Grace Cathedral
Article | April 12, 2019
Rev. Clark-King’s Speech at the Income Inequality Rally
Blog|The Rev. Dr. Ellen Clark-King
Yesterday, our Executive Pastor and Canon for Social Justice Ellen Clark-King spoke at a demonstration outside San Francisco’s City Hall meant to highlight growing income inequality and economic hardship in our city. You can read her remarks below.
Hi Everyone. My name is Ellen Clark-King and I’m one of the priests at Grace Cathedral here in San Francisco. I’m here to speak on behalf of people of faith and of the God who calls us to justice for all people.
The God who says ‘let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream’ cares passionately about inequality and calls us to fight against it. The God who commands us to love our neighbor calls us to build communities where all people have a chance to flourish. The God who created this beautiful, bountiful planet wants all its children to be able to enjoy its goodness.
So the struggle for a living wage and a livable city is one we all share. Growth in this city is only just if it offers growth to all. If it is only the rich getting richer then that is of no value to God or to God’s children – that is all humanity. Unlimited growth that does not include fair wages for all only increases the divides in our already tragically divided city and country.
We need to build a city where no one has to choose between paying rent and feeding their children. Where no one has to sleep in their car or to face discrimination because of the colour of their skin or because of their immigration status. Where corporations pay their employees a living wage and pay their taxes in full!
Across religions and faiths we are called to love one another. To take care of one another. To look for the common good not our own advantage. It’s wonderful to see so many people out to draw attention to this vital issue for the future of our beloved city. May God bless all who work for justice and for equality. Let justice roll down like a river and let all inequity be washed away!