Downtown churches speak out on "blatant injustice"

August 20, 2024

Bishop William Joensen added his name to an Aug. 5 letter signed by a group of faith leaders that was delivered to the Des Moines City Council regarding a proposed ordinance on homelessness. Bishop Joensen stands in solidarity with the faith leaders on the initiative. He joins representatives from St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, St. John's Lutheran Church, Corinthian Baptist Church, First United Methodist, Capitol Hill Lutheran Church, Downtown Disciples, and St. Ambrose Cathedral (signed by Father Nivin Scaria).

(Jesus asked) "which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed him mercy." Jesus said to him, "God and do likewise."

- Parable of the Good Samaritan, Luke 10:25-37 (NRSV)

As clergy who are commissioned to publicly proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and care for all God’s people, it is our responsibility to speak out in the face of the blatant injustice happening right outside our doors. The gospel of Jesus Christ is clear about how we are to live as people of faith in the world: we are compelled to work for the good of our neighbors and to lift up those who are overlooked and marginalized.

Recently, the actions of the Des Moines City Council in relation to our city’s most vulnerable are most concerning. In prioritizing the interests of privileged individuals and entities—those who deal in terms of financial gain and economic potential—the Council has neglected the voices of our neighbors who are crying out for justice and for their very survival.

The proposed ordinance, which seeks to amend municipal code Chapter 102- Article IV (Sections 406 to 410), criminalizes sleeping in a public place (including inside a vehicle), gives law enforcement license to seek out individuals camping and charge them with a simple misdemeanor, punishable by a fine or community service.

This proposed ordinance criminalizes the basic human need for sleep, creating a sinister divide between those who have the security of shelter and those who are forced to sleep without it. Such legislation starkly illustrates the city's lack of compassion and concern for residents without financial influence--the people who survive day to day in a city hostile to their survival.

As faith communities rooted in downtown Des Moines, many with over a century of commitment to serving in our beloved city, we are steadfast supporters, both with financial gifts and volunteers, of local organizations dedicated to aiding the unhoused. Our buildings are home to free daily meal programs, outreach ministries, service groups and support meetings. Our dedication to caring for our unhoused neighbors is unwavering, and together we stand firmly against measures that seek to criminalize or marginalize them.

We call on the City Council and all city government leaders to reconsider this proposed ordinance and to engage in meaningful dialogue with all community members, particularly those directly affected by homelessness and those who work tirelessly day after day to find solutions. We urge a compassionate, comprehensive approach to addressing homelessness in our city—one that respects the dignity of every individual and seeks sustainable, supportive solutions.
In Christ’s Service,