Tax Justice

Last week, the Baptist General Convention of Missouri joined other religious bodies in Missouri to host a breakfast forum with state legislators on issues related to tax justice. About 80 legislators and religious leaders gathered for the dialogue, which was part of the work of Missouri Christians Against Racism and Poverty (MOCARP). Here are some of the comments from those involved:

Dr. Jim Hill, Executive Director of the Baptist General Convention of Missouri, commented, "I'm grateful for the response from the faith community and the opportunity to dialogue with our legislative leaders as we work together on the critical matters of social and economic justice."

Bishop Gerald Mansholt, Central States Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Kansas City, commented: "This was an excellent event. It's important for the church to address these critical social justice concerns."

Rev. Patrice Rosner, Director, Churches Uniting in Christ, and moderator of the panel shared, "While some people question what faith has to do with politics, I believe that our faith informs everything--from the way we think to the way we act and vote. This Legislative Breakfast Forum offered an opportunity for critical, thoughtful, informed reflection from a faith perspective on the tax justice issue."

It is exciting to see church leaders influencing the public discussion about important issues. The Missourian's Faith in Focus blog noted the event and offered some links and thoughts about the issue of tax justice. They quoted the BGCM's Hill, who explained on behalf of MOCARP, "What our organization is interested in is a tax system that does not take advantage of the less fortunate in the state. ... Taxes should be fair." Hopefully, this message was heard by our state legislators.