The National Council of Churches is a diverse body of 37 member communions. All of us hold caring for God's most vulnerable people as a top priority. Below is a sampling of anti-poverty statements and policies by which our member communions abide.

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America We must “give more to relieve conditions of poverty, and invest more in initiatives to reduce poverty.” The ELCA will try to” provide opportunities for dialogue, learning, and strategizing among people of different economic situations and from different regions who are harmed by global economic changes.” The ELCA Constitution 4.01.c

United Church of Christ Congress should “Allocate Title I funds to support schools serving children in poverty through a fair formula, not a competition. Poor children should not lose federal support because their state loses a funding competition.” Twenty‐seventh General Synod of the United Church of Christ (2009)

Alliance of Baptists "As people of faith, we believe that society and government have a divinely-mandated responsibility to care for and lift up people struggling to overcome poverty, protect the vulnerable, and promote health and security for all, we call on Congress and the Administration to address U.S. fiscal problems wisely and responsibility by protecting the services and programs that enable all women and families to live safely, security, and with dignity.” Alliance of Baptists 2011 Convocation Resolution

Episcopal Church “The pressing challenges to those living in poverty and the working poor throughout this nation and call for new and innovative strategies to address issues related to nutrition, employment, childcare, education, healthcare, environment and housing, as well as equal protection under law and cultural affirmations” General Convention of the Episcopal Church, 2009

American Baptist Home Mission Societies
In 2011 the American Baptist Home Mission Societies promoted the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Program as an excellent way to afford the cost of serving nutritious meals to children.

National Council of Churches Statements and Policies

• A Protocol for a Mobilization to Overcome Poverty [Web]
• Mobilization to Overcome Poverty [Web]
• A Social Creed for the 21st Century [PDF]
• The Church and Children: Vision and Goals for the 21st Century [PDF]
• Love for the Poor: God's Love for the Poor and the Church's Witness to It [PDF]

NCC Works closely with State Councils of Churches, and many have made statements about poverty.

The Pennsylvania Council of Churches made "A Statement Concerning Poverty" in 2010.

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The Poverty Initiative is part of the Justice and Advocacy Commission of the National Council of Churches of Christ.
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