A national group of interfaith leaders is calling wealthy Americans to support economic policies that benefit all Americans. The board of directors of Interfaith Worker Justice (IWJ) approved “An Open Letter to the One Percent” at its national meeting in Washington, D.C. this week.
On Thursday IWJ will host an online Prayer Vigil for the one percent, to coincide with the Carnation Prayer Vigil for the unemployed scheduled for 11 a.m. that same day in Washington, D.C. Several thousand people are expected to attend.
Edith Rasell, Vice President of IWJ’s Board of Directors, said, “A lot of wealthy Americans give generously to help those in need. But charity isn’t enough. Those who benefitted most from unfair economic policies during the past decades have a responsibility to make things right and help us create an economy that works for all.”
IWJ’s board is calling for tax policies and legislation that require more from the wealthiest Americans in order to create good jobs for everyone who wants to work, and for an extension of unemployment benefits for those unable to find work. If Congress does not pass an extension before the end of this month, 2 million unemployed Americans will be left without the help they need to feed their families.
Here is the full text of the letter:
To Whom Much Is Given, More is Required:
An Open Letter to the One Percent
During this time of financial crisis and economic disparity, we affirm the God-given dignity of every person. We believe God loves all 100% of us and wants to use us to create a more just society.
As faith leaders, we appreciate the generosity, charity, and commitment to the common good that many of you embody.
Still, some of you have used wealth and power to benefit the few at the expense of the many. We expect you to work with us to not only give generously, but to advocate for democracy and economic justice that works for everyone.
We call on you to:
· Support tax policies and legislation that require more from you so our nation can create good jobs in America
· Call for an extension of unemployment benefits for those unable to find work
As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.” We are in this together, all 100% of us.
– National Board of Directors, Interfaith Worker Justice