Church and Community Leaders to Discuss "State of Our Values" Jan. 31

The Center for Family and Community Ministries in Baylor University's School of Social Work will partner with Sojourners, the Washington, D.C.-based organization led by progressive evangelical leader Jim Wallis, to view and discuss President George W. Bush's State of the Union address.
Church and community leaders concerned with governmental policies affecting the poor will meet at 8:30 p.m. Jan. 31 at The Gospel Cafe of CrossTies Ecumenical Church, 825 South 10th St.
"This effort offers local Christians the opportunity to follow the biblical call to social justice and peacemaking," said Jon Singletary, assistant professor of social work and director of the Center for Family and Community Ministries. "There are several proposed federal budget cuts that would deeply impact programs that provide assistance to those in our society who often have the most need and the least power, such as children and the elderly."
The House of Representatives' vote on the Fiscal Year 2006 federal budget is expected to occur Feb. 1. The proposed budget includes the Budget Conference Bill, which presents significant budget cuts that would impact programs such as Medicaid, child support, child care, the TANF program, foster care and student loans.
"The State of Our Values" event is part of a national organizing effort by Sojourners and its purpose is to focus on ways the needs of people living in poverty are addressed in the President's speech and the role Christians can play.
Parking at The Gospel Café is available on a vacant lot at Cleveland Avenue and 10th Street. For more information, contact the café at 254-753-5916 or Singletary at 254-498-6323.