Gloria Dei

A Minnesota Without Poverty is a statewide, ecumenical, and interfaith movement to end poverty that originated from A Common Foundation: Shared Principles for Work on Overcoming Poverty.  The movement to end poverty was born out of deep convictions from within the religious community and supported by the six Minnesota ELCA synods, the Lutheran Coalition for Public Policy in Minnesota, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, and the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition.   It focuses on shaping a state in which faith-based organizations, government, business, and community agencies work together to create a climate in which all children thrive—through access to health care, education, safe and permanent homes, and a strong economic base on which families can support and nurture children. Nancy provided the staff leadership from SPAS-ELCA, helping the effort to grow from a Saint Paul, to a Metro Area, to a statewide focus, and from a Lutheran to an ecumenical and interfaith movement.  

This initiative is now moving to become a program of the Minnesota Council of Churches, which will give it broader ecumenical visibility and wider resources. Nancy’s presence from the start will help launch the effort more quickly there because of her connections within the community and the vitality she brings to matters about which she cares deeply.

The Legislative Commission to End Poverty in Minnesota by 2020 was established as a direct result of A Minnesota Without Poverty, and, therefore, will remain the major focus of the movement’s time and energy in future years.