United in Purpose
In light of the recent CDC recommendations, Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) has made the difficult decision to cancel the Faith & Action Spring Conference on April 30th. We just cannot hold an event that would ask hundreds of people to gather in one place.
Even as we do this, though, we are reminded of one fact: Poverty will not be suspended during these difficult times. In fact, we know that the populations living in poverty are the ones most affected by times like these. So, while we cancelling our event, we will not suspend our work to mitigate poverty. And we hope you won’t, either.
Over the past four years, as we have talked with people throughout the community about the Faith & Action Project, we have encountered a repeating truth: Countless people in this community are united by a desire to create a more just, caring and inclusive society.
I’m not just talking about people whose jobs involve working for justice, or people who wear the collars or robes of religious vocations. I’m talking about people from all walks of life, all faith traditions and all economic and social standings. People want to see an end to poverty not simply so that people have the means to live better lives. They want to see an end to poverty because justice demands it.
What does that look like in practical terms? To answer that, I point to some core tenets of the Faith & Action Project. We’ve set our vision on a community …
… where those living in poverty are no longer invisible
… where there is abundant affordable housing
… where quality education and meaningful employment exist
… where ex-offenders aren’t discriminated against
… where stable, thriving families and children are safe
… where hope is alive and real.
We believe that a community like that is possible, but only if faith communities, nonprofit organizations, government, the business sector and individuals agree to collaborate and cooperate. By working together, listening to those who live in poverty and applying our collective imagination, we can marshal the remarkable power of faith, hope, love, social capital and networks of support to bring justice to those who have been forced to the margins … especially in times like these, when those on the margins are most vulnerable.
So, yes, we must suspend some aspects of our lives, even those aspects that are important to our collective future. As we accept that, though, we must recognize that some of our greatest challenges, like poverty, will not be suspended. That is why, even as we are forced apart physically for the short term, we must remain united faithfully for the long term.
Lindsey Nell Rabinowitch
Project Director, Faith & Action Project
Push Back Poverty – CANCELLED
“In more than 20 years in this field, I can say that, almost always, I see that the most optimistic, most energizing, most hopeful signs are at the community level,” said Faith & Action Spring Conference keynote speaker Nisha Patel to Indianapolis journalist Dan Carpenter for an article in Indy Midtown Magazine. Even though the conference has been cancelled, Faith & Action Project will work creatively to share the voices of faith communities, nonprofit organizations, concerned individuals and people with experience living in poverty.
Grant Applications Available
While we have been forced to cancel our Spring Conference, our grant program continues. If you’re interested in applying for a 2020 Faith & Action Grant, click here to access the application. Please be aware that our grant program is a multi-step process: Organizations interested need to submit an online application by May 12 at noon and if chosen to continue by the Faith & Action Grants Review committee, organizations will be asked to submit a full grant proposal on or before June 16.
New-look Newsletter
In March CTS launched a new monthly communication, CTS Connection. The Faith & Action newsletter will now be a part of the Connection giving you access to information on the Project as well as additional content on a monthly basis! The newsletter looks like the one pictured to the right – the Faith & Action newsletter will be found in the area indicated by the red arrow in this image.
Worth Reading
Indiana Youth Institute 2020 Indiana Kids Count Data Book is an indispensable guide to information about Indiana’s children. With sections dedicated to Family and Community, Economic Well-Being, Education and Health, the Data Book delivers a timely snapshot of the state of Indiana’s children and essential information for those working to improve the lives of our youngest citizens. The highlights this year? Median income for Indiana families is finally above pre-recession levels and our child population is becoming more and more diverse.
Mark your calendar for this important date.
September 29, 2020: Faith & Action Fall Event
