We are not all middle class and comfortable
by Martha Yoder Maust, Indianapolis
In "What Good News?" (Nov. 4), Everett Thomas wrote, "We are fat and happy in our North American context. Even though our retirement accounts took a hit ... we still have plenty to eat and money to spend on the things we want."
This statement ignores or marginalizes the North American Mennonites who do live in poverty or on limited incomes, who may not be able to afford the health care they need, let alone the things they want. We are not all middle-class and comfortable, and I am uncomfortable with statements that assume we are. If Thomas had said, "Most of us are ..." the statement would be more accurate and would acknowledge the diversity of economic class that exists in our church.
Associated Issue: Mission connects people - Nov. 4, 2008
Associated Article: What good news?
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