Labor in the Pulpit

Labor in the Pulpit, on the Bimah and in the Minbar. What is it?

Labor and faith relationships, tied together by our common bonds: social justice, equality, the dignity of all people, racial and economic justice, and fair treatment in the workplace.

That’s why the AFL-CIO’s Labor in the Pulpit, on the Bimah and in the Minbar program places union leaders as guest speakers in faith congregations so that they can speak about the values of equity, racial and economic justice and the solidarity that labor shares with the faith community.

Labor Day holiday presents a unique opportunity for religious communities and organized labor to come together in partnership. Each year, in cities across the country, interfaith and ecumenical organizations, local religious leaders, state federations, central labor councils and area labor federations work together to recruit union leaders and congregations to participate as special guest speakers in congregations.

In Milwaukee, the program started with one church in 1997, in '98 there were eight, in '99 there were thirty, and in 2000 there wer sixty. Eventually there were more than 100 faith centers and speakers participating in the program. 

If you were once a speaker and want to be reconnected or you want to give it a try, email malc@milwaukeelabor.org or call 414-771-7070. We will get you trained with alll the information you'll need, practice with you so you feel comfortable, and connect you with a place of worship.