Principle No. 7: We aim to shift the distorted moral narrative often promoted by religious extremists in the nation from issues like prayer in school, abortion and gun rights to one that is concerned with how our society treats the poor, those on the margins, the least of these, LGBTQIA folks, workers, immigrants, the disabled and the sick; equality and representation under the law; and the desire for peace, love and harmony within and among nations.

Religious extremists have much to say about abortion, the Second Amendment and prayer in school but very little about how this country continues to ignore the plight of the poor, vulnerable and marginalized communities whose voices have been silenced far too long.

The soul and democracy of our nation is at stake. The moral consciousness of the nation must shift.

“Cry loud and spare not”: This country is home to 140 million poor and low-wealth people.

“Cry loud and spare not”: Some public officials are working extremely hard to deny health care to more than 500,000 North Carolinians by refusing Medicaid expansion.

“Cry loud and spare not”: People working 30 to 40 hours a week for minimum wage cannot afford a two-bedroom apartment anywhere in this country.

“Cry loud and spare not”: The violent and inhumane actions taking place on the southern border are reprehensible. Shut the detention camps down. We are a nation of immigrants.

The Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival promotes moral principles parallel to the unalienable rights referenced in the Declaration of Independence: equality of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It is seeking racial and economic justice for everyone.

Interested in learning more? Visit www.poorpeoplescampaign.org and join us in “crying loud and sparing not.”

Regina Dancy is a member of the Salisbury Circle of the Poor People’s Campaign.