Mobilization to End Poverty conference this weekend

Of interest… One-day registration fee $99, dunno if FPC can help for those wanting to attend?

Karen

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Broad Faith & Anti‐Poverty Coalition Launches “Mobilization to End Poverty”
New Initiative Engages Thousands of Christians in Historic 3‐day Conference
Calling On Congress & the Administration to End Poverty

On April 26‐29, 2009, a broad and diverse coalition of faith‐based organizations, churches and
global anti‐poverty groups will convene The Mobilization to End Poverty (M2EP) – a historic
gathering where thousands of Christians and anti‐poverty leaders will engage in a
transformative experience of education, worship, community, and activism in Washington, D.C.

Together, this powerful group will call on President Obama and the new Congress to make
overcoming poverty a political priority and to develop a national plan that addresses this moral
and spiritual crisis. This initiative is being hosted by Sojourners, the largest network of
progressive Christian in America, and represents one of the largest anti‐poverty coalitions with
lead sponsors including Convoy of Hope, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, ONE,
Oxfam, Wesley Theological Society, and World Vision. For the full list of partner organizations
please visit: www.sojo.net/mobilization

In this economic crisis, we are witnessing the devastating effects of financial insecurity as more
people lose their jobs, their savings, their homes, and their healthcare. More and more from the
middle class are falling into the ranks of 36 million Americans living below the poverty line,
and the billions worldwide who live in extreme poverty. Continuing the status quo of poverty
is intolerable. The Mobilization to End Poverty will assemble a constituency capable of
generating radical change and bold leadership from both the Church and our government.

Fortunately, President‐elect Barack Obama has already committed to cutting domestic poverty
by half in ten years and achieving the Millennium Development goals that will dramatically
reduce extreme global poverty. However, he will face tremendous obstacles in attempting to
fulfill these promises. It is because of these obstacles and the current economic crisis that the
Mobilization to End Poverty comes at a critical period in the life of our nation. This is a crisis of
opportunity where the Church can rightly assume its leadership role in fulfilling our duty to
take care of the “least of these” (Matthew 25).

MOBILIZATION TO END POVERTY DETAILS
Date / Location: April 26‐29, 2009 • Washington Convention Center • Washington, D.C.

Partner organizations: American Baptist Churches USA, Beatitudes Society, Bread for the
World, Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good, Center for Community Change, Children’s
Defense Fund, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Christian Community Devlopment
Association, Christian Reformed Church in North America, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship,
Emergent Village, Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia,
Evangelicals for Social Action, Gamaliel Foundation, Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches,
Greater New Jersey Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, Hispanic Leadership
Conference, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship USA, Lumunos, Lutheran Congregational
Services, Massachusetts Council of Churches, Micah Challenge USA, Missionary Oblates of
Mary Immaculate, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, New Hampshire
Council of Churches, New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, New York
Faith and Justice, North Carolina Council of Churches, PICO National Network, Reformed
Church in America, Rhode Island State Council of Churches, The General Board of Church and
Society of The United Methodist Church, Urban Ministries, Inc., UrbanFaith.com, West Virginia
Council of Churches.

Featured speakers: President‐elect Obama*, Jim Wallis, Rich Stearns, Tavis Smiley, Gov. Mike
Huckabee*, Alexia Kelly, Rep. John Lewis, Sharon Watkins, John Perkins, Angela Glover
Blackwell, Jeffery Sachs, Wesley Granberg‐Michaelson, Mark Hanson, Brian McLaren, and
many others. (* invited)

Capitol Hill Day: The Mobilization will be brought to the Capitol Hill with hundreds of
advocates meeting their elected officials and asking for commitments and leadership on a
national plan to reduce domestic and international poverty.

Workshops and training sessions: Participants will study the complex factors that contribute to
poverty and how Christians can effectively and realistically respond. Advanced skills training
in organizing and advocacy will also be offered.

Worship: The Mobilization will be a gathering of the Church, rooted in prayer and worship
each day. Ecumenical services will bring us together in the Spirit to equip us to speak and act on
behalf of our brothers and sisters.

For more information please visit: www.sojo.net/mobilization

Sojourners’ mission is to articulate the biblical call to social justice, inspiring hope and building a
movement to transform individuals, communities, the church, and the world. Visit www.sojo.net, and
www.GodsPolitics.com.