US bishops’ conference strongly criticizes CCHD critics

At least two years ago I spoke to our pastor about my concerns re CCHD. His immediate response was stern and informed me that he would rather believe the bishops than all the critics. Being non-confrontational, I backed off,but on reflection wished I could have been quick enough to respond, "So would I , but unfortunately in my experience not all bishops can be trusted."

It appears that the two bishops have learned nothing and are still in the "trust me" mode that cost the USCCB its credibility during the abuse scandals. If the bishops won't provide specifics to support their contention that the USCCB CCHD grants conform to Church teaching after past abuses, then they are further damaging trust in the U.S. Church.

It is also unfortunate that the USCCB chose to publically criticize an organization like the American Life League that works tirelessly to save the lives of unborn children.

I have campaigned against the Campaign for Human Development in my Diocese of San Bernardino, California for three years. To say that my efforts have been spectacularly unsuccessful would be greatly exaggerating my success. But, I am not the first to fail. When I discovered the community organization model of CCHD (then strongly ACORN-supportive) I thought I was Columbus discovering America. Imagine my surprise when I learned that others, particularly writers at “The Wanderer,” had been ringing this bell for ten years! The American Life League and Reform CCHD Now are currently mounting their offensives, and the USCCB is deflecting their efforts. Part of the reason for this failure is the limitation of the criticism of CCHD to doctrinal matters. The basic problem with the CCHD-community organization model is ideological. CCHD support for the neo-Marxist community organization model makes it inevitable that grantees will be aligned with partners who are at odds with Catholic doctrine. That is inescapable ideological arithmetic. The problem can only be solved by confronting the problem: the “direct action” community organization model devoted to “empowering” an underclass to seize its rightful share, instead of helping it to earn a truly entitled share. Forty years ago, the USCCB bought into the “Great Society” vision, and they absolutely refuse to abandon it. They don’t have to. Thousands upon thousands of Catholics throw dollars into the CCHD collection because they have no idea of what they are supporting. Catholics must come to grips with the reality that the basic problem is politico-ideological, not doctrinal.

The CCHD funds an IDEOLOGY which is totally incompatible with Catholicism: and they continue to be surprised by the inevitable results.

An organization [the USCCB] cannot criticize anyone. Despite the Supreme Court, an organization is not a person. If the sheep are bleating, it behooves the shepherds to address the problem, not to blame the sheep. I think the shepherds have not yet realized how bad is their reputation after their negligence during the sex scandals. Why should one believe them now, or the spokes "persons" of their bureaucracy? "The road to hell is paved with the skulls of bishops" said St. John Chrysostom.

While many dioceses are having to reduce & reorganize parishes, personnel, and properties, it is equally sensible for the USCCB to do likewise. The CCHD competes for the same dollars that better Catholic organizations need, re: lay contributions. The bishops should reduce the competition & eliminate duplication of effort.