Religious leaders decry cuts that impact the poor

Iowa’s protestant and Jewish leaders today called on state lawmakers and the Governor to re-think dramatic cuts in services for the poor, the elderly and children. Philipp Barrett, the top official for the Des Moines Presbytery — the organization that represent Presbyterians, was among a group who held a news conference today at the statehouse.Barrett says policymakers need to add morality and values to their decision-making process.Mark Finkelstein of the Iowa Jewish Federation says cuts to human service programs are worrisome.Iowa Methodist Bishop Gregory Palmer concedes cuts must be made, but he says there are other options than cutting programs like welfare, gamblers assistance and pregnancy prevention.Sarai Beck is director of Ecumenical Ministries of Iowa. She says the highest priority is adequate financial support for low-income Iowans.Iowa Methodists, Presbyterians, Lutherans, Episcopalians, Disciples of Christ, American Baptists, the United Church of Christ, Church of the Brethren, Reformed Church of America and the Community of Christ are members of Ecumenical Ministries of Iowa.