Easter comes this month! Our annual holy day invites us to a new life, as exemplified in the resurrection of Jesus the Christ. The preceding Lenten season has engaged us in deep reflection through prayer, meditation and fasting. We have been reminded that God calls us to a sacrificial life that transforms us and prepares us to face our personal and community struggles. At this moment, as a nation we face divisions that could result in greater hunger and poverty.
April 28 will be the 100th day of our new presidential administration. Some argue that our celebration of new life at Easter stands in stark contrast to the public policy proposals of this new leadership. The proposal to repeal and replace health care and the advancement of a “skinny budget,” with significant cuts to programs that address hunger and poverty, have disheartened many people of faith.
“We are alarmed and deeply disappointed by the budget proposals and rhetoric,” said Asma Lateef, director of Bread for the World Institute. “This short-sighted budget would cut the programs that are solving problems and responding to needs — in favor of military spending. Ironically, it would exacerbate many of the current threats to our security: growing inequalities at home — not only in income and wealth but in access to education and health care — and instability, conflict and climate change overseas.”
Recently, Bread for the World joined with faith leaders from the Circle of Protection for prayer, a news conference and meetings with congressional leaders to address the devastating effects that would follow these policies, if enacted. Faith leaders said the budget is our nation’s moral document and should protect and support all people, especially those affected by hunger and poverty. This includes supporting those facing famine in South Sudan and pending famines in Nigeria, Yemen and Somalia. The lives of more than 20 million people are at risk.
Ash Wednesday, Lent, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are meaningful annual steps on the Christian journey. They can lead to renewed life. Easter offers the promise of hope even during a time when public policies challenge our moral vision to protect and support all people — especially those who are hungry and living in poverty. But this promise does not say that we will not struggle.
May we continue to find ways to be a prayerful Easter people of life and hope during these divisive times.
Dr. Rev. Angelique Walker-Smith is senior associate for Pan-African and Orthodox church engagement at Bread for the World in Washington, D.C.
