2005 Poverty Truth Commission, New York City
The Poverty Initiative held its first Poverty Truth Commission (PTC) on April 15, 2005. Inspired by Truth Commissions held in South Africa, Peru and other countries around the world, the 2005 PTC was established to hear the stories of those whose lives are in jeopardy due to poverty. The effects of poverty include: lack of health care, housing, adequate food, education, or living wage jobs. Programming also included an interfaith prayer service, four workshops, and a community organizational fair and art show. Prominent religious, academic, and community leaders heard and responded to these testimonies, which represented the stories of millions living in poverty in America.
2005 Commissioners
2005 Commissioners
- Rev. James Forbes,Riverside Church
- Rev. Bob Edgar, National Council of Churches in Christ
- Theologian Ivone Gebara
- Theologian Luise Schottroff
- Theologian Gabriella Letini
- Joseph Hough, Union Theological Seminary
- Yance Shelton, Call to Renewal
- Traci West, Drew University
- Noelle Damico, School of Theology of the University of the Poor
- Cheri Honkala, Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign
- The Right Rev. Sisk, New York Episcopal Diocese
- Rev. Earl Kooperkamp, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.
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