The committee assists the bishops, both collectively and individually, in advancing the social mission of the Church through education, policy development, and advocacy. The committee advises the bishops on issues of human dignity and development.
KEY MISSION RESPONSIBILITIES
- Sharing and promoting the social teachings of the Church through national and regional education efforts.
- Applying Catholic social teaching to significant domestic issues that have moral and religious dimensions, including poverty, health care, civil rights, and criminal justice, especially regarding the death penalty.
- Advocating for the poor and vulnerable, in the public policy arena.
- Building the capacity of the Church (national, diocesan, and parish) to defend human life, dignity, and rights; and to protect God's creation.
KEY MISSION RELATIONSHIPS
- With other USCCB committees/offices: including National Collections - Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Doctrine, International Justice and Peace, and Pro-Life.
- With dioceses.
- With legislative and executive officials in collaboration with USCCB Government Liaison.
- With state Catholic Conferences in coordination with USCCB Government Liaison.
- With national Catholic organizations.
- With governmental and legislative networks to advocate public policy.
- With national justice and peace organizations.
- With the Holy See and other episcopal conferences through the USCCB General Secretariat.