Faith leaders and religious advocates plan to converge on the Capitol today to observe Minnesota's Statehood Day with an Interfaith Vigil, hosted by the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition.
They're calling for elected officials to a "more just and compassionate public stewardship and budget solution," said Brian Rusche, JRLC's executive director.
Participants will gather at 2 p.m. at the Floyd B. Olson Statue, southwest of the Capitol's front door, where Minnesota historian, Professor Hy Berman will offer a "teach-in" on Gov. Floyd B. Olson's successful efforts during the Great Depression to raise an income tax in the face of an oppositional legislature.
Following the "teach-in," participants will march to the rotunda for the interfaith vigil beginning at 2:30 p.m.
Rusche said the group is responding to the "proposed economic hardship and service reductions impacting our most vulnerable neighbors."
JRLC is an interfaith coalition representing the Minnesota Catholic Conference, Minnesota Council of Churches, Islamic Center of Minnesota and the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas.
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