Central Coast Clergy for Justice
An Interfaith alliance promoting peace and justice for all
Serving San Luis Obispo County, California
Economic Justice Sacred scriptures describe basic human needs for food, clothing, healing, compassion and hospitality. A contemporary list of human needs would also include a decent job that earns a living wage, adequate and accessible health care, affordable housing, quality public education, high quality childcare, and a healthy environment. We have a responsibility to address these inequities and the political processes that organize our common life, allocate resources and tackle our shared problems. We have a responsibility to speak on behalf of, and stand with, the poor, oppressed and marginalized in order to redress the imbalances and live together in God’s shalom. |
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Actions
| Health Care | Health care was the first issue that CCCJ addressed. During 2006, CCCJ sponsored a series of public workshops to explore the problems in healthcare and to listen to the concerns of the community. As a result of these gatherings CCCJ lobbied for AB840, a bill in the Californian legislature which would have created a ‘one-payer’ health system for all Californians. This bill was vetoed by the Governor. As part of public education, and to raise awareness not only of the issues but also of possible solutions, CCCJ has helped organize events in the One Care Now 365 cities in 365 days campaign. |
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| Poverty | Poverty is not a stranger to San Luis Obispo County. In a county with many farm workers and a large hospitality industry we know that even those with jobs are often without adequate housing and that thousands experience food insecurity. Many of our individual churches assist with emergency housing and food distribution. CCCJ is currently gathering information about successful Living Wage campaigns and is exploring what might be done in this county to help combat poverty, especially for low income workers. |
