Eric Anderson will speak at Yakima Legislative Briefing

The 2012 Yakima Legislative Briefing on the theme “Who Is my Neighbor?  Faithful Responses to State Budget Cuts” will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Jan. 21, at Central Lutheran Church, 1604 W. Yakima Ave., in Yakima.

Eric Anderson of United Christian Church in Yakima will lead a reflection on the parable of the Good Samaritan related to the workshop theme, “Who Is my Neighbor?” 

He will look at the role of individuals, institutions, government, businesses, private charities and churches in serving the most vulnerable people in the community.

David Hacker, congregational relations director with the Faith Action Network (FAN), and Alice Woldt, co-director of FAN, will present updates on the legislative session.

Steve Hill, of the Yakima County Department of Human Services and a panelists from social service agencies in the Yakima Valley will discuss the impacts of proposed cuts to the state budget on their programs.

The Yakima Association of Churches and Faith Communities is sponsoring the event.

For information, call 509-995-4692 or email hacker@fanwa.org.

Faith Action Network plans Interfaith Advocacy Day in Olympia

The Faith Action Network of Washington is encouraging a message of concern that the 2012 Washington state budget lacks revenue to maintain investments in education, health care and thriving communities, said Paul Benz, co-director.

He said religious leaders are asking what to do in response.  The FAN is committed to advocating raising revenues rather than “crippling the quality of life of residents of the statae for years to come,” he said.

FAN has set the 2012 Interfaith Advocacy Day, “Uniting Hearts and Minds: Raising Revenue for the Common Good,” on Tuesday, Feb. 14, in Olympia. 

Registration forms are available at http://www.fanwa.org or by calling 206-625-9790.

Eastern Washington Legislative Conference is Jan. 21

Julia Stronks, professor of political science at Whitworth University, will speak on “Render Unto Caesar:  Reclaiming Our Prophetic Voice” at the Eastern Washington Legislative Conference set for 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. John, 127 E. 12th Ave.

A panel of church leaders will discuss denominational statements on economic justice. 

Paul Benz of the Faith Action Network and Scott Cooper, director of Parish Social Services with Catholic Charities Spokane will discuss issues before the legislative session.

 There will be workshops on the budget, advocacy, hope and environmental issues. 

For information, call 509-535-4112 or go to http://www.thefigtree.org/FigTreeEvent.pdf.

 

Copyright Pacific Northwest Conference News © December 2011