Obama Meets with Faith Leaders

This afternoon, President Obama met with several faith leaders at the White House to celebrate 100 years of working together across denominational lines.

Leaders with the National Council of Churches and the Church World Service thanked President Obama for passing health reform. They pressed him to take a strong stance for families who are struggling in the face of poverty and hunger.

The churches who were represented provide meals, support and assistance to many families across the nation who have been hit hard by the economic downturn.

Rev. Michael Kinnamon, general secretary of the National Council of Churches said, "We cannot stand by while people of goodwill are baselessly attacked for their faith, their political beliefs, or their identity. We have no reason to fear or demonize those who are different from ourselves. Today, tomorrow, and into this next Congress, our country needs to come together and reclaim our values of justice and equality."

The faith leaders urged the president to prioritize extending unemployment benefits and focus on job creation, especially for those in poverty, job training and education.

They also discussed peace in the Middle East, the U.S.'s relationship with Cuba, energy and climate change, and immigration.