Faith Leaders At Capitol To Urge Help For Poor, People Of Color

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A multi-racial, multi-denominational group of clergy gathered at the State Capitol Thursday.

They announced their commitment to engage Minnesota's elected leaders, and promote policies that they say will eliminate racial and economic inequities.

"Our nation is in the middle of an uncomfortable dialogue about race," Rev. Paul Slack said.

Slack, from New Creation Church in Minneapolis, says they are calling on the legislature to restore the vote to the formerly incarcerated, allow immigrants to apply for driver's licenses, create accessible transportation and provide paid family leave.

"When one part of the body suffers, so do the others," ELCA Minneapolis Synod's Bishop Ann Svennungsen said.

After the press conference, the group went door-to-door at the Capitol, talking to lawmakers about their cause.

You can hear the entire news conference below.