CHICAGO (May 18, 2017) – The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), and the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church, have issued a joint statement calling for prayer, fasting and advocacy addressing cuts to public programs that are vital to hungry people who are living in poverty.
The statement “For Such a Time As This” calls for fasting on the 21st of each month through December 2018, at which time the 115th Congress will conclude. The 21st of each month is targeted because by that day about 90 percent of Supplemental Nutrition Benefits Program (SNAP) benefits have been used.
The call to fast will launch with a group of national and local leaders participating in a three-day fast May 21-23. This is in anticipation of the May 21 Global Day to End Famine – a broad coalition of church networks, denominations, faith-based organizations and concerned believers led by the World Council of Churches.
Read the joint statement.
Watch a video by Presiding Bishop Eaton.
Watch a video by Presiding Bishop Curry.
ELCA Advocacy updates are available on Twitter and Facebook.
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with more than 3.7 million members in more than 9,300 congregations across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of “God’s work. Our hands,” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA’s roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
773-380-2877
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
