ELCA Presiding Bishop's Statement on Passage of Budget Reconciliation Bill

Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, released this statement today following U.S. Senate passage of the budget reconciliation bill:The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's (ELCA) steadfast opposition to the budget reconciliation process has had a direct impact in the U.S.Congress. Countless people of faith, including myself and all 65 ELCA synod bishops, spoke out against the process, which threatened cuts to food stamps, Medicaid, student loans, and other programs that help people living in poverty throughout the United States.

We were appalled that these cuts were proposed in order to pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest 3 percent of Americans, and that the deficit would actually increase,contrary to the stated purpose of the reconciliation process.

As people of faith, we found tax cuts for the rich paid for by slashing safety net programs to be immoral.Our voices of opposition were heard, and have provided a tangible sign that the Church is living out the Gospel of Jesus Christ and "proclaiming the greatness of the Lord" in our own day. Though some spending cut sultimately passed in the Senate, food stamp cuts were eliminated from the final version. For this, we give thanks to the ELCA leaders and members who spoke out, including the ELCA Conference of Bishops, and all Lutherans who have called and written to members of Congress.

We also give thanks for the broad ecumenical partnership among Christians working together from the shared scriptural values of justice, compassion, mercy and hospitality. And finally, we give thanks for those members of Congress who heard our cry on behalf of the poor and who voted against this process, in some cases under great pressure and at great political risk. We thank them for their courage and compassion, while we continue to pray for all public officials.Despite the food stamp victory, the remaining cuts - including cuts to Medicare, child support enforcement, and student loans - are devastating to the "least among us." In the current version, people living in poverty across the United States will see shrinking Medicaid benefits coupled with increased out-of-pocket costs many will be unable to afford. Less money spent on child support enforcement means less child support money going to the children who need it. And cuts to student loans will prevent many from breaking the cycle of poverty through the pursuit of higher education.

The budget reconciliation measure needs to be reconsidered by the House of Representatives due to a substantive change made by the Senate. It is unclear when this action will occur in the House of Representatives.The 2006 budget process is not over, and the 2007 budget process will begin soon. The deficit increase resulting from the budget/tax reconciliation process will create more pressure in next year's budget tomake more cuts in spending for safety net programs. As people of faith, we will continue to fight for an honest and moral budget in 2006, 2007 and beyond.

The Rev. Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church in America