In anticipation of the US Senate vote on the 2007 farm bill, the National Council of Churches USA’s Eco-Justice Programme has delivered hundreds of messages to representatives’ offices calling for access to locally grown food, guarantees farmers’ access to conservation programmes, and respect for the environment.
A letter calling for an increase in funding for conservation programmes in the farm bill was also delivered to Senate offices from a broad spectrum of Christian organizations.
Through its ‘Faithful Harvest Campaign’, NCCUSA’s Eco-Justice initiative has been encouraging Christians for over a year to speak out to uphold the principles of justice and sustainability as Congress crafts a farm bill.
In addition to the legislative advocacy work, the Faithful Harvest Campaign has produced two agricultural-themed resources to be used in congregational worship and study.
“Our Daily Bread” and “Everyday Thanksgiving” are both available for free download on the NCCUSA Eco-Justice Programme website: http://www.nccecojustice.org/faithharvestworship.html
The House of Representatives passed its version of the farm bill on 29 July 2007. In the coming weeks, the Senate has the opportunity to pass a bill that will provide sufficient funding so that all farmers who wish to participate in conservation programmes may do so.
The National Council of Churches USA is the ecumenical voice of 35 of America’s Orthodox, Protestant, Anglican, historic African American and traditional peace churches. These NCCUSA member communions have 45 million members in 100,000 congregations in all 50 states.