Our values are tangibly expressed when elected policy makers create laws and programs that support and protect vulnerable people in all our communities in times of great need. The current government shutdown is unnecessary. Vital domestic programs that ensure food, housing, health, safety and more are stalemated. Global initiatives that bring sustenance and hope are interrupted. Civil servants across our land and low wage federal contractors who strive daily to carry out the work of our government are experiencing increasing strain as the shutdown elongates. God calls us to care and to act.

The solution to the current impasse is simple. Congress and the president should reopen government. The hard work of fixing the immigration system in the United States by ensuring a pathway to citizenship for members of our community without legal status in the United States and by supporting research-based border policy should follow.

Our opportunities to be heard are limited during this shutdown period. Currently the White House call center is closed. Leave a voice message with your Senators and Representatives urging them to reopen government today. Locate the phone number of your lawmaker from https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members.

SUGGESTED MESSAGE

“I am your constituent from [CITY/TOWN/ZIP CODE], and as a Lutheran I urge you to reopen the government and end the budget impasse as soon as possible.

I am deeply concerned about the shutdown’s immediate and long-term ramifications on federal programs and the low-income people they serve in the U.S. and around the world. I am also concerned about the shutdown’s impact on federal employees and low-wage government contractors who often live paycheck to paycheck. [Insert your own story.]

I encourage you to pass legislation to reopen the government immediately. I pray for you in your public service during these difficult days and look forward to your response."