Interfaith call for justice in Gulf Coast

Presiding Bishop, other Episcopalians join interfaith call for justice in Gulf Coast

[Episcopal News Service] Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and other Episcopalians are among 105 ecumenical and interfaith leaders who have signed on to a statement declaring that "the slow pace of recovery and the new needs caused by Ike and Gustav's destruction have created a moral crisis along the Gulf Coast that demands a powerful response from people of faith."

The statement, issued by the Gulf Coast Civic Works Campaign, notes that "while the nation has learned to better prepare for this latest hurricane, whether by inaction or injustice, we have still failed to protect the wellbeing of Gulf Coast survivors, new residents and their families, especially the children, the poor, the sick, and the vulnerable through just long-term rebuilding policies which fully support human rights."

The signers called for three specific actions, including passing policy based on the Gulf Coast Civic Works Act; increasing funding for federal, state, and local partnerships in the Gulf Coast to create more affordable housing and promote home-ownership; and supporting federal funding to restore the coastal wetlands and barrier islands.

Other Episcopalians who signed the statement include the Ven. Michael S. Kendall, president, Episcopal Network for Economic Justice; Diocese of North Carolina Bishop A.C. "Chip" Marble Jr.; the Rev. Carl W. Rehling, director, Diocese of Maryland liaison for justice and peace; Vicky Partin, lay missioner, Chattahoochee Valley Episcopal Ministry; Robert S. Runkle, Diocese of Spokane Social Justice and Outreach Ministries Commission; and the Rev. Dr. C. David Williams, president, Union of Black Episcopalians

The full statement follows.