ECONOMIC JUSTICE: 60+ Catholic leaders sign call for a family friendly economy

from Faith in Public Life

Ed. Note: Pax Christi USA has signed onto this statement.

“It is Time to Build a More Humane, Just Economy That Strengthens the Family”

As Pope Francis continues his visit to the United States, more than 60 prominent Catholic leaders have signed a call echoing his words and highlighting the serious economic threats faced by American families and the need to respond with policies that will strengthen the family.

Signers include two retired Bishops, both former Presidents of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Presidents of the AFL-CIO and SEIU, key clergy, women religious and leaders of Catholic organizations across the country.

The letter says:

The essential role that families play is being threatened by the economic pressure and insecurity faced by countless families. Stagnant wages and diminished social mobility, combined with cuts to essential government programs, threaten the most vulnerable families. This economic exclusion too often is matched by social exclusion and a culture of indifference.

The signers call on Catholics to lead the way, working to ensure that children have access to genuine opportunity and all of their basic needs, from healthcare to a safe home to a good education.

John Gehring, Catholic Program Director at Faith in Public Life said “Pope Francis has made families the recurring theme of his visit to the US, highlighting them as a key foundation for establishing a society where communities flourish, everyone has a chance to fulfill his or her potential, and the common good reflects the dignity of all.”

The letter was released ahead of the pope’s culminating visit to the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, PA, this weekend.

Click here to read the full text of the letter.