Letter from Bishop Lee on Illinois Budget Cuts
June 26, 2009
The Right Reverend Jeffrey D. Lee, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago issued a pastoral letter on June 24 on the Illinois state budget negotiations underway in Springfield, and the impact of budget reductions on social services. Read the full letter.
As Christians, we must take seriously the Gospel imperative to care for—even defend—those who depend on the many social services funded by the State and who will be disproportionately affected by the proposed budget cuts.
As Episcopalians, you and I cannot sit on the sidelines waiting for someone else to help. Today, there are many opportunities for us to answer with bold action the last question in our baptismal covenant: “Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
