Need genuine care

It is a disgrace that in a city that is so clearly religious, and most claiming Christianity, that few religious leaders have spoken about the way our city treats the homeless, many of them veterans and many with mental disabilities.

When Jesus and his disciples were confronted with a huge group of hungry people, the disciples wanted to send them away to take care of themselves. (“Not in my neighborhood.”) Jesus, in strong contrast, makes it clear that the disciples are the ones responsible for enacting justice — feeding, in this case, but we might include housing, medical care, etc. It is time that mainline clergy and lay people stand up and enact justice, rather than giving “spiritual advice” only, and sending away those in need of food, housing and other sorts of care.

LARRY BURTON

Little Rock