The Call to Renewal is calling for actions around the country on Pentecost, May 18, to witness on behalf of the nation's poor who stand to suffer most under the new welfare law. The ecumenical network, first convened in 1995, brings together Catholics and Protestants to foster a spiritual vision of politics that is an alternative public voice to the Religious Right. CtR was first organized by the Sojourners Community (and magazine) and its evangelical pastor Jim Wallis. Among Protestants, CtR may be able to reach many conservative evangelical Christians, both black and white, better than the mainline National Council of Churches denominations in The Interfaith Alliance. Wallis says the Christian Coalition can claim only one-third of the nation's evangelicals.

Catholic leaders endorsing the effort include CTA allies Joan Chittister, Bryan Hehir and Margaret Cafferty, and Bishops Rembert Weakland, Tom Gumbleton and Ray Lucker. More than 35 local CtR networks have sprung up around the country.

A preview of Pentecost actions took place on the East Lawn of the Capitol March 5. CtR served a free lunch to hundreds of low-income people, then held a press conference and a prayer service to oppose cuts in food stamps. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that in an average month one million poor unemployed individuals who are willing to work and would take a workfare job slot if one were available, could be denied food stamps. "People willing to work but unable to find a job should not be kicked off food stamps," said Rev. David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World.

The Pentecost events will include prayer vigils, soup lines and advocacy rallies at state capitols where state welfare plans are being crafted.