Speaking out against injustices can make a difference

As followers of that rebellious Jew from Nazareth, we are called to be God's heart, hands, and voice for those in need. Recent events in Alabama provide clear evidence our voice is so important. 

Local news in Birmingham covered the story of a pastor who was harassed by the police for feeding the homeless from his truck. Here is the gist from the local ABC affiliate:

It's routine to serve the homeless every other Saturday for Minister Rick Wood with The Lords House of Prayer in Oneonta, but he was recently stopped by the Birmingham Police Department because of a new city ordinance aimed at regulating food trucks.  

Wood says the incident happened two weeks ago and he was shut down by police because they didn't have a permit from the city to serve food in Linn Park. He was told he needed a food truck and permit from the health department.  

"That makes me so mad," Wood said. "These people are hungry. They're starving. They need help from people. They can't afford to buy something from a food truck."

Within days of the incident, local ministries began serving food to the homeless from a local church. As the incident attracted more attention, the health department provided an exemption to non-profits feeding the homeless. 

"We are thankful that the Jefferson County Health Department has been able to give us guidance on how we can follow the law and their guidelines while still serving those in need. I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of interest in finding a viable solution to this issue. Birmingham is a compassionate and caring city that will always rise to meet any challenge in a kind and thoughtful way, our historic legacy demands it," said Mayor Bell. 

It appears that the incident in Birmingham was merely an unintended consequence of an ordinance aimed at unlicensed food trucks rather than the homeless. The outcry from the public was instrumental in getting local officials to resolve the legal issue quickly. It also stimulated an outpouring of support for those serving the homeless population, including Pastor Rick Wood.

Unfortunately, we live in a nation where many cities have passed ordinances to criminalize living on the streets and penalize those who try to help the homeless. While the Birmingham case has been quickly resolved in favor of compassion, the ordinance in question was not intended the harm the vulnerable. Pushing back against laws that were specifically designed to increase the suffering of the poor has been far less successful. Our prosperity as a nation seems to have hardened our hearts. Calling us a Christian nation is to bear false witness to Christ.