Politicians, Theologian Say Poverty is Soluble
Despite differences in theological understanding and beliefs, people of faith can be united in a common call to end world hunger, a new book states.
Despite differences in theological understanding and beliefs, people of faith can be united in a common call to end world hunger, states a new book by a bipartisan team of veteran politicians and a theologian.
At a press conference in Washington, D.C., former Sens. Robert Dole (R-Kansas) and George McGovern (D-S. Dakota) presented a new book by the Rev. Donald E. Messer, a United Methodist theologian and faculty of Iliff School of Theology in Denver titled “Ending Hunger Now: A Challenge to Persons of Faith.”
“The problem of world hunger is soluble,” said McGovern, who helped pen the book. “We are calling people of faith to be part of the solution.” The former lawmaker and Democratic candidate for president in 1968 is an ambassador for the World Food Program of the United Nations.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Anti-poverty efforts have long been at the heart of Christian outreach and most denominations have consistently taken part in national and global anti-hunger campaigns. The book stretches this initiative to involve people of all faith.
“This issue cuts through politics and doctrines. Christians, Muslims and Jews all share the same theological imperative for addressing the problem of hunger,” Messer said at the launching of the new book.
The Rev. R. Randy Day, chief executive of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, agreed that the issue can not only bring faith groups together but also national governments.
“Faith communities can do much more than provide food charity,” said Day. “They can also encourage international agencies, national governments, corporations and civil societies to understand that food is abundant — if economic and social systems can be revamped to allow people access to the supply and to its production.”
Meanwhile, Dole – a Presbyterian and former Republican Party presidential candidate in 1996 – said the anti-hunger efforts, if successful, will give way to even larger implications of security and safety.
“I am confident that widespread hunger is one of the contributing factors that leads to discontent and creates an environment that is conducive to terrorism,” said Dole.
Dole and McGovern are widely known for their efforts against hunger. They co-authored legislation that led to programs such as food stamps and food assistance for women and children and infants.
According to the United Methodist News Service, Ending Hunger Now is strongly endorsed by Bread for the World and other anti-poverty organizations on Capitol Hill. For more information about the book, visit: www.fortresspress.com.
