Rep. John Lewis: "make some noise, get in the way." "The poor have no lobbyists to do their work,"

Faith groups challenge political candidates to fight poverty
By Dennis Sadowski (Catholic News Service)
Published Sep 9, 2008

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- People of faith are being urged to "move their feet" to elevate poverty as a campaign issue in the final weeks leading to the November election.

"We have a lot of work to do," Rabbi Steve Gutow, executive director of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, told the media and advocates for the poor during a Sept. 9 nationwide conference call that opened "Fighting Poverty: A Week of Action." The effort is sponsored by a coalition of more than 20 religious groups including Catholic Charities USA.

"We have to ... make it clear that we care about something that a lot of elected officials don't care about," he said.

Initially, during the week ending Sept. 16, the emphasis will be on seeking out ways to raise awareness of poverty in communities across the country. Rabbi Gutow reported that programs in 100 communities in 36 states were planned for the week.

Follow-up actions will find advocates for poor and marginalized people seeking out candidates and asking for a commitment on how they will address poverty during the first 100 days they will be in office in 2009.

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Two Democratic members of Congress echoed the faith leaders' call for a campaign to reduce poverty. Rep. John Lewis of Georgia and Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut said it was time for poverty to become a priority for all elected officials.

Recalling how people of faith stepped up in the civil rights era, Lewis said it was time again for people of faith to "make some noise, get in the way."

"The poor have no lobbyists to do their work," Lewis said. "It's time for the religious community to march again for justice, to end poverty, end injustice, end homelessness in our country."

The week of action will close with an interfaith prayer service Sept. 16 on the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington. Father Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA, will participate.


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He talks the talk because he's walked the walk.

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of sanity in this red f'ing state!