Credit Where Credit Is Due

I spend enough time bashing Christianity, so it is really important to give Christians their due when they deserve it. In my book, this is one of those times.

'Circle Of Protection' Declared By Christian Leaders In Face Of Budget Cuts
by Bryan Maygers
A broad coalition of Christian leaders has announced a new "Circle of Protection" to formalize their opposition to governmental budget cuts that would slash the funding for or completely eliminate programs that provide essential services for poor and vulnerable populations in the United States and abroad.

The newly minted initiative is supported by a number of high-profile Christian leaders from across a wide spectrum of denominations and aid organizations.

According to the Rev. Jim Wallis, the coalition has come together to send a message to political leaders: "If you're going to come after the poor, you have to go through us first."

The group has outlined eight core principles that guide its stance on the federal budget. Leading these principles is an acknowledgment that the government has an obligation to substantially reduce spending deficits. At the same time, the list outlines the group's position that budget decisions are moral decisions, and Christian morality emphasizes the importance of protecting those in need.

Speaking on a conference call Tuesday morning, Wallis said, "Budgets are not just about scarcity. They are about choices, and those are moral choices."

The Christian leaders believe that these budget choices are tied to an issue that is central to the Christian faith -- how to protect the "least of these" as described by Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew...