June 1-7 Designated ‘welfare Reform Week’ by Jewish, Protestant, Catholic Spokesmen

The General Secretaries of the Synagogue Council of America, the National Council of Churches and the United States Catholic Conference have designated June 1-7 as “Welfare Reform Week.” They urged religious leaders of all faiths to indicate concern for welfare reform by establishing rapport with the poor and taking “prompt and appropriate action in behalf of welfare reform.” The three expressed support for President Nixon’s welfare reform proposals, passed by the House of Representatives and under consideration, along with similar measures, in the Senate. The interfaith declaration stated that “The pending legislation, or some similar family assistance program which provides income maintenance and rewards for suitable work, sets important new directions and deserves support, even though the benefit schedule should be substantially increased.” It called for coverage to be “broadened to include families without children and single persons in need.” The General Secretaries are Rabbi Henry Siegman of the Synagogue Council, Dr. R. H. Edwin Espy of the Church Council and Bishop Joseph L. Bernardin of the Catholic Conference.