Mandate and Goals for the Committee on International Justice and Peace

The committee assists the bishops, both collectively and individually, in advancing the social mission of the Church on international justice and peace through policy development, advocacy, education, outreach, and acts of ecclesial solidarity. The committee advises the bishops on international public policy issues, especially integral human development, human rights, religious freedom, and peace.

This mandate includes the following areas of responsibility: International policy, advocacy, justice and peace concerns, solidarity with the Church in other countries, outreach to dioceses on international issues, and international dimensions of Catholic social teaching education.

KEY MISSION RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Sharing and promoting the social teachings of the Church, especially on global solidarity, human development, human rights, religious freedom, and war and peace
2. Applying Catholic social teaching to major international issues that have significant moral and religious dimensions
3. Creating awareness about poverty, human rights, religious freedom, and peace
4. Advocating for the poor and vulnerable abroad, for international justice and peace
   
5. Seeking the guidance of the Church in other nations to inform advocacy on U.S. foreign policy through communication with the Holy See and episcopal conferences
6. Expressing the solidarity of our Conference with the Church in other nations through regular contact, statements, letters, and pastoral visits
7. Providing the policy framework for and ensuring coordination of advocacy with Catholic Relief Services
8. Collaborating regularly with committees on common issues, sharing Catholic social teaching, and promoting awareness, action, and solidarity
   

KEY MISSION RELATIONSHIPS

1. With committees and offices of USCCB: especially Domestic Justice and Human Development on common issues, social teaching, advocacy, and outreach; with Pro-Life Activities on population; with Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs and with programs aiding Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Africa for consultation
2. With dioceses, bishops and social action offices, and state Catholic conferences
3. With legislative and executive officials in collaboration with Government Liaison
4. With Catholic Relief Services, to learn from their experience and to guide and coordinate policy
5. With religious congregations, organizations, and advocacy groups on common issues
6. With governmental and legislative networks in cooperation with Government Liaison
7. With the Holy See and other episcopal conferences