Labor in the Pulpits, on the Bimah, in the Minbar

An Annual Labor Day Weekend Event

Sponsored by the Religion and Labor Network of Austin

Labor Day provides a unique opportunity for both the religious community and the labor movement to rediscover some of their common bonds: those of social and economic justice.  The Religion and Labor Network of Austin is an alliance of religious leaders, labor organizations, community groups, and concerned individuals advocating justice and dignity for all working women and men. 

In a tradition started in 1996, Labor Day weekend has marked an occasion where thousands of congregants across the country have heard working men and women and workplace justice advocates speak about their experiences as people of faith seeking just treatment for all working people.  In 2004, through the initiative of the Religion and Labor Network of Austin, religious communities in Austin were able to participate for the first time in the Labor in the Pulpits ministry. Labor union members, immigrant workers, and working people from across the spectrum spoke during services about their workplace experiences, their efforts to bring about greater safety, dignity, and fairness where they work, and the religious faith that inspires and strengthens their efforts.

Their voices and testimony remind us that ALL RELIGIONS BELIEVE IN JUSTICE. 

Through the Labor in the Pulpits program, new friendships are inspired; congregations are presented with opportunities for acting on their social teachings; and union leaders and members gain a deeper understanding of their faith in action.

As people of faith, we believe that the traditions and sacred texts of every religion

call for justice, equality and dignity for all people. 

In the Book of Deuteronomy, it is written:

You shall not abuse a needy and destitute laborer, whether a fellow countryman or a stranger in one of the communities of your land. You must pay him his wages on the same day, before the sun sets, for he is needy and sets his life on it; else he will cry to God against you and you will incur guilt.

Deuteronomy 24:14-15

Likewise in the Qur’an it is written:

                Men shall have the benefit of what they earn, and women shall have the benefit of what they earn.

Qur’an 4:32

Labor in the Pulpits in 2004

Ten Austin congregations participated in Labor in the Pulpits on labor day weekend 2004, including the Congregational Church of Austin, Highland Park Baptist Church, Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Dolores Catholic Church, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Church of the Savior, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, First Unitarian Universalist, University Presbyterian Church, and St. Hildegard's Community.

Mike Murphy, member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church and the IBEW

speaks with the Gethsemane congregation during Labor in the Pulpits 2004

Labor in the Pulpits in 2005

Congregations who hosted a speaker or used RLNA resources on labor day weekend of 2005, included: 

Congregational Church of Austin, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, University Presbyterian Church, Memorial United Methodist Church, St. Martin's Evangelical Lutheran Church, First Presbyterian Church, Copperas Cove; Gethsemane Lutheran Church, St. James's Episcopal Church, St. Hildegard's Community, David Chapel Ministry, St. Ignatius Catholic Church, St. Matthew's Episcopal  Church, Asbury United Methodist Church

Above, left: Immigrant worker Roberto Torres talks with members of the

Congregational Church of Austin, Sept 4, 2005

Above right:  Louis Malfaro, president of Education Austin and member of the RLNA

Executive Committee shares concerns with the congregation of St. Martin's Lutheran Church

during 2005 Labor in the Pulpits program.