‘We’re in a moral crisis’: US faith leaders urge lawmakers to combat poverty

The Rev William J Barber II calls for legislative changes to address US poverty in Washington in June. Photograph: Sue Dorfman/Zuma Press Wire/Rex/Shutterstock

A coalition of faith leaders gathered on Capitol Hill on Thursday to deliver an impassioned demand for more congressional action to combat poverty, telling lawmakers they have a moral obligation to improve life for low-income Americans.

The faith leaders called on the Democratic leaders of the House and Senate to take at least three votes on major progressive issues before midterm elections in November.