The Common Good January-February 1996  Woe to the Legislators
by Duane Shank | January-February 1996  Call to Renewal
Conference  Woe to the legislators of infamous laws...who cheat
the poor among my people of their rights." As the words of
Isaiah 10 echoed around the Capitol Rotunda, 55 inner-city
pastors and workers from community-based ministries to the
homeless, sick, and hungry knelt in prayer for the poor of our
nation. They ranged in age from 23 to 78, and included
nationally known religious leaders Jim Wallis, Tony Campolo, Ron
Sider, and Eugene Rivers.  The Capitol Witness began on the
morning of December 7, as nearly 100 people gathered in a local
church for briefings, singing, and prayer. The power of the
Spirit was clearly felt as we prepared to proclaim the Word of
God in the seat of power.  The group walked to the Capitol and,
after a final prayer on the steps, entered the Rotunda.
Gathering in a circle, the words of the Bible proclaiming God's
love for the poor and judgment on their oppressors