Monday, August 31, 2015

A Time to Honor Workers


"We must not resign to a 'new normal' with an economy that does not provide stable work at a living wage." These words come from the Labor Day Statement 2015 of  the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

You can read the full statement and find links to additional resources: Catholic Social Teachings on Labor, a Primer on Poverty, a statement on Care for Our Common Home, and Selected Quotes from Pope Francis I at the following link--http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/labor-employment/labor-day-statement-2015.cfm

Labor Day is a unique opportunity for faith communities to recognize, honor, and celebrate the working women and men in the congregation and in our community. It is also a time to learn about vital issues that impact the lives of working women and men and their families.

You can help by inviting working men and women in your congregation to speak to an adult education class. You can make a commitment to learn about one legislative issue of importance to labor. You can pray with and for working families in our community.

It is a good thing that many members of faith communities volunteer at local food kitchens, donate items of clothing, and reach out in other ways to relieve the stresses that low wages and poverty bring. But in the long term we need an economy that provides stable work at a living wage.

Labor Day is a unique opportunity to listen, to learn, and to take action.

Rev. David P. Hansen
Interfaith Worker Justice Kansas

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