Economic Power Focus of Religious Conference in San Francisco

San Francisco, Calif. (KCBS)  -- Religious leaders from around California are meeting in San Francisco for the next few days to discuss ways to bring more economic justice to those in need.

In fact the conference is titled, "Building a Faith-based Movement for Economic Justice," noted KCBS reporter Barbara Taylor. She said discussions ranged from minimum wage to health care.

"We think this conference will really inspire, educate and train people so that we can go forward," said Alexia Salvatiera, a Lutheran pastor from Los Angeles. Her interfaith group is trying improve wages and benefits for hotel workers, security guards and Wal Mart employees.

Rabbi Laurie Koski of San Diego agrees that the moral power that comes from religion, can make a difference. "We use the term, economic justice, because justice is a religious term, so it's less of a political buzzword when used in a faith-based way. It means God's will for us on earth," she said.