The Synagogue Council of America today joined with the United States Catholic Conference and the National Council of Churches in a call to synagogues and churches to participate in the second annual observance of Farm Workers Week, May 4-10. The National Farm Worker Ministry said 10,000 churches and synagogues in 150 cities were expected to join in services and special events focussed on the needs of America’s two million seasonal and migrant farm workers.
Ruth Gilbert, president of the National Farm Workers Ministry, a coalition of 34 national and religious groups carrying on a religious ministry among the farm workers, said the NFWM urged Americans to “consider the cry for bread and justice that comes from those hungry workers in America, who by their labor and their sacrifices feed all of us and our children.”
Ms. Gilbert said churches and synagogues will participate in a number of ways. Some will put signs on their front lawns announcing support for the farm workers’ boycott, she said, and many will adopt policy statements concerning the serving of grapes, head lettuce and wines of boycotted firms at family dinners and other events. She also reported that each of the three umbrella religious organizations will be sending information on Farm Worker Week to their constituents.
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