Religious Leader Statements

National Religious Leaders' Thanksgiving Letter to Trader Joe's

Letter to Publix from Bishop Frank Dewane of the Catholic Diocese of Venice in Florida.

Letter to Publix from Bishop Timothy Whitaker, Florida Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church

Letter to Publix from the Rev. Kent Siladi, Conference Minister, Florida Conference of the United Church of Christ

Letter to Publix signed by over 20 national religious institutions and endorsers of the Alliance for Fair Food

Joint Statement by the Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida & South Florida Interfaith Worker Justice

Letter to Publix from Barry University School of Law faculty.

Excerpts from Religious Leaders' Statements on the Campaign for Fair Food.

Bishop William Murphy (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)
“The Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops welcomes and applauds the impressive agreement reached between the Coalition of Immokalee Workers and the Burger King Corporation…This important agreement has been made possible first and foremost by the persistent work of the CIW in defending the lives, dignity and rights of farm workers...The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops hopes this remarkable agreement will lead to additional steps toward fair and just treatment for farm workers.”

The Rev. Gradye Parsons (Stated Clerk, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.))
“The CIW’s innovative and substantial agreements with Yum! Brands, McDonald’s, Burger King, Whole Foods Market, and now Subway are transforming the very structure of the industry, by leveraging the enormous purchasing power of these companies to advance human rights for farmworkers. The significance of these agreements is that they not only promise a significant wage increase for farmworkers but that they also guarantee the full-participation of farmworkers in creating and upholding a more just food system. Will the rest of the restaurant and grocery industry now step forward to become part of this momentous advance for human rights? The answer is not only up to the companies but to those of us who are conscious consumers as well.”

The Rev. Linda Jaramillo (Executive Minister, Justice & Witness Ministries, United Church of Christ)
“The United Church of Christ has a long history of working for social and economic justice. We have a special interest in farm workers, people with whom Jesus would have particularly identified himself. He would have classified them among “the least” of God’s children when viewed through the lens of social and economic privilege. But as beloved children of God, farm workers are entitled to an equitable portion of the abundance God gives this world.”

Bishop Timothy Whitaker (Bishop of the Florida Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church)
“I do not need to tell you what a difference this additional income and rights make in the lives of these hardworking
persons who offer the most basic service of our society, which is providing us with food to eat… I am very impressed with the work of CIW and Interfaith Action. Along with other Christian communions, our Church does all we can to support these fine organizations that are doing work in the world.”

The Rt. Rev. Leo Frade (Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida)
“The Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) has established a working model for corporate social responsibility that advances and ensures the human rights of farmworkers in the corporate supply chain … Like Episcopalians around the country, [we] are standing with the CIW in the growing movement for fair food and corporate social responsibility, and will continue to do so until justice and dignity are won.”

The Rev. Michael Livingston (Executive Director, International Council of Community Churches)
"This agreement represents a tremendous step forward in the struggle for dignity and justice for farmworkers and the transformation of the agricultural industry toward greater respect for human rights. Though an incredible victory, our
celebration should be tempered by the truth that we still have far to go to extend these just gains for farmworkers to
other companies and to create a truly just food system. Yes, we mean you… companies who continue to offer explanations, rationales, and excuses for business practices and policies that do not meet the standard of a basic tenant of Christianity--treat your neighbor as yourself."

Burger King Campaign (successful 5/23/08)

Statement on CIW-Burger King agreement by
Bishop Murphy, Chair, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development.

Religious Leaders' Letter to Burger King signed by over 100 National and Florida Religious Leaders.

Letter from Rev. Michael Livingston, President of the National Council of Churches to Burger King.

Statement to Burger King and the Florida Tomato Growers Exchange by the Rev. Dr. Clifton Kirkpatrick, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Letter from Archbishop Favalora to Burger King on behalf of the Catholic Bishops of Florida.

Letter from Bishop Whitaker of the Florida Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church to Burger King.

Resolution adopted at the Annual Meeting of the Florida Conference of the United Church of Christ, May 2-3, 2008

Letter from Rev. Kent Siladi, Conference Minister, of the Florida Conference of the United Church of Christ to Burger King.

Letter from Bishop Frade of the Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida to Burger King.

Florida Conference of the United Church of Christ 2007 Resolution in support of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers' Burger King Campaign.