FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 2022
Contact: Jessica Felix Romero | jromero@sojo.net
State of the Union Address Marks Path to Build Beloved Community
Sojourners Calls on Congress to Pass Vital Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C - Tonight’s State of the Union Address was President Biden’s opportunity to articulate a path towards Beloved Community where life is honored and dignified, and the power of relationships is sacred. The speech outlined a vision for a truly democratic society where people are no longer separated based on where they live, what they look like, how they pray, and who they vote for but come together based on a love for the common good. Sojourners appreciates that the President delivered an address that spoke to the need to rebuild our economy by focusing on the resilience, security, and sustainability of all communities. He also acknowledged the complexity of human need and the necessity of ensuring the homes and communities we live, work, and play in can sustain and support the fullness of life God has planned for us as creations in His image—the imago Dei. This echoes the interconnectedness of life that Romans 12:4-5 teaches us: “for just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”
“As people of faith, we believe that Scripture commands us to put our words into good deeds. The State of the Union was a declaration of intent to act—now, we need all our elected officials to work together to bring progress and prosperity to their communities. Members have worked on a number of policies and proposals that would address our economic and social needs, but they get stuck in partisanship and ideological stalemates. The needs of the people are no longer centered in the process—legislators need to move towards a politics that is of, for, and by the people where their needs are centered and prioritized,” said Rev. Adam Taylor, President of Sojourners.
Sojourners calls for the immediate passage of legislation that creates a national, comprehensive paid family and medical leave program so that the millions of Americans balancing individual responsibilities with immense caregiving duties have the support needed to be successful. Congress should also support child development and health by making the expanded Child Tax Credit permanent so that we can ensure the futures of our country. We believe Congress must prioritize life-supporting policies that address the building blocks of a healthy society— racial equity, housing, education, transportation, and health—to fulfill our nation’s promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all.