Bishop Moore Preaches at Poverty Service
Diocesan Press Service. February 3, 1967 [51-8]
"We call upon you, Mr. President, and you, returning members of Congress, to see this time in history as a moral crisis. We call on you to lead us in response to this crisis, that by seeking to save the bodies and the minds of the nation, we may save the soul of our people."
In these words, the Rt. Rev. Paul Moore, Jr., Suffragan Bishop of Washington, asked this nation, and particularly those who represent it in the halls of government, to recognize the urgency of our social and moral problems and to act. The occasion was a Special Service on Poverty held at the Washington National Cathedral, Sunday, Jan. 15, marking the opening of Congress.
More than 300 representatives of community organizations, dealing with poverty and racial justice, marched in procession. It was to these persons that Bishop Moore spoke when he challenged them to "remain loyal to each other, remain united, and know that the power of good is one power." He also told them to "Keep making noise until America hears you."
In describing the crisis of our time Bishop Moore drew a parallel between the City of Washington and the world. "It is often said that the District (of Columbia) should be an image of the world. Today I say it is an image of the world. No congressman need venture forth from this city to understand the crisis which faces the nation and the world, because the Lord has put the problems of the world and nation in our front yard."
Among the problems Bishop Moore described was the growing gap between rich and poor, in Washington and in the world, a gap which will, if not closed, result in widespread famine, and violence. He cited the already increasing violence in our cities, and in the world, and the desire of the affluent to stop such violence swiftly, and by force. This action, however, the Bishop said, would never reach the real roots of the problem - poverty, disillusion, hunger - and so would never stop the violence.
"This year may be the last when this suicidal course can be halted, but it will take a giant ACT OF WILL on the part of this nation, on the part of the leaders of this nation who live in this city.
"Will they deal generously, boldly, courageously with this problem or do I sense a trend developing which will deal with human misery by force and suppression?"
Whether this Nation, and its representatives, will work to alleviate human misery with generosity or with force is a question that must be answered, and quickly if significant solutions are to be found.