Thursday, June 14, 2012

Representative Barney Frank
2252 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative Frank,

Thank you for your three decades of service in the U.S. House of Representatives and for your unwavering commitment to supporting and empowering those who are most impoverished, marginalized, and vulnerable in the United States and around the world.

Your steadfast leadership in reforming international financial institutions so that they do not unduly burden low-income countries and populations has had an incredible impact.  It has helped achieve over $100 billion of cancellation of unjust debt for the world’s poorest and least-developed nations, which has enabled millions in those countries to attend school and receive life-saving vaccinations and has granted these nations the capacity to develop their much-needed infrastructure and services. 

The Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America have been active supporters of these debt-cancellation priorities for several years.  Thousands of our congregations are actively engaged in global economic justice advocacy as part of their biblical call to fight poverty, end hunger, and support just and sustainable development.

We are grateful that you have been such a champion for those least powerful in the United States and around the world, a model for our church’s commitments to global justice, and a champion backing up those commitments with tangible policy opportunities.

While we grieve the loss of your leadership, we thank you for your time on the Hill and we wish you all the best in this new chapter of your journey.

With our blessings and gratitude,

The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s Washington Office