Abstract
The church and its leadership continue to be prominent stakeholders in the war on poverty. From the early existence of the African-American Church, ecclesiastical leaders possessed great insight regarding the economic needs of constituents. Due to their unique position in the community, clergypersons have been on the frontline battlegrounds of poverty. Ecumenical leaders and their parishioners fought this war long before faithbased initiatives and funds were popular and available. Church budgets steered limited financial resources to meet needs and close gaps in the lives of the needy.