Last Friday afternoon I went to a meeting of religious leaders from many traditions to discuss the Occupy Wall Street movement. That movement is now about a month old and is spreading around the country where it is also known in some places as Occupy Together. Whatever it might be called, the movement has become a focus for the grievances of all those who have felt powerless in our country during the harshest economic downturn since the Great Depression. Later in the day I went down to Zucotti Park to see for myself what was going on. I was impressed by what I saw there. Like their fathers and mothers before them in the Civil Rights and Anti-War movements of bygone eras most of the people down there were young and idealistic. They believe that the world can be made better and more just but that in order for that to happen people must wake up to the injustice which pervades our society. They see that as their major task – to call attention to the greed and selfishness pervading our economy and government. I think that is also part of the mission and ministry of Christians – to speak out about injustice and to call for mercy for those in need. Below is a statement that many religious leaders have begun to adopt:
We, the people of faith communities throughout New York and the United States, see in the spirit of Occupy Wall Street, a promise of democracy renewed.
Our spiritual traditions are clear: the impoverishment of the many for the benefit of the few destroys us all. The cries of our people are clear: the American dream is compromised; the middle is slipping away; and in our politics, fairness is dissipating. The Soul of our Nation is threatened by many false idols.
 So together we affirm the golden rule: do to others as you would have them do unto you. We commit ourselves to the restoration of justice for all in our economy, and compassion in our politics, that together we might behold a revolution of values for all our people. We ask all Americans to join us in this prayer, that once again our country might be the fulfillment of hopes and dreams for all who reach its shores.
 I would be happy to hear from any of you about how you feel about this movement and what you may be doing to support it.