Issues of Focus
Regardless of their source, the issues JRLC engage proceed on the basis of eight central tenets: “human dignity, justice, democratic participation, spirituality of dialogue, prophetic leadership, credibility, action, and leadership development.”1 For issues that don’t strictly conform to these elements of agreement, board members engage in a process of strategic self-censorship, avoiding issues of known disagreement such as abortion, LGBTQ rights, and public education. This allowis for directed focus on areas of potential agreement and facilitation of the decision-making process. Consensus has taken shape in “a strong commitment around addressing poverty” by each of the religious traditions, according to the Rev. Curtiss DeYoung, CEO of the Minnesota Council of Churches and JRLC board member. Recently, JRLC has focused on critical issues related to childcare and affordable housing. A key aspect of this approach is through advocacy for increasing the amount of cash aid provided to low income families with children through the Minnesota Family Investment Program.2
