Abundant life: Introduction

The current economic crisis has affected nearly all of us in some way. We see people around us losing their jobs, their homes and retirement savings. It may be our family, friends, members of our congregation—or even ourselves. At times like this we as a church clearly must care for those who are affected.

But even as we adjust to this new reality, we are waking up to the fact that many suffered long before this current crisis began. This crisis has revealed the shaky foundations on which we have built our economy and in which we have trusted. We have created unjust economic systems that have made the wealthy much wealthier and the poor even poorer.

The top 1 percent of Americans hold nearly 20 percent of our country's income, a figure that has more than doubled in the last three decades. Worldwide, more than half of the world’s population lives on less than $2.50 a day.

“I will tear down the winter house as well as the summer house; and the houses of ivory shall perish, and the great houses shall come to an end,” proclaimed the prophet Amos (3:15). The unjust accumulation of wealth always comes back upon us.

Those of us who are comfortable are being made uncomfortable. We have created an economy that depends on us consuming far beyond what we need. It is unsustainable for us and for our planet.

Our house has been built on sand, not on the rock of justice and equity. This is a moment of opportunity to call for justice. We must examine what has gone wrong and envision creative alternatives, in which everyone can experience the full, abundant life which Jesus promises.

Over the next year, we will be focusing on four specific areas of U.S. policy in which we see potential for taking steps toward greater justice. We invite congregations to consider taking one or more of the following Sundays to pray, reflect and act for economic justice for all.