On federal budget cuts, a message from CEO Elder Kelly

As millions of Americans anxiously wait to learn if and how the newly adopted federal budget cuts may impact them and their families, I can't help but reflect on how many vulnerable Minnesotans - the disabled, the elderly, the poor, refugees and immigrants, and those requiring mental health or addiction treatment - many of them veterans - will be left without their basic or special needs met.

What will happen to the estimate 17 million people nationwide who will lose insurance coverage? How many will be forced to choose between paying for needed medications, keeping a roof over their heads, food in the pantry, or covering their utility bills?

Recent federal policies suggest that our country is comfortable creating a caste system that normalizes inequity and supports a false narrative: that a society in which a person's worth is based on race, class or citizenship is acceptable and rooted in Christian principles. Nothing is further from the truth. The elimination of multiple safety nets and rhetoric calling for divisiveness based on difference is the antithesis of what the Christian and other faith traditions are founded upon:

• At the heart of Christianity is Jesus' call to love and serve all people, especially the poor, sick and marginalized.
• Buddhist teachings are centered around compassion and relieving the suffering of all.
• The prophet Muhammed stated that "He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while the neighbors to his side go hungry."
• Many Native American spiritual traditions are grounded in the concept of interconnectedness - the well-being of one being bound to the well-being of all.
• In Judaism, helping those in need is seen not as charity but as an act of justice.

The Minnesota Council of Churches remains committed to upholding the tenets of our faith and modeling the teachings of Christ, despite challenges or opposition. Although our services have been severely hampered this year by federal executive orders and budget cuts to refugee and immigrant services, we continue to work with the state of Minnesota to help already resettled refugees and immigrants access the support they need to lead productive and thriving lives in our state. And we continue to join with those ecumenical and interfaith voices that advocate for a society whose legislation and policies actively seek to benefit all - particularly those in need - and strive to build communities that reflect inclusivity, encourage civil discourse, and emphasize the importance of benevolence and justice.

As followers of Christ, we must justify our actions by the truth contained in scripture. At MCC, that means daily working to promote the common good for all our neighbors. Our work is rooted in Matthew 25:40, which reminds us of Jesus' words "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." I pray you will join us as we seek to build the beloved community in Minnesota. To donate, click here.