Christian leaders asked, and the presidential nominees answered. The poverty rate in America is still at a staggering 15 percent and 46.2 million Americans remain in poverty — what is your plan to address the problem?

The Circle of Protection, composed of Christian leaders from across the religious spectrum, released President Barack Obama's and GOP nominee Mitt Romney's video responses today at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

"For years Christians have been separated by elections, but finally, we have a common ground moral issue: poverty," said Jim Wallis, president and CEO of Sojourners. "… It’s because of this unprecedented unity around those whom Jesus called ‘the least of these’ that the Presidential candidates felt they had to respond.”

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"We are calling on religious leaders and all people of faith to listen carefully to what the candidates have to say and when voting be mindful of the least among us," said Rev. David Beckman, president of Bread for the World. "Voting is a sacred obligation; supporting candidates who have demonstrated their commitment to reducing hunger and poverty is integral to good stewardship."

Sandi Villarreal is Associate Web Editor for Sojourners. You can follow her on Twitter @Sandi.