Churches are increasingly engaging in coalition-building and other forms of unity in their involvement in faith-based public programs.
As church-based programs move into place for prisons, inner-city youth ministries and job training, cooperation seems to be growing. In mid-February a major stride forward was taken by 57 religious leaders of all denominations as they met on the steps of the nation’s Capitol to proclaim their “Covenant to Overcome Poverty.”
As reported in ReligionToday.com, a broad coalition of policy makers and spokespersons met after two days of conferences on social ministry to show their unity in starting a ten-year program for affordable health, good education, affordable housing, a livable income, and related goals.
In preparation for five years by Jim Wallis, Editor of Sojourners, the coalition will start with leaders organizing town meetings in 17 major cities. Among the signs were the National Association of Evangelicals, the National Council of Churches several African-American churches and representatives of several Roman Catholic groups.
— By Erling Jorstad
