US bishops distance themselves from social justice group Network

March 19, 2010

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has distanced itself from Network, which describes itself as “a progressive voice within the Catholic community that has been influencing Congress in favor of peace and justice.” On March 17, Network published the text of a letter in favor of Senate health care reform legislation; the signatories claimed to represent 59,000 women religious.

“A recent letter from Network, a social justice lobby of sisters, grossly overstated whom they represent in a letter to Congress that was also released to media,” the USCCB noted in a press release.

“Network’s letter, about health care reform, was signed by a few dozen people, and despite what Network said, they do not come anywhere near representing 59,000 American sisters. The letter had 55 signatories, some individuals, some groups of three to five persons. One endorser signed twice. There are 793 religious communities in the United States.”

“The math is clear,” the USCCB statement concluded. “Network is far off the mark.”

 

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Further information:

• Clarification (USCCB)
• Coalition of US nuns breaks with bishops, supports Senate health-care bill (CWN, 3/17)