Most of us are in this fight for a democracy that works for everyone because we have a common desire for fairness and equity. Equity is a bit different than equality, in that it focuses on individual circumstances rather than providing the same solution for everyone.

Imagine your family wants to rent bikes to ride through a state park. Equality would mean there are bikes for everyone, but if they are all 27” size, how can your shorter spouse or your young child ride? If you want a family to ride in your park, you need to provide bicycles designed for people of various sizes. Equity simply means that you take into account individual needs when you make decisions and determine policy.

The budget bill passed by the House does not treat people equitably. Beyond that, it doesn’t even treat people equally. If it did, it would involve huge cuts to subsidies for fossil fuel companies and to the defense budget. Instead, the advantages will go largely to those who already have more than enough, while cutting out people who are struggling just to survive. That’s the exact reverse of equity!

We want our legislators to make their decisions on a moral and ethical basis about what is best for all citizens of this country. When they ignore the needs of so many to cater to a special group, we need to be the voice that calls them to account.

If you are a person of faith who believes your faith calls you to speak up for those at the margins, you may be interested in this event that is happening on June 10 in Washington, DC.  

As the article states: “Whether you can attend the event in person or not, there are numerous ways to participate. From writing letters to your senators to mobilizing your community, every action counts. Jim [Wallis] reminds us that moments like these can change the narrative and impact votes. Together, we can show that faith communities are not silent but are actively engaged in shaping a more just and compassionate society.”

If you are ambitious, you could organize a last-minute local protest in solidarity with what is happening in Washington, DC. But at the least, you could reference that procession in calls you make to your representatives that day. We need to counter the message that what this administration and Congress are doing is not moral, even while they try to claim the “religious” mantle.  Let them hear what most faith traditions really believe: that we are called to help the needy.

Photo by Harold Mendoza on Unsplash