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WHY DO WE FAST?

The Book of Exodus and the Holy Qu’ran both tell the story of how the people of God, liberated from bondage in Egypt, lost their way and turned to the worship of idols as they awaited the return of Moses from the holy mountain. They fashioned a Golden Calf.

Like the Israelites in the desert, we have lost our way and fallen into idolatry. Our golden calf today is an unbridled free market that disregards moral principles and ignores centuries of ethical teaching. It worships wealth and power while sacrificing working men and women to false gods and a false prosperity. It has lost sight of the fact that we are all children of God and ultimately one family.

The Labor-Religion Coalition of New York State believes that economic issues today are, at heart, questions about values and vision. It believes that without a moral vision, the people will perish. We must turn from false idols to laws and policies and practices washed in the words of the prophet Amos: “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.” (Amos 5:24)

The fundamental moral criterion for all economic decisions, policies, and institutions is this: They must be at the service of all people, especially the poor.
Economic Justice For All, U.S. Catholic Conference

The typical CEO earns 369 times as much as the average worker, up from 131 times in 1993 and 36 times in 1976.
- Steven Greenhouse, The Big Squeeze, 2008

You shall not defraud a poor and needy hired servant, whether he be one of your own countrymen or one of the aliens who live in your community.
- Deuteronomy 24:14-15.

Muslims fast from daybreak until dusk during the entire month of Ramadan. Denial of sustenance is one way Muslims share a connection to those who suffer from hunger and poverty.
- Imam Djafer Sebkhaoui

Last Updated:02/12/2010
© Labor-Religion Coalition of New York State