Local Faith Leaders Discuss Ways to Combat Poverty
MILWAUKEE – A coalition of faith leaders and community activists came together today at Marquette University’s Alumni Memorial Union for the Wisconsin Poverty Summit.
The theme of the event was “Combating Poverty: Elevating the Debate”, which focused on the questions of what poverty looks like in Wisconsin, what role faith communities ought to play in fighting poverty, and what differences people of faith can make in their communities.
During the Summit, attendees heard remarks from Bishop Donald Hying of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and Rev. Jason Butler of Transformation City Church, among others, as well as participated in small group discussions focused on discerning next steps.
Rev. Brisco, a prominent local faith leader, said, “Today’s event was an important step towards making anti-poverty initiatives a priority in Wisconsin.
I was encouraged to be part of the dialogue between people from different cities, races and creeds in an effort to make meaningful progress on the pressing issue of poverty in our state.”
Today’s event was a joint project by WISDOM, the Wisconsin Council of Churches, the Wisconsin Council on Children & Families, Citizen Action and the Marquette University Theology Department, which allowed leaders from faith communities around Wisconsin to meet and consider proposals for taking action.