Called to be a Faithful Minnesota: A Witness of Lament

Minnesota people of faith are gathering at the Minnesota State Capitol for a witness of lament on the morning of Tuesday, June 30 from 10:00 – 11:30 am to beg Governor Tim Pawlenty not to abandon the health of Minnesota’s citizens, especially those most in need. The rally is being organized by the Minnesota Council of Churches in cooperation with many other organizations and congregations.

At the end of the legislative session the governor vetoed funds for health insurance for 30,000 extremely vulnerable Minnesotans. Now his unallotment plan accelerates these health care cuts by two months. He also plans to unallot emergency assistance and services to children, families and people with disabilities.

As people of faith we want to send the message that this is not the Minnesota we are called to be. It is against the teachings of all our religious traditions. We want to remind Governor Pawlenty that he is governor of all the people and plead for his care for all.

Join us for this rally:

Gather at Christ Lutheran Church on Capitol Hill, 105 University Avenue, St. Paul, by 10:15 am. We will stage in congregational groups and process in a somber, funeral-like procession beginning at 10:30 am. Please wear black and bring old flowers and notes to the governor expressing your faith-based concern about these budget decisions.

We will process down Martin Luther King Blvd, cross and gather on the South steps of the Capitol. Please deposit your flowers and cards in the baskets provided.

Speakers will include Bishop Peter Rogness, Saint Paul Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America; Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman, Temple Israel Minneapolis; and other faith leaders, as well as the Rev. Peg Chemberlin, Executive Director of the Minnesota Council of Churches and Rev. Grant Abbott, Executive Director of the Saint Paul Area Council of Churches.

A delegation will deliver the cards and letter to the Governor’s office.

For More Information contact Gail Anderson, Minnesota Council of Churches at gail.anderson@mnchurches.org, or 612-230-3210.