News and Updates

General Minister Takes Part In TV Documentary On Housing
Disciples News Service - 12/1/2006

Sharon E. Watkins, general minister and president of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), will appear in an NBC documentary about affordable housing beginning on Dec. 10. The hour-long program, "Building on Faith: Making Poverty Housing History," will examine how providing a safe and secure home is a basic necessity for building a just and functional society. Watkins appears in the documentary with other leaders such as Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, Jim Wallis, editor-in-chief of Sojourners Magazine, and a speaker at the upcoming 2007 General Assembly. Also featured are former vice-presidential candidates John Edwards and Jack Kemp.

One-third of Americans now spend at least 30 percent of their income on housing, according to sources interviewed for the documentary. "There is not a single place in the whole country if you're a full-time, minimum-wage worker, where you can afford the rent on a one-bedroom rental unit," said Sheila Crowley, head of the National Low Income Housing Coalition in Washington, D.C.

The National Council of Churches USA is presenting the documentary that is airing on a number of NBC television stations. To read more about the documentary, go to: www.interfaithbroadcasting.com or www.ncccusa.org/housing

To find out if the documentary is airing in your community visit: www.interfaithbroadcasting.com/onair.aspx