For four days in March, I attend the Ecumenical Advocacy Days in Washington, D.C.

EAD 2012 was a gathering of Christians of many denominations to discuss and learn about ways to create a just national budget from which all people would benefit.

This year’s theme was, “Is this the fast I seek, from Isaiah 58.” That passage is about breaking the bonds of injustice, letting the oppressed go free and breaking every yoke.

More than 750 people of multiple faiths studied about torture, both here and abroad. We heard from Latin Americans how the trade agreements NAFTA and CAFTA were unjust not only to third-world countries, but also our own.

We had workshops about injustices in Africa, Asia, and many Pacific countries. Many people gave firsthand accounts about the wanton destruction of our environment and eco-systems.

We studied for three days that we might approach our senators and representatives on March 26 with suggestions on how they might work to create a just budget for all.

Keynote speaker, U.S. Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver, D- Missouri, called a “moral document.”

Leslie Manning, vice president of the Maine Council of Churches and I spoke with the staff of both our senators and representatives.

Susan Collins listened to our suggestions that we convert Bath Iron Works to peaceful machines such as high speed trains and alternate energies.

We also advocated for immigrants (necessary to our farm community) and for women being free from violence.

They all took notes. We can now hope they will take action.

I write this so that those who work so hard on the Occupy movement will know that there are people of faith who do agree with their cause and who want freedom and real democracy for all.

Peter P. Sirois

Madison

Copy the Story Link