Leaders of 11 Catholic human services providers from the Archdiocese
of Cincinnati are calling on lawmakers to protect the poor from the
“fiscal cliff” by safeguarding funding to the programs that serve those
in need.
The agencies reminded politicians that "it is through a partnership
with an adequate federal safety net that the tireless work of our
Catholic and all agencies, volunteers, and contributors can more
effectively serve those in crisis."
The consortium of agencies said it believes the best arrangement is for
government and private religious groups to work together so that “we
can more confidently guide those who are struggling to become
self-sufficient, so everyone may fully realize the human dignity that
God has given us all.”
In a policy statement presented at a Dec. 5 news conference, leaders of
Catholic social aid groups repeated the call for federal budget
discussions to establish a “circle of protection” around poverty aid
programs.
In particular, they said, the needs of the poor must be remembered in
discussions surrounding the impending “fiscal cliff” that the country
will face in the form of automatic spending cuts and tax increases if
Congress cannot agree on a deficit reduction plan by the end of the
year.
Among the organizations represented in the statement were Catholic
Charities of Southwestern Ohio, the St. Vincent de Paul Society of
Cincinnati, St. Joseph Orphanage, Catholic Residential Services and
Healthy Moms & Babes.
Led by Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr of Cincinnati, they stressed the
need for both “personal and social responsibility” in addressing the
challenges posed by current levels of poverty and unemployment.
Representatives from the agencies also offered comments on the impact
that their organizations – working together with government programs –
are able to make by serving those in need, regardless of faith.
These services include crisis counseling, job training, educational
programs and mental health services, as well as food, shelter and
emergency assistance, migration services and support for difficult
pregnancies.
“The programs included in the ‘circle of protection’ are not at odds
with good fiscal policy and a strong economy,” said Liz Carter,
executive director of St. Vincent de Paul, Cincinnati. “Rather, they are
perfectly aligned to the long-term goals that are so important to
building strong, vibrant communities and a strong nation.”
With nearly half a million Catholics, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati
covers 19 counties and includes 214 parishes and 114 Catholic primary
and secondary schools.
“Combined, our Catholic human service agencies served over 415,000
people last year, totaling over $90 million in assistance to those whom
Jesus Christ commands us to serve," the agencies noted in their
statement.
However, they stressed, even with this tremendous impact, “(a)ll of our
agencies together, even in conjunction with the many other secular and
faith-based agencies in our communities, cannot meet the material needs
of everyone."
Therefore, they explained, Catholic assistance groups in the
archdiocese act “in partnership with essential government programs that
provide a reasonable safety net to those in crisis while they work to
get back on their feet.”
“This is particularly important during our lingering economic downturn,” they observed.
The agencies pointed to three principles offered by the U.S. bishops to guide budget decisions.
These include assessing each budget decision by “whether it protects or
threatens human life and dignity” and how it affects “the least of
these,” making the needs of the poor, unemployed, hungry and homeless a
priority.
Furthermore, the bishops have pointed to a “shared responsibility”
between government and other institutions to “promote the common good of
all,” particularly workers and families struggling to “live in a manner
worthy of their dignity in difficult economic times.”
The Catholic agencies echoed the bishops' acknowledgment that it is in
the best interest of the country to “address the impact of long-term
deficits on the health of the economy and on future generations,” as
well as to efficiently and effectively use the limited resources
available.
“However, this important goal must not be achieved at the expense of
the dignity of the poor and vulnerable at home and abroad,” they said.