Faith community to Congress: 'sow justice' in the farm bill

Washington, November 5, 2007 ­ In anticipation of the Senate vote on the 2007 farm bill, the National Council of Churches' Eco-Justice Program delivered hundreds of messages to Senate offices from church members across the country calling for access to locally grown food, guarantees farmers' access to conservation programs, and justice for God's creation.  

A letter calling for an increase in funding for conservation programs in the farm bill was also delivered to Senate offices from a broad spectrum of Christian organizations.

Through its Faithful Harvest Campaign, NCC's Eco-Justice Program has been encouraging people of faith for over a year to speak out to uphold the principles of justice and equity for all of God's creation as Congress crafts a farm bill. 

In addition to the legislative advocacy work, the Faithful Harvest Campaign has produced two agricultural-themed resources to be used in congregational worship and study.  "Our Daily Bread" and "Everyday Thanksgiving" are both available for free download on the NCC Eco-Justice Program website:  http://www.nccecojustice.org/faithharvestworship.html

The House of Representatives passed its version of the farm bill on July 29th. In the coming weeks, the Senate has the opportunity to pass a bill that will provide sufficient funding so that all farmers who wish to participate in conservation programs may do so.

NCC Eco-Justice contact:  Cassandra Carmichael, 202.481.6928, cassandra@nccecojustice.org 

NCC News contact:  Philip Jenks, 212.870.2228, pjenks@councilofchurches.org  or Dan Webster, 212.870.2252, NCCnews@ncccusa.org