In March 2000, representatives of various denominations attended the Rally for Rural America on the Capitol steps to implore their representatives to help the family farmer. One man who's listening is U.S. Rep. Charles Stenholm, a former Stamford farmer who has represented the 17th Congressional District since 1978. Stenholm, a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Ericksdahl, is pleased to see religious institutions lending their support to the nation's farmers. I hope my input to them has been helpful. Stenholm, the ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee, said the crisis many feared a year ago didn't materialize primarily because of the government bailout.
Hearings are now under way on a new farm bill.
Stenholm said the ag committee's chairman, Rep. Larry Combest of the 19th District, which covers the Texas Panhandle, wants specific recommendations from all groups interested in farm legislation, including religious groups. Although Stenholm won't be at the Grace Lutheran meeting, he said he is interested in what comes from it. Besides LaBlanc, North Dakota State University professor Gary Goreham will lead a Bible study on the Old Testament book of Nehemiah. Participants will look at the present and future of rural America, global rural issues, models for mission and maintenance, the role of clergy and the role of laity. The Lutheran church is especially tied to agricultural interests, with the presidents of the National Farmers Organization, the National Farmers Union and the American Farm Bureau Federation all members of that denomination.