December 21, 2005
The Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America’s (ELCA) steadfast opposition to the budget
reconciliation process has had a direct impact in the U.S.
Congress. Countless people of faith, including myself and all 65
ELCA synod bishops, spoke out against the process, which
threatened cuts to food stamps, Medicaid, student loans, and
other programs that help people living in poverty throughout the
United States. We were appalled that these cuts were proposed in
order to pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest 3 percent of
Americans, and that the deficit would actually increase,
contrary to the stated purpose of the reconciliation process. As
people of faith, we found tax cuts for the rich paid for by
slashing safety net programs to be immoral.
Our voices of opposition were
heard, and have provided a tangible sign that the Church is
living out the Gospel of Jesus Christ and “proclaiming the
greatness of the Lord” in our own day. Though some spending cuts
ultimately passed in the Senate, food stamp cuts were eliminated
from the final version. For this, we give thanks to the ELCA
leaders and members who spoke out, including the ELCA Conference
of Bishops, and all Lutherans who have called and written to
members of Congress. We also give thanks for the broad
ecumenical partnership among Christians working together from
the shared scriptural values of justice, compassion, mercy and
hospitality. And finally, we give thanks for those members of
Congress who heard our cry on behalf of the poor and who voted
against this process, in some cases under great pressure and at
great political risk. We thank them for their courage and
compassion, while we continue to pray for all public officials.
Despite the food stamp victory,
the remaining cuts – including cuts to Medicare, child support
enforcement, and student loans – are devastating to the “least
among us.” In the current version, people living in poverty
across the United States will see shrinking Medicaid benefits
coupled with increased out-of-pocket costs many will be unable
to afford. Less money spent on child support enforcement means
less child support money going to the children who need it. And
cuts to student loans will prevent many from breaking the cycle
of poverty through the pursuit of higher education.
The budget reconciliation measure
needs to be reconsidered by the House of Representatives due to
a substantive change made by the Senate. It is unclear when this
action will occur in the House of Representatives.
The 2006 budget process is not
over, and the 2007 budget process will begin soon. The deficit
increase resulting from the budget/tax reconciliation process
will create more pressure in next year’s budget to make more
cuts in spending for safety net programs. As people of faith, we
will continue to fight for an honest and moral budget in 2006,
2007 and beyond.
The Rev. Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
