International Justice and Peace

"The New Evangelization calls on every baptized person to be a peacemaker."

- Pope Francis

Mission & Identity

The Office of International Justice & Peace is part of the Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development.

The Office assists the bishops in advancing the social mission of the Church, especially in its advocacy for policies that advance justice, defend human dignity and protect poor and vulnerable communities around the world.

IJP: Working on the Margins

Comments on the Renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement
Bishop Frank J. Dewane and Bishop Oscar Cantú submit comments to the U.S. Trade Representative outlining moral principles to be considered in the evaluation of any proposed trade deal.

Iraq and Syria Genocide Emergency Relief and Accountability Act
In a letter to Senators Corker and Cardin, Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Bishop Oscar Cantú expresses support for the Iraq and Syria Genocide Emergency Relief and Accountability Act.  He notes that the legislation appropriately focuses on atrocities being committed against Christians and other religious and ethnic minorities in the Middle East.

Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act of 2017
Bishop Oscar Cantú writes to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to express support for the Elie Wiesel Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act of 2017 and for appropriations to implement conflict management and mitigation programs.

Famine in Yemen
Bishop Oscar Cantú urges Congress to support diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to alleviate a major famine in Yemen.

The Federal Budget is a Moral Document
In a letter to Congress, the chairs of six USCCB committees write to reaffirm that the federal budget is a moral document with profound implications for the common good of our nation and world.

Our Shared Obligation to Care for the Environment
In joint letters with Catholic Relief Services, Bishops Cantú and Dewane and Mr. Sean Callahan write to National Security Advisor McMaster and Secretary of the Treasury Mnuchin to reaffirm the importance of U.S. Leadership and urge continued commitment to the Paris agreement and noting that funding for climate change related adaptation and mitigation programs as part of the agreement is urgently needed.

Church's Concerns on the Growing Political Crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Bishop Oscar Cantú writes to Secretary of State Tillerson to express the Church's concerns and to share a statement by the DRC Catholic Bishops' Conference.

Protect International Poverty-reducing Humanitarian and Development Assistance Programs
In a letter to Congress, Bishop Oscar Cantú and Mr. Sean Callahan urge members of the Senate and House of Representatives Appropriations Committees to protect international poverty-reducing humanitarian and development assistance programs in the FY 2017 and FY 2018 State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs appropriations.

Iraq and Syria Genocide Emergency Relief and Accountability Act
Bishop Oscar Cantú writes to Representatives Smith and Eshoo to commend their efforts to advance legislation that appropriately focuses on atrocities being committed against Christians and other religious and ethnic minorities in the Middle East.

Letters to Secretary of Commerce and to U.S. Trade Representative Regarding Trade Agreements
In joint letters, Bishops Oscar Cantú and Frank J. Dewane write to Secretary of Commerce Ross and to U.S. Trade Representative Lighthizer commending the President's decision to withdraw the United States from further consideration of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and outlining moral principles for evaluation of proposed trade deals.

Letter to Congress on the Moral and Human Dimensions of the Federal Budget
Addressing the moral and human dimensions of the Federal Budget, chairs of six policy committees of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops write to Congress to offer moral criteria to help guide decision making.

Solidarity with the Church in South Sudan
Expressing solidarity and concern in light of the continued violence in South Sudan, Bishop Cantú writes to the President of the Sudan Catholic Bishops' Conference in response to Bishop Edouardo Hiiboro Kussala's Pastoral Message of February 19, 2017.

Solidarity with the Catholic Church in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Bishop Oscar Cantú writes to Archbishop Marcel Utembi Tapa, President of the Congo Catholic Bishops' Conference, to renew expression of the USCCB's solidarity and concern in light of the recent outbreak of violence against the Catholic  Church in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Keep the Conflict Minerals Rule Intact and Enforced
In a letter to the Acting Chairman Piwowar, Bishop Oscar Cantú urges the Securities and Exchange Commission to keep the Conflict Minerals Rule related to Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act fully intact and enforced.

Our Shared Obligation to Care for the Environment
Chairs of the Committee on International Justice and Peace and the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development in collaboration with Mr. Sean Callahan, President and CEO of Catholic Relief Services write to Secretary of State Tillerson about our shared obligation to care for the environment.

Protect International Poverty-reducing Humanitarian and Development Assistance Programs
In a joint letter to Congress, Bishop Oscar Cantú, Bishop Joe Vásquez and Mr. Sean L. Callahan urge the members of the Congress to maintain a robust top line funding level for the FY 2018 State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs.

Congo Conflict Minerals Act
Bishop Oscar Cantú writes to Acting National Security Advisor Kellogg to urge the President not to issue an Executive Order that would suspend the rules related to the Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act and with this suspension an effort to delink conflict, violence, and the resultant suffering from the international trade in minerals. 

Nuclear Disarmament and the Safety and Security of the Nation and the World
Bishop Oscar Cantú writes to Secretary of State Tillerson stating that it is imperative that we move systematically and relentlessly toward nuclear disarmament and the securing of nuclear materials.

Solidarity at the Service of All People in the Middle East
The chairmen of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Committees on Migration, Religious Liberty and International Justice and Peace, along with the board of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) issued a joint statement expressing solidarity with Christians and all those who suffer in the Middle East. 

Letter to Secretary of State Regarding Recent Solidarity Visit to Israel and Palestine
Bishop Oscar Cantú, in a letter to newly appointed Secretary of State Tillerson, offers insights on Israel and Palestine based on his recent solidarity visit.

Take Action Now!: In Solidarity with Refugees
In solidarity with refugees, write to the President and Congress.

Media News Release: Response to Executive Order on Refugees
In Response to executive order on refugees, USCCB Chairmen express solidarity with Muslim community and deep concern over religious freedom issues.

Media News Release: In Opposition to Congressional Review Action to Repeal Transparency in Extractive Industries
Bishop Oscar Cantú urges Congress to reject a Congressional Review Act that would repeal rules designed to institute greater transparency and accountability in the payments that oil and mining companies make to foreign governments.

Iraq and Syria Genocide Emergency Relief and Accountability Act of 2017
The Chairs of the Committee on International Justice and Peace and Committee on Migration write to Representatives Smith and Eshoo commending the introduction of H.R. 390, the "Iraq and Syria Genocide Emergency Relief and Accountability Act of 2017."

Fifty Year of Occupation Demands Action
On January 18th, the Coordination of Bishops' Conferences in Support of the Church in the Holy Land issued a statement calling for action in response to the occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza.

Joint Letter to Congress Regarding Fiscal Year 2017 State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations
Bishop Oscar Cantú and Dr. Carolyn Woo, President of Catholic Relief Services, write to Congress requesting that as they work to finalize the State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations, they ensure ongoing U.S. leadership to help those living in situations of poverty, violence, and marginalization.

Letter of Support for the Iraq and Syria Genocide Relief and Accountability Act of 2016
In a letter to Congress, Bishop Oscar Cantú commends legislation that seeks to help those harmed by genocide.

Letter to Secretary of State on Injustices Against Palestinians
In a September 16th letter to Secretary Kerry, Bishop Oscar Cantú decries the injustices perpetrated against Palestinians by the Israeli government in the West Bank village of Susya.

Joint Declaration of U.S./Iranian Religious Leaders
Bishop Oscar Cantú and Theodore Cardinal McCarrick along with members of the Society of Qom Seminary Scholars issue a joint declaration citing the immorality of developing weapons of mass destruction, opposition to acts of terrorism, and condemnation of forced expulsion of people from their homelands.

Colloquium on Catholic Approaches to Nuclear Proliferation and Disarmament
Bishop Robert McElroy participates on a panel during a colloquium organized to explore current Catholic approaches to non-proliferation and disarmament in the context of the wider religious, ethical and policy debate.

Conflict and Peace Building
In a letter to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Bishop Oscar Cantú expresses his support for the Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act of 2016 and urging increased U.S. investments in conflict prevention.

Faith and Science Leader Agree:  Reduce the Threat of Nuclear Catastrophe Now
Recognizing that nuclear weapons remain a real and urgent threat to humanity and our planet, Bishop Cantú signs on behalf of the USCCB an agreement urging President Obama to take meaningful, practical nuclear risk-reductions steps.

Pursuing Peace and Strengthening Presence:  The Atlanta Summit of Churches in the USA and the Holy Land
Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Fouad Twal and Bishop Oscar Cantú, Chairman of the USCCB Committee on International Justice and Peace were among the 100 US and Palestinian Christian leaders who met at the Carter Center in Atlanta for a summit about the plight of Palestinians and crafted a document calling for a  just peace and lasting political solution in the Holy Land.

In Solidarity with the Church in Honduras
After the slaying of activist Berta Cáceres, Bishop Oscar Cantú writes to Secretary of State Kerry to share the concerns of his fellow bishops in Honduras.  He also writes to Cardinal  Óscar Rodríguez Maradiaga to express the solidarity of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops with the Church and people of Honduras.

In Solidarity with the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church
Sharing with Secretary of State Kerry a statement issued by the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Bishop Oscar Cantú writes to call attention to the role of communities of faith at the forefront of the struggle for freedom, self-determination and justice in Ukraine.

International Religious Freedom
In a letter to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the United States House of Representatives, Bishop Oscar Cantú urges the committee members to take swift action to pass legislation to help advance international religious freedom and  protect those who find themselves persecuted because of their faith.

Tell Congress to press Israel to stop confiscation of Christian lands in Cremisan Valley
As the wall moves and constricts more and more communities in the West Bank, the possibility of a future two-state resolution becomes less likely, putting both Palestinians and Israeli citizens at risk. Take action now. . . .

Funding Poverty-reducing Humanitarian and Development Assistance
In a joint letter from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and from Catholic Relief Services,  Bishop Oscar Cantú and Dr. Carolyn Woo write to Congress to request robust funding of international poverty-reducing humanitarian and development assistance in Fiscal Year 2017.

Solidarity with the Church in Haiti
Bishop Oscar Cantú writes with Secretary of State Kerry to share a recent statement issued by the Haitian Bishops' Conference (CEH) and to express concern regarding the unsettled political situation in Haiti.  He also writes to His Eminence Cardinal Chibly Langlois, President of CEH to express the solidarity of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops with the Church and people of Haiti.

Letter to Secretary of State on Peace Regarding Continued Work for Peace in the Middle East
In a January 20, 2016 letter to Secretary Kerry, Bishop Oscar Cantú writes to urge the United States to build on the achievement of the adoption of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action by the U.S. and its P5+1 partners with Iran and to pursue peace in Syria and to Strengthen political stability in Lebanon and the regions.

Letter to National Security Advisor Rice Regarding Resolving the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Bishop Oscar Cantú writes to Ambassador Susan Rice, National Security Advisor, on  January 20, 2016 to bring attention to the urgency of resolving the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Statement of the Co-ordination of Bishops' Conferences in Support of the Church in the Holy Land
In a January 14, 2016 statement, entitled You Are Not Forgotten, the Coordination of Bishops' Conferences in support of the Church in the Holy Land seek to reassure all in the Holy Land who seek peace that they are not forgotten.

Joint Letter to Secretary of State Offering Support of Efforts to Encourage Peace in Burundi
Bishop Oscar Cantú and Dr. Carolyn Woo write to thank Secretary of State Kerry for his attention to and concern about the growing unrest in Burundi.  They offered support for efforts to encourage peace and to share on-the-ground insights.

Joint Letters to Congress and U.S. Department of State on Climate Change and Reduction of Carbon Emission
In advance of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, Archbishop Wenski, Bishop Cantú, Sr. Donna Markham, and Dr. Carolyn Woo write to Congress and to the U.S. Department of State to urge U.S leadership in addressing climate change by supporting global commitments to reduce carbon emissions.

Letter to the Senate Requesting Support for Emergency Appropriations for Middle East Refugees
Bishop Cantú and Dr. Carolyn Woo write to the Senate to request support for the Middle East Refugee Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2016 to address the crisis in Syria and its spillover.

USCCB Shows Concern for Christian Schools in Israel
Bishop Cantú writes to Ambassador Dermer to express concern about the challenges confronting Christian schools in Israel.

The Pope and the Bomb: New Nuclear Dangers and Moral Dilemmas
Bishop Oscar Cantú discusses Catholic Social teaching on nuclear weapons  at an event co-sponsored by the University of Notre Dame's Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies.  Please view the event by visiting the Catholic Peace Building Network website.

Congressional Testimony On Challenges to Religious Freedom in the Americas
Testimony is submitted to the House Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere to raise awareness of the challenges to religious freedom in Latin American countries.

Representatives Fortenberry and Eshoo Commended for Sponsoring Genocide Resolution
In a letter regarding H.Con.Res. 75, the "Genocide" resolution, Bishop Cantú commends a resolution that heightens awareness of, and draws much needed attention to, the ongoing atrocities being committed against Christians and other religious and ethnic minorities in many parts of the Middle East, but especially in Iraq and Syria

USCCB and Catholic Relief Services Urge Support of the Compromise Peace Agreement in South Sudan
In a joint letter to Secretary of State Kerry and National Security Advisor Rice, Bishop Oscar Cantú and Dr. Carolyn Woo urge the U.S. government to take measures to support and incentivize the implementation of the Compromise Peace Agreement between the opposing parties in the conflict in South Sudan.

USCCB Urges Congress to Reauthorize the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom
Bishop Oscar Cantú writes to Congress in support of USCIRF, noting that the Catholic Church views protection of religious freedom as a "cornerstone of the structure of human rights" since it is rooted in the dignity of the human person.

Letter to Secretary Kerry Protesting Israeli Confiscation of Cremisan Valley Land
Bishop Oscar Cantú writes to Secretary of State Kerry regarding the injustice being perpetrated in the Cremisan Valley near Bethlehem in the Occupied Palestinian Territories as Israel works to build a separation wall.

Mass at Urakami Cathedral in Nagasaki Japan on the 70th Anniversary of the Bombings
Bishop Oscar Cantú delivers a homily for a mass on peace and a world without nuclear weapons marking the 70th anniversary of the dropping of the atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan.

Bishop Cantú Welcomes P5+1/Iran Nuclear Agreement
In a letter to Congress, Bishop Cantu welcomes the momentous agreement reached between the United States and its P5+1 partners with Iran.  He calls the agreement a significant achievement which aims to curb Iran’s development of nuclear weapons while allowing them to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. 

Support for Amendment to the FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Act Prohibiting the  Use of Torture
In a letter to the Senate, Bishop Oscar Cantú expressed support for an amendment offered by Senators John McCain and Dianne Fienstein that would prohibit all U.S. government agencies and their agents from using torture as an interrogation technique.

Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Review Conference
Writing to Secretary of State Kerry, Bishop Cantú urges that the United States do its part to ensure the success of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Review Conference.

The Use of Armed Drones in Targeted Killings
In a letter to National Security Advisor Susan Rice, Bishop Cantú offers for consideration a policy framework on the use of armed drones in targeted killings.

End Extreme Poverty Now:  Working Together with the Poor
A conference was held on April 28, 2015 at The Catholic University of America's Institute for Policy Research and Catholic Studies featuring keynotes by two leading poverty experts: His Excellency Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Apostolic Nuncio, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations and Mr. Alex Thier, Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Policy, Planning and Learning, U.S. Agency for International Development. 

International Religious Freedom Act
Bishop Oscar Cantú urges the U.S. House of Representatives to support and pass the Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2015 as an important first step in improving the ability of our nation to advance religious freedom globally.

Nuclear Disarmament
Bishop Oscar Cantú discusses the abolition of nuclear weapons at the Nuclear Weapons and the Moral Compass event at the United Nations.

Iran
Bishop Oscar Cantú writes to Secretary of State Kerry  and to Congress welcoming the adoption of a framework by the Unites States and its P5+1 partners with Iran over Iran's nuclear program.

In a letter to congressional leaders, Bishop Cantú urges support for the United States and its P5 + 1 partners in their ongoing dialogue with Iran over its nuclear program.

Extractives Industry
Bishop CantúI writes to express solidarity with and support for the Consejo Episcopal Latinoamericano (CELAM) in its petition for a hearing before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) on the human rights implications of extractive industries in that region.

Protecting the Poor and Vulnerable in the FY 2016 Appropriations Bill
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Relief Services and Catholic Charities USA, in a joint letter to the Senate and House Committees on Appropriations, urge Congress to resist cuts to both domestic and international food aid, as well as conservation and rural development programs.

In written testimony, Bishop Cantú urges the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs to preserve funding for international poverty-reducing humanitarian and development accounts that address factors that cause or exacerbate poverty such as health, infrastructure, armed conflict, and forced migration.

Religious Persecution
Before the Senate Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs of the Committee on Appropriations, Bishop Oscar Cantú testifies on religious persecution with a focus on the Middle East.

Funding for International Poverty-reducing Humanitarian and Development Assistance
In a letter to the Senate and House Subcommittees on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, Bishop Oscar Cantú and Dr. Carolyn Woo request robust funding to address global poverty.

Federal Budget Resolution for FY2016
In a letter to Congress, Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski and Bishop Oscar Cantú address the moral and human dimensions of the federal budget and urge protection of programs that serve poor and vulnerable people.

In Response to the Murder of Coptic Christians in Libya
Archbishop Kurtz and Bishop Cantú write to President Obama and to Congressional Leaders Concerning Religious Freedom Violations in the Middle East and the Authorization for Use of Military Force currently pending before Congress.

National Interreligious Leadership Inititiative for Peace in the Middle East Writes to President Obama
In a letter to President Obama, religious leaders urge the United States, in coordination with the Quartet, to present a framework for negotiating a two-state peace agreement between Israel and Palestine.

Torture
In an interview with Vatican Radio, Bishop Oscar Cantú states that intelligence-gathering techniques outlined in the Senate report violate basic moral principals.

Bishop Cantú writes to Congress Regarding the Cremisan Valley
In a letter to the Chairs and Ranking Members of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Bishop Oscar Cantú urges them to intervene with the Israeli government regarding their ongoing efforts to construct a barrier in the Cremisan Valley.

Statement of the Co-ordination of Bishops' Conferences in Support of the Church in the Holy Land
Bishop Oscar Cantú joined the annual meeting of bishops in the Holy Land and participated in the drafting of a statement calling for human dignity as the basis of peace.

Cuba
Bishop Oscar Cantú writes to congressional leaders of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs to express support for the changes to the U.S. trade and travel embargo against Cuba announced by President Obama.

News Release:  Bishop Cantú welcomes release of Alan Gross and change to U.S. policy toward Cuba.

Guantanamo
Bishop Oscar Cantú writes to the Special Envoy for Guantanamo Closure regarding the expedited transfer of cleared detainees.

Letter to Ambassador of Israel to the United States
Bishop Cantú writes to Ambassador Dermer to offer condolences and to condemn the terrible murders and malicious injuring of worshippers at prayer in the synagogue in Har Nof, Jerusalem. He writes that innocent civilians should never be the direct targets of violent attacks and houses of worship ought to be respected as sacred sanctuaries.

Ebola Outbreak
Bishop Pates and Dr. Carolyn Woo, President of Catholic Relief Services, write to congressional leaders asking them to support proven efforts and responses in the fight against ebola.

In a letter to the National Security Council, Bishop Pates and Dr. Carolyn Woo, President of Catholic Relief Services have welcomed the expanded response to the outbreak of the Ebola virus in West Africa.

U.S. Bishops Affirm Power of Prayer for Israeli-Palestinian Peace Following Pilgrimage to Holy Land │ News Release
U.S. bishops affirmed that prayer is powerful, peace is possible and that support for a two-state solution is an essential dimension of pursuing Israeli-Palestinian peace in a September 22 communique, following a Prayer Pilgrimage for Peace in the Holy Land. 

Nuclear Weapons
In a letter to Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz, Bishop Pates expresses concern over the expanding U.S. budget for nuclear weapons.

Africa
Letter to U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan Regarding Pastoral Message of Hope from the Catholic Bishops' Conference of South Sudan
Bishop Richard E. Pates, October 22, 2014

Letter to Ambassador Feingold Regarding the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Bishop Richard E. Pates, October 16, 2014

Central America
Returning from a solidarity trip to Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, Bishop Pates recently wrote to Secretary Kerry to emphasize the need for integral development in the region over militarized assistance. He also raised concerns over trade policy and the extractive mining in those countries.

Crisis in Gaza and Israel
Statement Issued by National Interreligious Leadership Initiative for Peace in the Middle East (NILI)
On the Ceasefire in Gaza and the Need to Renew Negotiations for a Two-State  Peace Agreement, August 14, 2014

International Assistance
Letter to Senate on Cargo Preference Regarding U.S. Flagged Ships
Bishop Richard E. Pates and Dr. Carolyn Woo, May 28, 2014

Iran
Shia religious leaders in Iran and bishops of the USCCB have signed a joint declaration affirming their commitment to peaceful coexistence and condemning the use of indiscriminate weapons.

In a letter to Congressional leadership, Bishop Pates encourages Congress to pursue the path of engagement and negotiation with Iran in order to reach a resolution to concerns over Iran's nuclear program.

Crisis in Iraq
Archbishop Kurtz has written to President Obama: Plight of Religious Minorities in Iraq Requires Increased Support

Bishop Pates has written National Security Advisor Rice to raise the urge concerns of the bishops of Iraq and urge humanitarian assistance for Christians and other religious minorities there.Landmines

In a letter to National Security Advisor Rice, Bishop Pates urges the Administration to exercise leadership by signing and ratifying the Mine Ban Treaty. The Church calls for a ban on landmines, which cause indiscriminate, irreparable and long-term harm.

Torture and CIA Interrogation Practices
In an interview with Vatican Radio, Bishop Oscar Cantú states that intelligence-gathering techniques outlined in the Senate report violate basic moral principals.

Bishop Pates applauds the U.S. Senators urging declassification of Intelligence Committee information on torture, a serious debasement of human dignity.

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