Opinion: Montgomery can do better than cruel, immoral panhandling law

As clergy, representing different expressions of faith, we unite in protest of Montgomery’s ordinance that criminalizes panhandling, targeting the most vulnerable among us; and an amendment that will punish those who would, publicly, help them. 

Both actions are without moral consideration. They are inconsistent with scripture and Montgomery’s values.  We urge Mayor Todd Strange and the City Council to reject this amendment and rescind the ordinance.

Scripture teaches us that economic justice is, at the same time, an individual and collective responsibility. We are exhorted to care for those enduring financial struggle or collapse; to consistently do what we must to alleviate their burdens. 

Deuteronomy 15, verses 7-8 & 10, detail how this is to be done. “If there is a needy person among you do not harden your heart and shut your hand.  Rather you must open your hand and lend him sufficient for whatever he needs... Give to him readily and have not regrets when you do so, for in return the Lord your God will bless you in all your efforts and all your undertakings.” 

The Holy Writings of each age ask us to support people in need and to be generous in doing so.

It is incumbent upon all citizens of Montgomery, as individuals and as a community, to help those on the margins. We must not criminalize, fine and incarcerate the poor, nor those who publicly assist them.  

The poor are not a clear and present danger. Instead, they represent real and visceral images of need.

Most of us do not know the experience of poverty. As a result, we may lack certain empathy.  That is why our faith traditions teach that poverty is a crushing blow, so that even though we may not know poverty, we will understand the sheer level of distress it causes. 

We are called to emulate God’s actions; not only to feel the suffering of the poor, but to act on their behalf as well.  Just as God repeatedly comforts the poor, so too are we to comfort them; just as God seeks social justice for the poor, so too are we to seek justice on their account; just as God warns against oppressing the poor, so too are we to prevent their oppression; and just as God vows never to forget the poor, so too must we never forget them. 

As Matthew’s gospel declares, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink?  Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me” (25:37 & 40).

We must treat every person with dignity and respect.

In Leviticus 19, we read of the command to protect the rights of the orphan, the widow and the poor; to care for the elderly and the stranger in our midst, those most in need and yet most susceptible to abuse and lack of concern. 

The Baha’i writings challenge: “O ye rich ones on earth!  The poor in your midst are My trust; guard ye My trust and be not intent only on your own ease.” 

Why? To remind us that the true measure of any community, and of the people of which it is composed, is based on its treatment of those who inhabit its margins. 

The city of Montgomery can do better than this cruel and immoral law!

Sincerely, 

Rabbi Scott Looper, Rev. Rosa Lindahl, Rev. Raymond Speller, Rev. Shane Isner, Rev. Elizabeth O’Neill, Father Manuel B. Williams, Rev. Lynn Hopkins, Rabbi Scott Kramer, Pastor Edward Nettles, Eileen Knott (Bahai)

Scott Looper. who wrote this column for the above signed clergy, is the rabbi for Temple Beth Or in Montgomery.