Prayer and Action on Matters of Justice

Last Monday evening June and I attend a meeting of Building a United Interfaith Lexington through Direct Action (BUILD) at Immanuel Baptist Church in Lexington. Quite an event! For a full report, see "Putting heat on the city for affordable housing." Inasmuch as the co-chair of BUILD is Pastor Ron Luckey of Faith Lutheran Church, we were with him in prayer as we saw him work prophetically, confronting the Mayor Jim Newberry of Lexington on behalf of the poor. The mayor was told in no uncertain terms that even in these economically hard times (when we can provide millions for the 2010 World Equestrian Games!), it is a miscarriage of justice when "18 percent of Lexington's 48, 357 renter households spend more than half their gross household income on rent." When asked if he would find funding for the creation of affordable housing, the Mayor flatly said "No." That NO was greeted by an absolute silence as we Christians registered our dismay at the Mayor's lack of imaginative commitment. In response Pastor Luckey expressed his disapproval and enormous disappointment. "We expect a great deal more from our elected officials than what you have given us tonight," Pastor said. Undeterred, BUILD will continue to bear witness to the powers until justice for the poor is achieved. Newberry will hear from BUILD again!

This is exactly the kind of direct action that churches throughout our nation need to be doing in witness to their Lord who, as we heard two Sundays ago in John's Gospel, upturned the tables, not only to disrupt the commercialism of the temple but at the same time overturn the tables of the corrupting and powerful political machine at Jerusalem.

The one-hour BUILD program, attended by nearly 1300 Christians representing 21 churches, was well organized, powerful in its witness, and an encouragement to all who pray for and witness to the power of God. Within the Body of Christ and through the Church, God continues to love and help the poor and set the prisoners--in this case, prisoners of high rents!--free. Be sure to remember the poor, those who are oppressed economically, and all who support BUILD in your prayers.