Mobilization to End Poverty

On April 26-29, 2009, a broad and diverse coalition of faith-based organizations, churches and global anti-poverty groups will convene The Mobilization to End Poverty (M2EP)—a historic gathering where thousands of Christians and anti-poverty leaders will engage in a transformative experience of education, worship, community and activism in Washington, D.C. 

Together, this powerful group will call on President Obama and the new Congress to make overcoming poverty a political priority and to develop a national plan that addresses this moral and spiritual crisis. This initiative is being hosted by Sojourners, the largest network of progressive Christians in America, and represents one of the largest anti-poverty coalitions with lead sponsors including Convoy of Hope, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, ONE, Oxfam, Wesley Theological Society and World Vision. For the full list of partner organizations please visit: www.sojo.net/mobilization.

In this economic crisis, we are witnessing the devastating effects of financial insecurity as more people lose their jobs, their savings, their homes and their healthcare. More and more from the middle class are falling into the ranks of the 36 million Americans living below the poverty line, and the billions worldwide who live in extreme poverty. Continuing the status quo of poverty is intolerable. The Mobilization to End Poverty will assemble a constituency capable of generating radical change and bold leadership from both the Church and our government.

Fortunately, President Barack Obama has already committed to cutting domestic poverty by half in ten years and achieving the Millennium Development goals that will dramatically reduce extreme global poverty. However, he will face tremendous obstacles in attempting to fulfill these promises. It is because of these obstacles and the current economic crisis that the Mobilization to End Poverty comes at a critical period in the life of our nation. This is a crisis of opportunity where the Church can rightly assume its leadership role in fulfilling its duty to take care of the "least of these" (Matthew 25).

Sojourners' mission is to articulate the biblical call to social justice, inspiring hope and building a movement to transform individuals, communities, the church and the world.