David Beckmann

David Beckmann

@d-beckmann.bsky.social

Author| Pastor | Activist | Economist Poverty Abolitionists: Faith, Activism, and Hope for Difficult Times Out May 28, 2025 · Preorder now

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Join me and fellow hunger experts this afternoon (10/26) at 1 p.m. Central / 2 p.m. Eastern for an online conversation hosted by the Community of Christ Human Rights and World Hunger Teams. Register online: outreach-international.org/the-global-h... #globalhunger

outreach-international.orgThe Global Hunger Crisis: What’s Driving It—and What We Can DoJoin us to hear firsthand our panelists’ insights on what is driving the global hunger crisis and what can be done to feed the world’s hungry.
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One way we can make a difference is by making hunger and poverty priorities as we consider our votes in November—or now, if you're voting early. #Vote #Midterms #EndPoverty

I had the privilege of serving as Bread’s president for 29 years, and the organization and its mission remain close to my heart. Im grateful to Heather and the entire Bread for the World team for continuing to lead this important work.

Bread for the World has long understood that ending hunger requires more than charity. It also requires building the political will to change the policies that perpetuate hunger and poverty. That work is as important today as ever.

David Beckmann reposted

It was a pleasure to see actor and longtime social justice advocate Martin Sheen today at the World Food Prize Foundation #BorlaugDialogue in Des Moines, Iowa. I had the opportunity to sign a copy of my new book, #PovertyAbolitionists, for him. #FoodPrize26 @EndHunger

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This year’s Borlaug Dialogue theme is “Before Hunger Wins.” It’s a fitting theme at a time when progress against hunger and poverty has largely stalled.

I’m encouraged to be among so many people committed to finding solutions, and I’m hopeful that the conversations here will lead to new partnerships and commitments to action.

It was a pleasure to see actor and longtime social justice advocate Martin Sheen today at the World Food Prize Foundation #BorlaugDialogue in Des Moines, Iowa. I had the opportunity to sign a copy of my new book, #PovertyAbolitionists, for him. #FoodPrize26 @EndHunger

I was also honored to join fellow World Food Prize laureate Cary Fowler and other global leaders for a panel discussion earlier today on how conflicts around the world are disrupting access to food and worsening hunger.

In case you missed it, my conversation with @ricksteves.bsky.social is now available online! Listen to “Travel with Rick Steves” through your favorite podcast service or on SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/rick-steves/... #travel #PovertyAbolitionists #EndPoverty

soundcloud.com842 Poverty Abolitionists; Immortal IrishmanPublished on October 17, 2026 — David Beckmann, former president of the anti-hunger organization Bread for the World, explains why global progress in the fight against poverty is faltering and how com
David Beckmann@d-beckmann.bsky.social

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with my friend @ricksteves.bsky.social to talk about ending poverty on his radio show, “Travel with Rick Steves” The program is expected it will air on stations across the country starting on Wednesday, Oct 14th, running through Tuesday, Oct 20th.

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosted this year's forum. I've grown in appreciation for the Church and their unique history, and I hope this event will encourage them to play a stronger role on behalf of people in need in the national policy discussion.

During a plenary session, I argued that progress on poverty and the other Sustainable Development Goals has nearly stopped, mainly because some of the world's most powerful nations, led by the United States, no longer consider global social progress a priority.

I’m in Salt Lake City for the #G20Interfaith Forum, and I’m inspired by the conversations happening here. People of different faiths share a deep commitment to ending hunger and poverty. #InterfaithDialogue #G20 www.ksl.com/article/5163...

ksl.comReligious leaders gather for largest interfaith event ever held in UtahReligious leaders, scholars and government policymakers from around the world gathered Thursday in Salt Lake City for the G20 Interfaith Forum.

President Trump has already tried various schemes to change election rules in his favor. What can we do to protect this year's elections? I share ideas for how we can help protect the vote—and our democracy. 👇 www.davidbeckmann.net/post/protect... #Midterms #ProtectDemocracy #ProtectTheVote

davidbeckmann.netProtecting this Year’s ElectionsThe election next month is different from any election we’ve experienced because we already know that the President, his administration, and his allies will try to sway the election in their favor.  P...

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with my friend @ricksteves.bsky.social to talk about ending poverty on his radio show, “Travel with Rick Steves” The program is expected it will air on stations across the country starting on Wednesday, Oct 14th, running through Tuesday, Oct 20th.

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Most people know Rick as a travel guru. I know him as a fellow activist in the fight against hunger and poverty. Over the years, we’ve developed a friendship grounded in our shared commitment to this work.

On the show, we talk about my book, #PovertyAbolitionists, and about the ways each of us can play a part in ending poverty. It was a thoughtful and hopeful conversation, and I hope you’ll listen. #EndPoverty

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with my friend @ricksteves.bsky.social to talk about ending poverty on his radio show, “Travel with Rick Steves” The program is expected it will air on stations across the country starting on Wednesday, Oct 14th, running through Tuesday, Oct 20th.

In recent weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to bring the message of #PovertyAbolitionists to people of faith and advocates working to make a difference—from Head Start leaders in Washington to church communities in Virginia and Maine. www.davidbeckmann.net/post/a-pilgr... #EndPoverty

davidbeckmann.netA Pilgrimage to Share Urgent Lessons from Poverty AbolitionistsBringing Poverty Abolitionists to Head StartYesterday I shared lessons from Poverty Abolitionists at the Fall Leadership Institute of the National Head Start Association (NHSA). Hundreds of Head Start...

I had the privilege of speaking to hundreds of pastors & denominational leaders at the annual gathering of the National Coalition of Latino Evangelicals (NALEC). Im grateful to Gabriel Salguero for his invitation & partnership in our shared commitment to social justice. #TheSentSummit2026

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3️⃣ Encourage people to be active in the elections and generous with their time and resources. 4️⃣ Provide opportunities for civil discussion between conservative and progressive people.

People of faith have an important role to play in this election. We need to reclaim a Christianity that reflects the values of a loving and forgiving God—and a politics that reflects a generous and caring nation. Please vote. #midterms #faithinaction

I had the privilege of speaking to hundreds of pastors & denominational leaders at the annual gathering of the National Coalition of Latino Evangelicals (NALEC). Im grateful to Gabriel Salguero for his invitation & partnership in our shared commitment to social justice. #TheSentSummit2026

With so much at stake in the midterm elections, I believe church leaders have an important role to play. The policies of this administration that harm vulnerable people, including cuts to nutrition assistance & health care & brutal immigration policies, are not consistent with Christian values.

Can Democrats reclaim the Christian moral high ground with voters? I’m pleased to see so many pastors who believe in a forgiving God running for office—a perspective that would make our politics more generous. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/21/m... #FaithAndPolitics #Midterms #Elections #EndPoverty

nytimes.comCan Democrats Reclaim the Christian Moral High Ground? (Gift Article)A surprising number of pastors are running as Democrats this year, challenging Americans’ assumptions about politics and faith.
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The answer is not to make Christianity an instrument of the Democratic Party. No political party owns the Christian faith. But Christians should bring their faith into public life and judge political leaders and policies by their impact on people.

Jesus said that we know faith by its fruits. A politics grounded in his teachings should be especially concerned about people who are hungry, sick, poor or excluded. I’m encouraged to see political candidates making that moral argument clearly and publicly.

Can Democrats reclaim the Christian moral high ground with voters? I’m pleased to see so many pastors who believe in a forgiving God running for office—a perspective that would make our politics more generous. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/21/m... #FaithAndPolitics #Midterms #Elections #EndPoverty

nytimes.comCan Democrats Reclaim the Christian Moral High Ground? (Gift Article)A surprising number of pastors are running as Democrats this year, challenging Americans’ assumptions about politics and faith.

In "Poverty Abolitionists," I trace how the Religious Right became closely aligned with the Republican Party, while progressive Christians generally avoided identifying their faith with either party.

The result has been a distorted public image of Christianity—one that often emphasizes political power and religious rules while neglecting the needs of poor and vulnerable people.

In a September 9 letter to Congress, Circle of Protection leaders address four current issues affecting people in need: appropriations, military spending and the Iran war, SNAP, and participation in elections. Read the full letter at CircleofProtection.us. #SocialJustice #Congress

Poverty is preventable and we've reduced poverty in America before. Yet MAGA policies are pushing us in the opposite direction. The question I keep coming back to: if we already know the answer, why do we keep choosing not to act on it? www.davidbeckmann.net/post/poverty... #EndPoverty

davidbeckmann.netPoverty in AmericaI hope everyone gets a chance to read Nick Kristof's report on poverty: Meet the Americans Who Can't Afford Haircuts or Toilet Paper. Kristof puts a human face on the poverty that affects millions of ...

It can be hard to keep track of the damage being done by the Trump administration. It’s a sobering list. But I also see some encouraging signs that the tide may be beginning to turn. #TrumpAdmin #PovertyAbolitionists #EndPoverty www.davidbeckmann.net/post/the-mou...

davidbeckmann.netThe Mounting Damage of Trump’s PoliciesThe policies of the second Trump administration have done tremendous damage. Their impact has been almost entirely negative, but this post ends with some recent good news.Wars. Operation Epic Fury in ...

I’m grateful to Living Lutheran for this conversation about "Poverty Abolitionists," the urgency of this moment and how people of faith can help get progress against hunger and poverty moving again. www.livinglutheran.org/voices-of-fa... #lutheran #EndPoverty #PovertyAbolitionists

livinglutheran.org“God is calling us to do more” | Living LutheranDavid Beckmann's new book, "Poverty Abolitionists," names five insights and 10 strategies for building a faith-based movement to end poverty.

Robin Stephenson wrote a piece for my blog about how she sees U2’s new song, “Street of Dreams,” as both a prayer and a call to action. I hope you’ll read it and be encouraged to keep building the world we pray for. www.davidbeckmann.net/post/your-dr... #U2 #Prayer #FaithInAction

davidbeckmann.netYour Dream Needs YouIntroduction by David BeckmannRobin Stephenson and I have worked together in faith-based advocacy for more than two decades. She has worked closely with me since the publisher accepted my proposal for...

President Trump and some of the nation's richest people are working together: massive political contributions in exchange for low taxes and minimal government oversight of corporations. Reducing poverty isn't on the MAGA agenda. www.davidbeckmann.net/post/trump-a... #Elections #EndPoverty

davidbeckmann.netTrump and His Billionaire DonorsThe U.S. economy is extremely and increasingly divided between the rich and the rest of the population. Half the economy is owned by 10% of the population. Most Americans say they can afford little be...

The Senate’s decisions in the coming days will have real consequences for democracy, hunger and poverty, and the direction of our country. If you’re able, please contact your senators (see graphic): I’ve written more about these issues on my blog here lnkd.in/eFr3_iRh #ProtectDemocracy

Poverty is a solvable problem. Progress isn't automatic. But history shows that when people believe change is possible and work together to achieve it, poverty can be reduced and lives can be transformed. #PovertyAbolitionists #EndPoverty #EconomicJustice #commongood