THE NEEDY, THE POOR -- AND CHURCHES

Churches are making headlines. In the wake of the welfare reform, they are stepping up efforts to help the needy, sick and poor, says an Associated Press report.

Wait a minute. Churches have always helped the needy, sick and poor. It has been a mission far longer than welfare reform in America.

In fact, churches were once the main source of welfare long before government stepped in -- providing hot meals, clothing drives and even homeless shelters.

Some churches today are gaining publicity from increased one-on-one counseling programs. But that's a role pastors and parishioners have filled for many years.

Churches reaching out to help those in need isn't new. With welfare reform, churches and communities will no doubt fill the gaps of helping local people. And that's as it should be.