African-American Pastors unite to demand minimum wage increase and announce formation of Social Justice Coalition

African-American faith leaders from Chicago and across the state of Illinois held a press conference yesterday to announce their support of a minimum wage increase in Illinois to help working families in their congregations and communities. They also announced the formation of “Faith In Action,” a coalition of socially conscious religious leaders and parishioners, affiliated with the community organization Action Now, fighting for change in their communities.

The press conference was held at Trinity United Church of Christ, 400 W. 95th Street, in Chicago.

Pastors in African-American communities are alarmed by the negative effects that low-wage jobs, school closings, violence and foreclosures have had on the members of their congregations and communities. These religious leaders have decided to unite in the fight for social justice by forming a group called “Faith In Action.” They have decided that their first priority is to advocate for a raise in the minimum wage in Illinois.

Dr. Joel Miles, Senior Pastor at Greater Walters AME Zion Church said, “I, like many other individuals across this city, am tired of the senseless violence that has taken the lives of so many individuals in our community. We have seen individuals turn to illegal and violent activity simply because they were unable to pay their rent or provide their children with basic food and clothing.”

Leaders of the 4th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church have signed on to a letter to legislators stating:

“We strongly encourage you to raise the Illinois minimum wage so that working families on the bottom of the economic ladder may be able to move one step closer to lifting themselves out of poverty. This increase will be good for our economy, good for working families and good for our state.”

The following faith leaders were scheduled speakers at the press conference:

Dr. Otis Moss, Senior Pastor of Trinity United Church of God

Dr. Joel Miles, Senior Pastor of Greater Walters AME Zion Church

Nathanial Waddles, Senior Pastor of Kendrick Memorial Baptist Church

Reverend Albert Tyson, Presiding Elder of the 4th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

Reverend Valerie Parker, Director of Social Action of the 4th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church