The General Synod of the United Church of Christ has long spoken out in support of our brothers and sisters living in poverty and advocated collectively in defense of the common good. UCC congregations are actively engaged in direct service in their communities throughout the country, but it is only through the combined strength of our public and private efforts that we can begin to truly address the issue of poverty.

In the words of our General Minister and President, Geoffrey Black:

“Our faith calls us to place the poor and most marginalized in our communities at the forefront of concern. Those who struggle economically in our society, the most vulnerable -- children living in poverty, people living with chronic health issues, seniors, women trying to escape violence in their homes – do not have a voice at the policy-making table or a hand in influencing political campaigns. The United Church of Christ has a long history of actively serving the needs of vulnerable populations in our communities and advocating for systemic solutions that lift people out of poverty and uphold the common good. We urge all people to let your voices be heard through your vote. As our faith teachings remind us, nations are judged by how they treat the poorest and most vulnerable people. Our faith calls us to consider how our choices in this election season affect the ‘least of these.’”

If all of our candidates and elected officials followed these candidates’ example and plainly stated their plans to alleviate poverty, it would dramatically change our country’s election conversations. We would re-focus on protecting the most vulnerable among us as Jesus called us to do.

Take action! Ask your representatives to clearly state their plans to end poverty during the 2012 election campaigns.

Learn more:

• Engage your congregation in the elections with the UCC Our Faith Our Vote campaign.

• UCC Poverty Resources

• UC News: UCC leaders stand with ecumenical partners in advocating for poverty programs