Liberal religious coalitions are not uncommon on Capitol Hill, but the event also included the voices of more theologically conservative evangelicals.
“It is an important time to speak up,” said the Rev. Eugene Cho, an evangelical pastor and head of the anti-poverty group Bread for the World. “If you ask us why we should speak up, I can think of 12 million reasons,” he added, referring to the millions of children who struggle with poverty.
Galen Carey, vice president of government relations for the National Association of Evangelicals, also addressed the gathering. He argued the credit resonates with his group’s religious commitments, such as “safeguarding the sanctity of human life.”
“For those who are concerned about the sanctity of human life and protecting the unborn child, the child tax credit provides welcome reassurance to expectant moms and dads who wonder if they could afford to raise a child,” Carey said. “It tells them that they’re not alone. And that if they choose life, they will not have to shoulder the costs and burdens of parenting on their own.”
He was echoed by Steffani Thomas of the Mormon Women for Ethical Government.
“As a woman of faith, I am guided by the Scripture that I consider which policies will allow the largest number of God’s children to thrive, have self-determination and opportunities,” she said.
In addition to the Network Lobby for Catholic Social Justice — whose executive director, Mary Novak, offered the closing prayer — other groups that sponsored the event included the National Council of Jewish Women, Presbyterian Church (USA), United Church of Christ, Episcopal Church, Jewish Federations of North America, National Council of Churches, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference.
Before she left, DeLauro repeatedly urged faith leaders to mobilize their networks, calling on them to “overwhelm the Senate and overwhelm the White House” with calls from supporters.
“Congress is an institution that responds to internal pressure,” she said.
This article originally appeared here.
 to voice support for the expansion of the child tax credit, urging lawmakers to reinstate a broader version of the anti-poverty benefit before the end of the year.){kind=link}