By Paul Ainslie, President, SVdP Indy
We are so good at helping those in need. We feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, clothe the naked, and visit the sick and those in prison. Through our works, our volunteers follow Jesus’ commands revealed in Matthew 25.
There’s always more to do, yet as a Council, we can’t take on another big project at this time. Though there is a need for a family shelter, and we have land for it, we cannot bear the cost or the work needed today. And a pharmacy would be in keeping with our mission, but not now.
We can, however, address a critical issue in Indiana, and it only costs a little time: we must advocate more for those we serve. Catholic social teaching instructs us to have an option for the poor and vulnerable. A test of how well we are doing as a society is to look at how the most vulnerable members of our community are faring. And the results are not good.
Local and state governments and bureaucracies, as well as many utilities, just are not adequately responsive to the needs of our neighbors. Predatory lenders, absent landlords and tenant rights are always on the agenda for the Indiana Legislature, but none of the six bills introduced last year made their way into law.
Our Rule states: Where injustice, inequality, poverty or exclusion are due to unjust economic, political or social structures, or to inadequate legislation, the Society should speak out clearly against the situation, always with charity, with the aim of contributing to and demanding improvements. (Part 1, Section 7.6)
Here are some actions you can take today:
- Sign up for Voter Voice, a national and local newsletter that highlights issues important to Vincentians
- Follow the work of the Indiana Catholic Action Network (ICAN)—their work is often highlighted in the Criterion newspaper from the Archdiocese
- Join forces with Bread for the World to ensure food for the needy throughout the world
- Use your experience as a Vincentian to see how policies will be harmful to those we serve and speak up–contact local legislators
- Contact Angel Ingram at angel.ingr@gmail.comto learn more about the Society’s Voice for the Poor
