Sustaining the Common Good in Hard Times – Program with Chuck Collins

The Maine Council of Churches (MCC) invites the public to participate in a conference that explores “Sustaining the Common Good in Hard Times,” on Friday, November 6th, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at First Parish Church, UCC in Saco.

The program will feature Chuck Collins, who works with faith-based and secular groups to address what he believes is the “need to come together to face the economic and ecological upheaval of the coming years.” Collins is the co-founder of United for a Fair Economy, Responsible Wealth and Wealth for the Common Good, a network of business leaders and high net worth individuals who support progressive taxation and shared prosperity. Currently, Collins is a senior scholar at the Institute for Policy Studies where he directs the Program on Inequality and the Common Good.

According to MCC Executive Director Rev. Jill Job Saxby, Collins was asked to speak because “churches, too, have been feeling the impact of the economic downturn. While trying to be good stewards of their own resources, they are also searching for creative, faithful ways to serve their own members and the neighbors in need who come to them for help. These are hard times for many individuals and community institutions. Chuck Collins’ refreshing and hopeful thinking on how we can keep our eye on the common good in such times is needed and welcome.”

Collins will present his perspective on the financial crisis and will facilitate small groups discussions around questions such as “What are things we can do together to increase our real economic security? What are we already doing? What are things we can’t do at the local level—changes that are required national changes to address our economic situation?”

The following morning, Saturday November 7, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the State Street UCC Church in Portland, Collins will present a workshop on creating “Common Security Clubs.”

Collins is an expert on issues of economic inequality and taxation. He co-authored with Bill Gates, Sr. Wealth and Our Commonwealth: Why America Should Tax Accumulated Fortunes (Beacon Press, 2003) and with Mary Wright The Moral Measure of the Economy (Orbis, 2007), about Christian ethical perspectives on the economy.

The Maine Council of Churches is an ecumenical non-profit organization whose nine member denominations are dedicated to “seeking common ground while working together for the common good.” For over 70 years MCC has worked with churches, non-profit organizations and community leaders to identify root causes of problems and advocate for changes that will lead to a sustainable and just world for all.

“Sustaining the Common Good in Hard Times,” is open to the public with a suggested $5 donation. Advanced registration is preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. For more details about the November 6th program or information on the Maine Council of Churches, contact the MCC office at 207-772-1918, or see www.mainecouncilofchurches.org .

For more information about the November 7th workshop at State Street UCC Church, 159 State Street, Portland, please call 207-774-6396.

Note: Chuck Collins is available to the press in advance of this event for interviews. He may be contacted at chuckcollins7@mac.com or at 617-308-4433.