Title: Reich Receives Lutheran Economic Study ELCA NEWS SERVICE - NEWSBRIEF February 11, 1997 REICH RECEIVES LUTHERAN ECONOMICS STUDY Before he left office as U.S. Secretary of Labor, Robert B. Reich met with nine religious leaders for "a very engaging and intriguing discussion about how religious communities are addressing and working on economic issues, especially those related to labor and inequality," said the Rev. Karen L. Bloomquist, director for studies, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Bloomquist was among those who met with Reich on Jan. 7 in Washington, D.C. She presented him with a copy of "Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread: Sufficient, Sustainable Livelihood For All," a 117-page document being used in the ELCA's 11,000 congregations to facilitate a study on economic life this year. "I think he immediately sensed the significance of some of what we're trying to do," said Bloomquist. "Our discussion focused on how churches are trying to address the wider public culture ... what is happening, especially to poor people, in the midst of it ... how do we work together at the significant challenges that are there." Others at the meeting represented the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., Roman Catholics, evangelical Christians and Jews. Reich called the meeting "one of the most interesting discussions" he had as Labor Secretary and said he hoped "we can continue our discussions in the future." Reich is now a professor of social and economic policy at Brandeis University, Waltham, Mass. "He did clearly indicate that the incoming secretary was quite interested in this meeting," said Bloomquist. For information contact: Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask] http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html