Clergy Proclaim Agenda To Engage Elected Leaders To Heal Racial And Economic Division

On Thursday, January 29, a multi-racial and multi-denominational group of 50 ISAIAH clergy and religious leaders gathered at the State Capitol to announce their commitment to engage Minnesota’s elected leaders and promote policies that eliminate racial and economic inequities.

“Our nation is in the middle of an uncomfortable dialogue about race and it continues to unfold with pain and unrest for communities across the country. This is not a time for the church to be silent or underestimated,” declared Rev. Paul Slack, pastor at new Creation Church in Minneapolis and president of ISAIAH. “We are here today as Minnesota religious leaders proclaiming our commitment to stand together to do what is necessary to heal the divisions found in our state.

Clergy believe that structural reforms are necessary to promote human dignity and racial equity. Specifically, the coalition of clergy called on the Minnesota State Legislature to:

•    Restore the vote for the formally incarcerated.
•    Allow all immigrants the right to apply for a driver’s licenses using the documentation of their home countries.
•    Create sustainable and dedicated funding for a fair and accessible transportation system throughout Minnesota.
•    Enact policies to provide Paid Family Leave, Earned Sick and Safe time and affordable childcare to all working families.

“As clergy we preach that we all one body – interconnected and interdependent,” said Bishop Ann Svennungsen, ELCA Minneapolis Synod. “When one part of the body suffers, so do the others. We must create a Minnesota where everyone is free to live; free to work; free to feel safe; free to participate in our democracy and take care of their loved ones.”

Over the course of the Legislative Session, faith leaders intend to engage elected leaders around the stories, values and commitment of the people from their communities to create a whole, healthy and connected Minnesota where all can thrive.

Rev. James Alberts II, pastor at Higher Ground Church of God in Christ in St. Cloud spoke at the event, “It’s clear that the fates of our families are deeply intertwined; rural and urban, white people and people of color, rich and poor. As our leaders come together to debate our state’s infrastructure, like our transportation system, we know how much will be required to put all our children and families on a firm foundation.”