‘Federal Budget as a Moral Document’

Women's Action for New Directions (WAND) has updated and revamped its federal budget study guide for the faith community. The new version of Faithful Priorities: the Federal Budget as a Moral Document offers bite-size pieces of information about the military budget, the deficit, and other aspects of the federal budgeting process.

The six-session study includes biblical references, study questions and tips for trainers.

The study is produced by the WAND Education Fund, which educates the public and opinion leaders about the need to reduce violence and militarism in society, and redirect excessive military spending to unmet human and environmental needs.

The six-page study guide is available on line. Besides learning about the federal budgeting process, the guide is also useful in helping congregations take meaningful actions related to the budget.

The study guide is part of WAND’s Faith Seeking Peace curriculum. Its curriculum is endorsed by the Peacemaking Committee of the Atlanta Presbytery, and has been promoted by the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program, National Council of Churches, and Church Women United.

The entire Faith Seeking Peace curriculum is available online at faithwand.org; click on "curriculum" at the top of the screen. The curriculum includes tangible "Take Action" opportunities at the close of each study guide.

Another WAND study guide that has particular current relevance is "War's Silent Casualty: The Eco-Footprint of War." The guide offers resources for worship, discussion and Sunday school classes to help raise awareness of environment issues.

Founded in 1982, WAND dedicates itself to redirect federal budget priorities away from the military and toward human needs. It approaches this by educating women of faith and engaging their voices and values in the political process.

The United Methodist Church’s General Board of Church & Society and Women’s Division of the General Board of Global Ministries signed WAND’s budget letter that asked members of Congress to redirect excessive defense spending toward meeting human and environmental needs.

WAND’s national office is located at 691 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02476. Its phone number is (781) 643-6740; e-mail is peace@wand.org.