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A Sampling of NCC Statements on Issues in the Public Square

The National Council of Churches responds to a range of issues under discussion in the public arena by expressing the moral and spiritual concerns of its member communions, either in statements originating with the Council or by signing on to statements produced collaboratively with partner organizations.

The Council's messages are based on official policy documents that have been adopted by the NCC/CWS General Assembly.  Where the communions have not reached such a consensus, the Council does not speak.  Below is a sampling of some recent statements released or affirmed by the NCC.  Most of the Council's current public statements are detailed in news stories searchable in the NCC News archives.

Letter to Rep. Henry Waxman, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, to underscore the disproportionate burdens of climate change faced by low-income people around the world, and to request that at least 7% of the value of proposed carbon credits (about $7 billion) be made available without further appropriation or fiscal year limitation to fund the International Climate Change Adaptation Program. Signed by leaders of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, National Council of Churches, Jewish Council for Public Affairs-Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life, and the Evangelical Environmental Network.  Michael Kinnamon, 4/28/2009.

Letter to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Broadband Division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture urging implementation of the goals of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to expand broadband access and adoption, with particular concern for specifications that would favor widespread expansion in economically depressed and rural areas. Signed by a coalition of organizations concerned for rural development and fair media access, including the NCC Communication Commission.  Pat Pattillo, 4/22/2009.

Letter to Members of Congress urging legislation that would make trigger amounts for crack cocaine equal to those currently in place for powder cocaine, ending the unreasonable disparities between the mandatory times served. The letter argues that these disparities undermine the successfully reintegration of prisoners into society, and result in an inappropriate use of federal resources – law enforcement, courts, and prisons – that would be better deployed to handle cases involving genuinely high-level “kingpin” offenders. Signed by NCC and member communions United Church of Christ, Presbyterian Church USA, Friends, and Brethren, and by the National Association of Evangelicals, Sojourners and Union for Reform Judaism.  NaKeisha Sylver, Michael Kinnamon, 4/8/2009.

Letter to Members of Congress in support of reducing unnecessary Department of Defense spending in the Fiscal Year 2010 budget resolution and appropriations subcommittee allocations, particularly in light of widespread economic distress and persistent poverty. Noting this is an increase of $9 billion beyond inflation, the letter also opposes expenditures for nuclear weapons and "miscellaneous" military costs that could add an estimated $23 billion for a national security total of $557 billion, a higher level than at any point since World War II. Signed by NCC and 37 other national groups and dozens of regional and state organizations.  Michael Kinnamon, 4/1/2009.

Letter urging congressional leaders and the new U.S. administration to reform U.S. foreign-assistance programs to ensure maximum reach in fighting poverty and meeting human need: (1) Make poverty reduction a primary goal of U.S. foreign assistance; (2) elevate development in status alongside diplomacy and defense; (3) double funding for poverty-focused development assistance by 2012; (4) promote a balanced, comprehensive approach that coordinates humanitarian aid, development assistance, trade and agriculture policy, climate change initiatives and other mechanisms to promote poverty reduction and human development; (5) reduce program duplication and burdens on recipient nations; (6) confront global challenges such as soaring food and commodity prices; (7) revitalize U.S. civilian capacity and authority to manage foreign assistance while reversing the trend toward greater Department of Defense funding, authority, and involvement related to development; (8) empower the participation of poor people in development through programs that respect local conditions and cultures, and involve and strengthen local governments and civil society; (9) make foreign assistance more transparent and more accountable. Signed by a group of Protestant, Catholic and Jewish leaders. Michael Kinnamon, 3/6/09.

Letter to Members of Congress asking that the needs of people in poverty, both at home and abroad, be a central priority in policies that address the challenge of global climate change: (1) ensuring "that low-income and working families and individuals are protected from energy-related price increases and associated economic burdens resulting from policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions;" and (2) "helping . . . the most vulnerable developing countries who have contributed the least to climate change in increasing their resilience, adapting to climate change impacts, and developing sustainable low-carbon economies." Drafted by National Religious Partnership on the Environment, an interfaith group of which the NCC is a partner. Michael Kinnamon, 3/6/09.

Letter to Congressional leaders supporting improved child nutrition in light of President Obama's promises to eliminate child hunger by 2015 and to halve poverty in 10 years. The letter notes that child nutrition programs are the fastest, most direct way to reduce child hunger, and a strong Child Nutrition Reauthorization in 2009 is the critical first step toward achieving the 2015 goal. It calls on Congress to (1) Improve access by increasing the number of meal programs and exploring alternative models to link children with the food they need when they are out of school. (2) Increase participation by simplifying the eligibility and application process. (3) Improve benefit adequacy by ensuring that children have not just enough food, but the right food. Drafted by the faith-based Domestic Human Needs Working Group, of which NCC is a member. Pat Pattillo, 3/5/09.

Letter to President Obama asking that he ensure that “the U.S. government delivers more effectively on its commitment to assist and protect vulnerable Iraqis, and to further the long-term development of Iraq, by mandating civilian agencies to take the lead in formulating and implementing an effective humanitarian and development strategy.” The signers called for measurable progress on economic, social, humanitarian and governance conditions that would allow for the safe, voluntary and sustainable return of displaced Iraqi citizens. Signed by leaders of more than 30 organizations, including humanitarian agencies and faith communities. Michael Kinnamon, 3/3/09.

Letter to President Obama calling for an impartial, nonpartisan, independent Commission of Inquiry to investigate the torture policies and practices of the United States since September 11. Its purpose should be to gather all the facts and make recommendations about needed safeguards. The possibility of prosecutions would not be a focus of this Commission. Drafted by National Religious Campaign Against Torture, of which NCC is a member. Michael Kinnamon, 2/21/09.

Letter thanking House and Senate leaders for their efforts to include funding for programs that protect God’s creation in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, and urging Congress to adopt economic recovery legislation that steers the U.S. economy towards a sustainable future. This would include (1) Measures to reduce energy consumption and shift to green alternative energy sources, weatherization for low- and moderate-income communities, conservation, efficiency and renewable energy programs. (2) Projects to rehabilitate and modernize the nation’s crumbling infrastructure and the strongest possible funding levels for mass transit and green building initiatives. (3) Increased funding for the EPA and other federal programs to protect the environment and clean up polluted areas – areas that too often are located in poor communities and communities of color, as a matter of justice. Signed by 16 communities of faith, including the NCC. Cassandra Carmichael, 2/11/09.

Letter urging Members of Congress to include in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 an expansion of the Afterschool Supper Program as passed by the House of Representatives, supporting nutrition programs targeted to low-income individuals and families. This would allow 42 additional states to serve suppers at afterschool and youth development programs in low-income areas. Nationwide expansion of the Afterschool Supper Program would create new jobs, boost local economies, and provide safe environments that help improve student achievement for low-income children. Pat Pattillo, 2/2/09. 

Letter to leaders of the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations, asking for the inclusion of $200 million to fund the federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program within the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The 25-year-old EFSP provides supplemental funds to nearly 12,000 nonprofit and public social services agencies in more than 2,500 cities and counties across the country, and is the only source of funding for the prevention of homelessness in most areas of the United States. Signed by EFSP's six national board members, from the National Council of Churches, Catholic Charities USA, The Salvation Army, United Jewish Communities, American Red Cross and United Way of America.  Pat Pattillo, 1/21/09.

A January 17 "epistle to the world" signed by representatives of NCC and 23 Christian communions, calls for a new beginning in the work for God’s Peace, acting "as the united Body of Christ, along with friends of peace everywhere, in a world desperately in need of justice and peace. . . Peace will come when people demand it and live it out.“ The open letter emerged from an ecumenical gathering of 300 persons, convened in Philadelphia by three historic Peace Churches, The Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, the Church of the Brethren, and the Mennonite Church USA. The full text, as well as audio from the gathering, can be found at www.peacegathering2009.org. Michael Kinnamon, Jordan Blevins, 1/17/09.

Letter to President-elect Barack Obama and Members of Congress, outlining the priorities of NCC and 20 other Protestant, Catholic and Jewish faith communities with regard to the economic stimulus package, encouraging provision of food assistance to insecure families, protection for low-income families who are losing their housing, continued Medicaid coverage through increased federal assistance to states, and addressing nutrition, health, and educational needs of children in poverty. The letter also called for job creation and training that benefits marginalized populations including minorities and women, employment equality in access to infrastructure construction jobs, training that creates a green jobs workforce, and increased funding for workforce education in low-income communities, including funds to repair crumbling public education facilities. The group called for investment in clean, sustainable, and renewable energy sources and technology to improve energy efficiency and provide for a sustainable energy future, funding new transportation options for low-income people without increasing dependence on fossil fuels and by expanding public transit access and redirecting patterns of sprawl.  Cassandra Carmichael, 1/16/09.

Letter to Members of Congress from the Interreligious Working Group on Domestic Human Needs, asking that Congress "champion the needs of those struggling to remain in homes, feed and care for their children and live with human dignity." The group expressed support for nutrition programs, the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, housing assistance programs, and home energy assistance, and urged Congress to "modernize and extend unemployment insurance and provide more aid to states for Medicaid" before the Presidents Day recess in February. Signers included NCC and Episcopal, Presbyterian, Evangelical Lutheran, Friends and UCC member communions, plus Bread for the World and a variety of other Protestant, Catholic and Jewish organizations.  Pat Pattillo, 1/16/09.

 Other NCC Justice Statements from Past Years