With the economy in crisis, many of the nation’s  religious leaders are speaking out in favor of economic policies that create jobs and spur economic growth. Decent jobs at decent wages are the best path out of poverty and restoring growth is a powerful way to reduce deficits, they say.

In a Labor Day statement, Bishop Stephen Blaire, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops committee on domestic justice and human development, says Congress cannot balance the federal budget on the backs of the poor and working people:   

A just framework for future budgets cannot rely on disproportionate cuts in essential services to poor persons. It requires shared sacrifice by all, including raising adequate revenues, eliminating unnecessary military and other spending, and addressing the long-term costs of health insurance and retirement programs fairly.

In addition, the right of workers to join a union must be respected, says the Massachusetts Board of Rabbis.  Human dignity rests on self-determination, they say and it follows that

• Alll workers should be treated with respect and dignity.
• All workers should be paid a living wage that allows them to meet the basic needs of their families.
• All workers should be provided with affordable health care benefits..
• Workers have the right to organize without intimidation.

Kim Bobo, executive director of Interfaith Worker Justice (IWJ), urges congregations to get involved and address local issues facing workers and working families in their communities.

Congregational leaders realize that working families in their communities – and in their own pews – are really struggling in this economy. They are sick and tired of the way working people are being blamed for the crisis. And they want to do something tangible to make a difference.

For the past 15 years, interfaith religious communities across the United States have been celebrating Labor in the Pulpit/on the Bimah/in the Minbar during Labor Day worship services–a program designed by IWJ in partnership with the AFL-CIO.