Liberal group sees 'McCarthyism' in criticism of CCHD
June 11, 2013
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Critics of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) are engaged in “McCarthyism” that interferes with the Church’s efforts to help the poor, according to a report from a Washington-based liberal group.
The CCHD, the official poverty-fighting effort of the US bishops’ conference, has drawn criticism for decades because of its ties to radical organizations that attack Church teachings on issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage. But a 24-page essay released by Faith in Public Life complains that these criticisms are examples of “guilt by association and other tactics from the McCarthy-era playbook.”
“A small but well-financed network has emerged as a relentless opponent of the bishops’ social justice campaign, which has long been recognized as one of the most influential funders of grassroots community organizing,” charges the report.
The report, entitled “Be Not Afraid,” is endorsed by dozens of prominent Catholic individuals and organizations, including two past presidents of the US bishops’ conference: Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza of Houston and Bishop William Skylstad of Spokane (both now retired). The statement is also endorsed by a number of former staff members of the US bishops’ conference.
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Further information:
- Report: ‘Catholic McCarthyism’ threatens bishops’ anti-poverty push (RNS)
- “Be Not Afraid” (Faith in Public Life)
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Posted by: -
Jun. 11, 2013 10:02 PM ET USA
Fortunately, these old leftist and dissenting war horses and FORMER USCCB staffers are fading away.
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Posted by: jacquebquique5708 -
Jun. 11, 2013 7:45 PM ET USA
The CCHD without a doubt has been infiltrated by Marxism. To state otherwise is naïve. To call it McCarthyism is disingenuous and manipulative.
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Posted by: rpp -
Jun. 11, 2013 7:09 PM ET USA
When you cannot defend a position on its merits, then engage in name-calling. A tried and true tactic.
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Posted by: Ken -
Jun. 11, 2013 6:39 PM ET USA
Not one thin dime from me. A corrupt organization from its roots up.
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Posted by: AgnesDay -
Jun. 11, 2013 5:41 PM ET USA
Well, call me late for dinner if you like. CCHD will not receive a sou from this family until they stop funding the deliberate political disintegration of the United States. Your notes on the endorsements to this document are very telling indeed. We will find other causes to support in the meantime.
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Posted by: bruno -
Jun. 11, 2013 3:52 PM ET USA
So, does this mean that they are above criticism? That they have no need for periodic internal review of their associations or potential scandal they might cause? And exactly how is the criticism interfering with there attempts to help the poor? This appears to be a rather thin skinned response to pointed criticism that ought to help correct and refine their work rather than dismantle it.