Catholic Relief Services seen as a virtual arm of the US government
October 09, 2013
Surveying the dispute over Catholic Relief Services (CRS)—an organization that has been criticized by pro-life groups for alliances with abortion advocates, but strongly defended by the US bishops—Stephanie Block concludes that the organization’s fundamental problem is its heavy reliance on federal funds.
It is true, as the US bishops’ conference insists, that CRS does not advocate abortion or contraception, Block says. But the bishops’ overseas charity receives most of its funding from the federal government, and therefore chooses its programs and partnerships with an eye to federal policies. Block writes:
The point being made is that the organization is no longer under the control of the bishops, in any meaningful way, but for all practical purposes has become a government front.
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Further information:
- What is going on with Catholic Relief Services? (Spero)
- New critique of CRS shows numerous grants to organizations supporting abortion, contraception (CWN, 10/2)
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Posted by: Defender -
Oct. 10, 2013 11:47 AM ET USA
The problem with CRS is consistent with how the USCCB and individual bishops have focused on only a few areas of concern, while ignoring or giving lip-service to CINO politicians (most of whom are Democrats), colleges, sisters/priests/bishops and hospitals that continue to give scandal. These are all serious problems which the Church fails to address and the CINO laity and clergy take full advantage of, as the number of real Catholics grow increasingly more numb.
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Posted by: Bernadette -
Oct. 10, 2013 1:42 AM ET USA
Steve Mosher's Population Research Institute has called them out, too. Contact pop.org for more information.
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Posted by: [email protected] -
Oct. 09, 2013 6:44 PM ET USA
The CRS has been a arm of government government ever since most of its support comes from government. Can't hide that any longer just like they can't hide CCHD problems any longer.
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Posted by: unum -
Oct. 09, 2013 6:39 PM ET USA
The USCCB bishops have a serious problem with CRS' fidelity to Church teaching. They have known about the problem and have had the facts for years. One can only conclude that USCCB governance is ineffective, reflecting badly on Cardinal Dolan and the other leaders of the US Church, as well as the Vatican, for their lack of action. The bishops exhort the laity to follow Christ in their words and actions, but they do not lead by example. ALL is doing God's work by calling them out!
