In this era of economic and political urgency, as critical decisions are being made about U.S. federal budget priorities and as national elections are fast approaching, Ecumenical Advocacy Days (EAD) asked, "Is This the Fast I Seek?"
At the 10th annual EAD, March 23-26, 2012, in Washington, DC, we explored economy, livelihood and our national priorities through the lens of Isaiah 58. Nearly 200 Presbyterians joined close to one thousand Christians in seeking a global economy and a national budget that would break the yokes of injustice, poverty, hunger and unemployment throughout the world — heeding Isaiah's call to become "repairers of the breach and restorers of streets to live in."
The event culminated on the 26th when participants met with their members of Congress to insist on a Faithful Budget that "defends people struggling to live in dignity by funding programs that protect vulnerable populations here and abroad."
Presbyterians took time together on Saturday evening to fellowship and rejoice in our collective commitment to the prophetic witness of the church. The PC(USA) Office of Public Witness hosted about 100 Presbyterians on the Virginia’s Jewel vessel to enjoy a dinner and dancing cruise down the Potomac River at the height of D.C.’s historic Cherry Blossom Festival.
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2012 issue of the Washington Report to Presbyterians. To download the entire newsletter, click here.
