time basis. Justice, however, represents attempts to move to more permanent solutions to problems such as poverty, and requires political action to make it happen. Since then I have spent considerable time and intellectual energy trying to figure out how justice could become a reality, given the political culture in which we now live.

A few weeks ago, our rector, the Rev. Sue Bentley of St. James, Roanoke suggested that I might want to attend a conference in Washington, D.C., sponsored by Sojourners, a non-profit faith related organization whose mission is “..to articulate the call to social justice, inspiring hope and building a movement to transform individuals, communities, the church, and the world.” Sojourners is a national network of churches, faith-based organizations, and individuals from across the theological and political spectrum. The idea is to influence public policy and priorities on such issues as poverty, environment, war and peace, health care, and human rights.

The conference brought together several hundred persons from across the country and the denominational spectrum, to gain the attention of political leaders, especially our congressional Representatives and Senators. The “Vote Out Poverty” campaign, is designed to first register those not yet registered to vote, and to obtain pledges from the voters to let candidates know that they are expected to put poverty high on their priority lists. Specifically, we want to know how they plan to reduce poverty in this country by half within the next ten years, and how they will help in advancing the Millennium Development Goals.

At. St. James, we have moved to support the campaign actively, by first obtaining the enthusiastic support our rector, and by forming a Vote Out Poverty Committee to steer the program. We shall be working to do the following: 1)get citizens (especially our parishioners) registered to vote if they are not already registered; 2) educate people about the extent of poverty nationally and world wide; 3) ask voters to sign pledge cards that will be delivered to candidates, showing the numbers of people who are making poverty a priority; 4) give candidates an opportunity to sign their own pledge cards, stating that they will make strong efforts to reduce poverty in this country by half within ten years, and to work toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals an international movement that includes the Episcopal Church; 5) continue to monitor elected officials after the election, making sure that they are aware of the pledge to make reducing poverty a priority; 6) in the spring of 2009, participate in a rally in Washington, D.C., to make public our insistence that poverty be dealt with on a national and international scale.

Among activities recommend by Sojourners is a “Poverty Sunday,” this year suggested to be September 21. Poverty Sunday will emphasize poverty issues and God’s call to Christians to work toward alleviating it.

All activities are non-partisan, and neither candidates nor political parties will be discussed or advocated. We do not try to influence voting for either party or candidate. We will simply report pledges and details given by the candidates themselves and ask voters to decide for themselves. There are guidelines for church related political activity, and we shall adhere closely to them at all times.

This is an enthusiastic invitation for parishes throughout our diocese to join this campaign. We strongly suggest beginning with a small committee composed of committed lay persons and the support and leadership of the Rector. I am glad to provide further information. Please contact me at: 145 Cromwell Drive, Rocky Mount, VA 24151; phone number 540-489-4536; e-mail shcampbell@jetbroadband.com.

Persons may also contact Sojourners directly by e-mail, at voteoutpoverty@sojo.net.

This is a rare opportunity to make something happen on behalf of those our Lord commands us to serve – those living in poverty.