C.R.’s west side needs protection plan, too

As United Methodist pastors of the Cedar Rapids Metro Area, we urge inclusion of the west side of Cedar Rapids in a comprehensive flood protection plan. It is a question of justice that we cannot in good faith ignore.

Thousands of volunteers from across our country and many government agencies, businesses and non-profit organizations have invested time, labor, prayers and millions of dollars to bring our community back from the flood devastation.

While the Army Corps of Engineers has followed mandated formulas for its recommendation, as a community we should make sure that both sides of the river are protected. To say that the only viable protection plan is one that ignores the most vulnerable portion of the community is troubling to us as Christians. Society is measured by how well it protects its most vulnerable citizens. Value is not measured simply in dollars: houses become homes, blocks become neighborhoods because we care enough to make them so.

We humbly ask you to join us in taking up this cause. With hope, on behalf of Rev. Marilyn Buchanan, Rev. Melisa Bracht-Wagner, Rev. Tom Carver, Rev. Bob Dagit, Rev. Blair Frank, Rev. Harlan Gillespie, Rev. Gary Hoyt, Rev. Sherrie Ilg, Rev. Chad Jennings, Rev. John Keizer, Rev. John Louk, Rev. Mike Morgan, Rev. Edmond Powers, Rev. Phil Rogers, Rev. Marty Schuhmacher, Rev. Laura Smith, Rev. G. B. Tadlock, Rev. Clint Twedt-Ball, Rev. Bob Voels, Rev. Allison Warren, Rev. Gayle Wilcox, Rev. Paul Wilcox, Rev. Jill Sanders (District Field Outreach Minister) and Rev. David Crow (District Superintendent).

Rev. Beth Mary Harbaugh

St. James United Methodist Church

Cedar Rapids