wfn.org | Welfare Reform

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"UNITED METHODIST DAILY NEWS" by SUSAN PEEK on Aug. 11, 1991 at 13:58 Eastern,
about FULL TEXT RELEASES FROM UNITED METHODIST NEWS SERVICE (3403 notes).

Note 3402 by UMNS on Jan. 29, 1997 at 16:20 Eastern (3242 characters).

SEARCH: welfare reform, Sherer, religious leaders, fundamental
Produced by United Methodist News Service, official news agency of
the United Methodist Church, with offices in Nashville, Tenn., New
York, and Washington.

CONTACT: Linda Green                           48(10-21-71B){3402}
         Nashville, Tenn. (615) 742-5470             Jan. 29, 1997

Missouri bishop implements episcopal initiative
by lobbying for children and the poor
                                 
                 by United Methodist News Service

     United Methodist Bishop Ann B. Sherer has found an ecumenical
way to activate the denomination's Episcopal Initiative on
Children and Poverty.
     Sherer, the episcopal leader of the Missouri Area, in
cooperation with religious leaders from across the state, gathered
at the state capitol in Jefferson City Jan. 29 to lobby for
children and the poor.  
     The United Methodist Episcopal Initiative is a biblical and
theological effort through which the bishops are calling the
church to a new level of commitment on behalf of children and the
impoverished.
     As people of faith, the Missouri religious leaders gathered
to encourage lawmakers to enact just and compassionate welfare
reform.
     Leaders of more than a dozen faiths presented the state's
governor, representatives and senators with a "consensus
statement" that outlined fundamental principles for a just welfare
reform. 
     Endorsed by more than 50 faith groups, agencies and
individuals, the statement suggests that "welfare reform must
focus on lifting people out of poverty, rather than merely
eliminating programs and reducing welfare rolls."  
     As the president of the Missouri Christian Leadership Forum,
Sherer said, "it is our intent to help the government and others
know that the faith community is standing with the poor and
powerless. It is our desire to help the political community know
that we want their needs to be attended to."
     A just and humane society must protect and care for the least
of these," Sherer said. "As representatives of many religious
traditions we are united in urging state government to do what is
right for our children and their families."
     Earlier in January, Kansas Area Bishop Fritz Mutti set the
episcopal initiative into motion by urging churches in the state
to advocate for "just solutions" for those adversely affected by
welfare reform measures adopted by Congress last year.
Congregations are encouraged to become involved in understanding
and advocating for the needs of the poor.
     The Missouri religious leaders told their lawmakers that they
can only support genuine welfare reform that strengthens families,
encourages productive work and protects vulnerable children.
     They encouraged the lawmakers to remember that while working
to implement the state's Personal Responsibility and Work
Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, their decisions must be
guided by nine principles, with the first being that the economy
exists for the person, not the person for the economy.
                              #  #  #

     NOTE TO EDITORS: A copy of the statement and principles is
available by calling Bishop Sherer's office at (341) 891-8001.

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