USCCB urges Catholics to lobby on behalf of anti-poverty programs
September 27, 2011
The Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is urging Catholics to lobby on behalf of anti-poverty programs by contacting members of the congressional “super committee” charged with the task of reducing the federal deficit.
“Tell the Deficit ‘Super Committee’ and your members of Congress that rising poverty at home and abroad requires them to protect programs that serve poor and vulnerable people,” the USCCB action alert states.
The action alert continues:
The Census Bureau recently reported that the number of people living in poverty in this country increased to over 46 million. This is the highest number of people in poverty ever recorded by the Bureau. Almost one in four children in this country lives in poverty. Drought and famine continue to ravage East Africa. According to the State Department almost 13 million need emergency assistance.
The Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (“Super Committee”) has begun meeting in an attempt to reduce the federal deficit by $1.5 trillion over the next ten years. Programs that serve poor and vulnerable people at home and abroad are in danger of receiving devastating and disproportionate cuts.
In addition, the USCCB joined Catholic Relief Services in declaring September 26 a “national day of action” for calling Congress on behalf of international anti-poverty assistance.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- U.S. Poverty hits record high. . . Famine hits East Africa. . . (USCCB)
- The Deficit “Super Committee” and Protecting Poor People at Home and Abroad (USCCB)
- Monday, September 26: National Day of Action (Catholics Confront Global Poverty)
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
-
Posted by: Thomas429 -
Oct. 01, 2011 1:36 PM ET USA
I contribute directly to St. Vincent DePaul, Battered Woman's Center, and food bank rather than " Catholic Charities", many of their activities have been questionable at best.
-
Posted by: seewig -
Sep. 28, 2011 12:02 AM ET USA
I looked up the data of the report on poverty,(Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2010) p. 62, based on the last census. And as much I truly have a "heart" for poor people (of all kinds), I cannot fathom that 46 million Americans live below the poverty line. What is the poverty line. And who decides where the poverty line is. It looks to me like politically expeditious. Besides, was the Census based on peoples' own responses? Doesn't look right to me. Otto
-
Posted by: BobJ70777069 -
Sep. 27, 2011 8:55 PM ET USA
Jesus didn't say, "Vote for government programs to support the poor." He said, "Whatever YOU DO for the least of these..." Personal care for, and of, the poor has two beneficiaries, the recipient and the giver. The benefit to the receiver is obvious. The benefit to the giver is in the merit from the work of charity. Turning everything over to government programs that forcibly redistribute wealth robs the receiver of his will to succeed and the giver of the rewards of his action.
-
Posted by: jimr451 -
Sep. 27, 2011 8:46 PM ET USA
Let's see - their own statement affirms that poverty is at an all time high, after decades of so-called "anti-poverty" programs. I'd really rather give my money to Catholic charities - I think their anti-poverty programs are far more effective than the US government. I wonder if the USCCB disagrees?
