Latin American faith leaders criticize U.S. budget debate

New York, August 19 (ENInews)--More than 100 faith leaders in Latin
America have signed "an open letter to the Christian churches of the United
States," asking fellow believers to raise their voices on behalf of poor people
who would be affected by proposed U.S. budget cuts. 

"We view with deep concern recent decisions in the United States that will
add to the suffering of the most vulnerable members of U.S. society," the
letter read. It was signed by leaders of the Latin American Council of
Churches, the United Bible Society of Latin America, and evangelical and church
groups in Honduras, Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia and
other countries. It was sent to U.S. denominations and local churches,
according to the communications office of Peace and Hope International in
Lima, Peru. Peace and Hope International, a human rights organization that
advocates for the poor, is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota
(www.peaceandhopeinternational.org).

Noting that "vulnerable millions have been excluded from ... heated
political debates," the letter referred to recent partisan debates on raising the
United States' borrowing limit and cutting spending on such programs as
Medicaid for low-income people, domestic and international food assistance
and emergency response.