Money taboos

Nothing makes people squirm in the pew more than the topic of money. Yet more and more, churches are raising the issue of household budgets, especially as families cope with unemployment, underemployment and continuing layoffs in a tough economy.

A curriculum gaining steam is called "Lazarus at the Gate," which challenges families to talk about money's ties to morality and how they can spend their funds in better ways for greater impact in the world.

Participants share household budgets, which they place in the larger context of moral responsibility. The ecumenical Boston Faith and Justice Network shares the curriculum upon request.