Pledging to mobilize prayers throughout the state, California religious leaders will urge Gov. Gray Davis to sign United Farm Worker-backed legislation that would help farm workers win the promise of labor contracts with a news conference at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 23 at the site of the UFW's daily vigil on the north steps of the state Capitol (11th & L Sts.).

A delegation will deliver a letter to the governor's office signed by religious leaders from across the state which offers the "prayers of millions of faithful Californians who yearn that the justice of God may indeed become reflected in the laws of the state".

"We are able to reach over 5000 congregations through our combined networks," says Scott Anderson, Executive Director of the California Council of Churches. "Prayers will be offered this weekend at services and in homes throughout the state."

Expressing the concern of religious leaders from all faith traditions for the rights of the poor and the vulnerable, "we are asking Gov. Davis," said Ned Dolesji, Executive Director of the California Catholic Conference of Bishops, "to sign the legislation which could help end the exploitation of farm workers that has been commonplace in California for years".

Who: Bishop Richard Garcia, Diocese of Sacramento, Rev. Dr. Gwynne Guibord, President, California Council of Churches, Marc Carlson, Director Lutheran Office of Public Policy, Sr.Francisca Olvera, National Farm Worker Ministry, Ned Dolesji, Scott Anderson, and other CA religious leaders.

What: News conference appealing to Governor Davis to sign farm worker legislation followed by delegation delivering letter to the Governor's office.

When: 11 a.m., Monday, Sept. 23, 2002

Where: UFW vigil at state Capitol's north steps, 11th and L Sts.