2024 Justice Policy Platform: Interfaith Action

(Legend:  L - Leadership Role,  S - State Policy, F - Federal Policy, G - Global Policy)

In 2024, Interfaith Action of SW Michigan will focus its efforts on interconnected issues that impact our children and our collective future.  A key component of this focus will be a look at the vulnerable communities in our region, through the environmental justice tool provided by the Michigan Department of the Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. 

According to a recent report on US longevity that detailed the steepest decline in longevity rates over the past 100 years, a contributor to that report indicated:  “the U.S. health disadvantage,” an amalgam of influences that erode well-being….include a fragmented, profit-driven health care system; poor diet and a lack of physical activity; and pervasive risk factors such as smoking, widespread access to guns, poverty, and pollution. The problems are compounded for marginalized groups by racism and segregation”.  Interfaith action will pay particular attention to the issues of guns, poverty, pollution, marginalization, and racism/exclusion. 

Environment

Lead Partners: Interfaith Power and Light, Michigan Environmental Council, Faiths 4 Climate Justice

S. Support Polluters Pay for cleaning up Michigan waterways

S.  Support full operational implementation of the MI Healthy Climate Plan

F.   Support Signing of the Convention on Biological Diversity

G.  Support Fossil Fuels Non Proliferation Treaty

Migration

Lead Partners: Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society

L. S. Restoration of special drivers’ licenses for undocumented individuals

F.  Maintain immigration humanitarian protections:  refugees, asylees, DREAMERS, torture victims, trafficking victims, unaccompanied youth, domestic violence survivors

Dignity and Justice for All

Lead Partners:  Michigan League for Public Policy, Equality Michigan, Council for American Islamic Relations, Interfaith Public Health Network

S. Fund affordable housing development and permanent supportive housing as part of the State’s Affordable Housing Plan and through increased investments in the State’s Housing Trust Fund

S.  Expand State Earned Income Tax Credit 

S.  Invest in community based mental health supports

F.   Support Child Tax Credit restoration

Peacemaking

Lead Partners:  End Gun Violence Michigan, Ottawa Faith Coalition, Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence, Religions for Peace

L. S. Support gun safety policies (safe storage, universal background checks, extreme risk protection orders, domestic violence protections, ban of weapons in sensitive places

F. Repeal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act

F. Support Assault Weapons Ban Act

G. Support international collaboration in regards to peacemaking and protecting rights of oppressed populations. 

Promoting Pluralistic Democracy

Lead Partners:  Interfaith Alliance, Public Religion Research Institute

S. Oppose dilution of voting rights

L. S.  Support religious pluralism

F.  Support Voting Rights Legislation

F.  Oppose efforts to remove rights of social and religious minorities