CRLMC © 2008
STATEMENT ON THE FINANCIAL CRISIS IN ILLINOIS
In all of our religious traditions it is never the case that the poor, the young, and the vulnerable should bear the burdens of the non-poor and the rich, whether in good times or in bad.
It is, for all of our traditions, just the opposite: in all times, but especially in times of crisis, it is the moral and religious responsibility of those who have the ability to help those who have not.
We are, therefore, troubled and dismayed when we witness the current efforts to address the severe economic crisis of the State of Illinois by cutting support for exactly those who need help the most.
The widespread silence of the State's citizenry and our religious communities in the face of these unethical actions troubles and dismays us even more.
We call on fellow citizens to reflect on their sacred ethical and religious traditions, and to draw on those traditions in formulating public policies that constructively and responsibly address the State's budget crisis.
And we call on our political leaders to have the courage to advocate for public policies that protect and support the poor, the young, and the vulnerable in these times of our shared economic crisis.
May 20, 2010