Policy and Advocacy for Justice and Peace in Central America

Letter to Vice President Harris Regarding Central America and the Root Causes of Migration
On June 3, 2021, Bishop David J. Malloy, Bishop of Rockford and Chairman of the Committee on International Justice and Peace and Mr. Sean Callahan, President of Catholic Relief Services, write to Vice President Harris to share their priorities and offer their expertise and assistance in leveraging the Church’s regional influence as you lead the U.S. Government’s effort to support the people of Central America and address the root causes of migration. 

Letter of Support for Legislation Addressing the Root Causes of Migration
In a joint letter to the U.S. House of Representatives, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, and Mr. Sean Callahan, write in support of the United States-Northern Triangle Enhanced Engagement Act.

Funding for Assistance for the People of Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, and Mr. Sean Callahan write to Secretary of State Pompeo to urge him to continue funding poverty-reducing development and humanitarian assistance at Congressionally appropriated levels to the people of Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador from Fiscal Years 2017 and 2018.

Backgrounder on the Root Causes of Migration
 

 

Policy and Advocacy for Justice and Peace in Central and North America

Region Wide

Letter to Vice President Harris Regarding Central America and the Root Causes of Migration
Bishop David J. Malloy, June 3, 2021

Letter of Support for United States-Northern Triangle Enhanced Engagement Act Addressing the Root Causes of Migration
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, and Mr. Sean Callahan, June 24, 2019

Letter to Secretary of State Pompeo Regarding Funding for Assistance for the People of Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, and Mr. Sean Callahan, May 15, 2019 

Testimony Submitted to the House of Representatives on Challenges to Religious Freedom in the Americas
USCCB, September 17, 2015

Letter to Secretary of State Kerry on Central America | En Españo
Bishop Richard E. Pates, July 24, 2014

Statement Delivered to the General Coordinating Meeting of the Consejo Episcopal Latinoamericano (CELAM) | En Español
Bishop Richard E. Pates, July 29-August 1, 2013

Communiqué of the Latin American and North American Bishops on Trade and Economic Development for Latin American and Caribbean Nations
September 8, 2005

Letter to Congress on Central American Free Trade Act (CAFTA)
Bishop John Ricard and Bishop Robert Lynch, June 16, 2005

Statement on United States-Central American Free Trade Agreement (US-CAFTA) | En Español
USCCB and Bishops' Secretariat of Central America (SEDAC), July 21, 2004

Recommendations to the U.S. Trade Representative on the Negotiation of the Central American Free Trade Agreement | En Español
Catholic Relief Services, October, 2003

Letter to U.S. Trade Representative Zoellick on Proposed Trade Agreement for Central America (CAFTA)En Español
Bishop John H. Ricard, February 11, 2003

Letter of Central American Bishops to President Bush I en Español
March 22, 2002

Letter to President Clinton on Effects of Hurricane Mitch
Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza, March 25, 1999

Letter to Congress on Fast Track Authority for Negotiations of Trade Agreements and on North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
November 5, 1997

Statement to U.S. Trade Representative's Hearing on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
Bishop Anthony M. Pilla, September 9, 1991

Statement on Central America
United States Bishops, November 19, 1987

United States Catholic Conference and the Episcopal Secretariat of Central America and Panama (SEDAC) Joint Communique
Social Development & World Peace Committee, August 1987

Testimony on U.S.-Central American Relations
Archbishop John J. O'Connor, April 18, 1985

Letter to Congress on Aid to Central America
Msgr. Daniel Hoye, April 17, 1985

Testimony on Foreign Aid-Latin America Oversight
Rev. J. Bryan Hehir, March 20, 1984

Testimony on U.S.-Central American Relations
Archbishop James E. Hickey, October 21, 1983

Resolution on Central America
United States Bishops, November 17, 1983

Letter to President Reagan on Role of the Church in Central America
Archbishop John R. Roach, March 9, 1983

Testimony on Central America
Archbishop James Hickey, March 7, 1983

Letter to President Reagan on Caribbean Basin Initiative
Archbishop John R. Roach, April 12, 1982

Statement on Central America
United States Bishops, November 19, 1981

Mexico

Joint Statement: Renegotiating NAFTA: Rebuilding our Economic Relationship in Solidarity, Mutual Trust, and Justice | en Español
Bishop Oscar Cantú, Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Bishop Leopoldo González González, Archbishop Carlos Garfias Merlos, and Bishop Guillermo Ortiz Mondragón, November 15, 2017

Letter to Secretary of State Kerry Regarding the Mérida Initiative and Issues of the U.S.-Mexico Border
Bishop Richard E. Pates and Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski, January 6, 2014

For the Dignity of the Land, For the Dignity of Mexico | En Español
Mexican Bishops Social Action Commission, January 2003

Letter on the Murder of Mexican Human Rights Activist Digna Ochoa
Cardinal Law to Archbishop Obeso, October 29, 2001

Translation of Mexican Bishops' Committee's Statement Regarding Digna Ochoa
Episcopal Committee for Social Ministry, October 20, 2001

Letter on 30th Anniversary of Comisión de Pastoral Social (CEPS) I en Español
May 26, 1998

Letter from Comisión de Pastoral Social (CEPS) Regarding Fr. Riebe
March 23, 1998

Update on Mexico
February 1998

Letter to Bishop Ruíz Garcia on Acteal Massacre
December 31, 1997

Translation of Statement by Bishop Ruíz Garcia on Acteal Massacre
Bishop Samuel Ruíz Garcia, December 23, 1997

Letter to Mexican Ambassador on Attacks Against Bishops
Rev. Drew Christiansen, November 7, 1997

Translation of Statement on Attacks Against Bishops in Chiapas, Mexico
Bishops' Committee for Peace in Chiapas, November 6, 1997

Translation of San Cristóbal Diocese Statement: Bishops of San Cristobal Ambushed in Pastoral Visit to Northern Area of the State of Chiapas 
November 4, 1997

Letter of Support to Bishop Ruíz Garcia
July 7, 1997

Translation of San Cristóbal Diocese Communique
June 21, 1997

Translation of a Letter from the Diocese of San Cristóbal de las Casas and the Consequences for Church Resulting from Effort to Support Mediation Between Mexican Government and Indigenous Peoples
Rev. Filipe de Jesús Toussaint, May 23, 1997

Translation of Comisión de Pastoral Social (CEPS) Statement on Break-In at Offices
Bishops' Commission for Social Pastoral (CEPS), April 17, 1997

Letter to Mexican Ambassador on Incidents in Chiapas
March 18, 1997

Letter to President of Mexican Bishops' Conference on Chiapas
Bishop Anthony M. Pilla, USCC President, March 18, 1997

Letter to Secretary of State Albright Regarding Situation in Chiapas, Mexico
March 18, 1997

Translation of Mexican Conference Statement on Arrest of Priests
Permanent Council of Mexican Episcopate, March 11, 1997

Letter to CEM General Secretary on Expulsions of Priests from Mexico
Monsignor Dennis Schnurr, November 6, 1995

Letter to Rev. Paul Nadolny's Expulsion from Mexico
Cardinal William Keeler, NCCB President, November 3, 1995

Letter to Mexican Ambassador
Bishop Daniel P. Reilly, July 12, 1995

Delegation Trip Report
July 1-5, 1995

Letter to Mexican Ambassador on Chiapas
Bishop Daniel P. Reilly, February 22, 1995

Communique For Peace with Justice in Chiapas
Mexican Bishops, December 21, 1994

CEM Message on Justice, Reconciliation and Peace
Mexican Bishops' Conference, April 14, 1994

Letters of Solidarity with Church in Mexico
Bishop Daniel P. Reilly, January 14, 1994

Communique on Chiapas
Mexican Bishops, January 12, 1994

Communique on the Events in Chiapas
Archbishop Hector Gonzales, President, CEPS, January 3, 1994

El Salvador: 1990-1999

Letter of Support for Bishop Rosa Chávez
Bishop Daniel P. Reilly, July 26, 1996

Letter to Archbishop of San Salvador Rivera Dama Concerning the Assassination of Bishop Ramos
Archbishop John R. Roach, June 30, 1993

Statement on Truth Commission Report
Archbishop John R. Roach, March 19, 1993

Letter to Assistant Secretary of State on the Peace Process in El Salvador, the U.N. Commission on the Truth, and the Assassination of Archbishop Romero
Rev. Drew Christiansen, February 9, 1993

Statement on Salvadoran Peace Agreement
Archbishop John R. Roach, January 3, 1992

Statement on the 2nd Anniversary of the Murders of Jesuits and Colleagues at San Salvador's Central American University
Archbishop John R. Roach, November 15, 1991

Letter to the U.S. House of Representatives Regarding Military Aid for El Salvador
Archbishop John R. Roach, October 18, 1991

Statement on Signing of Peace Accord in El Salvador
Archbishop John R. Roach, October 2, 1991

Statement on Convictions in Murders at University of Central America
Archbishop John R. Roach, October 1, 1991

Letter to U.S. Senate on Military Aid for El Salvador
Archbishop John R. Roach, July 12, 1991

Letter to Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front on Killing of U.S. Pilots
Archbishop John R. Roach, January 7, 1991

Statement on Anniversary of Murders at Central American University in El Salvador
Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk, November 12, 1990

Letter to U.S. Senate on Military Aid to El Salvador and Other Central American Countries
Archbishop Roger M. Mahony, October 11, 1990

Letter to U.S. Bishops Concerning Boycott of Coffee from El Salvador
Archbishop Roger M. Mahony, May 30, 1990

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives Urging Negotiated Settlement of War
Archbishop Roger M. Mahoney, May 7, 1990

Summary of USCC Position on Military Aid to El Salvador
USCC Committee of International Policy, May 7, 1990

Statement on 10th Anniversary of Archbishop Romero's Death
Archbishop Roger Mahony, March 22, 1990

El Salvador: Prior to 1990

Letter to President Bush on U.S. Policy Toward El Salvador
Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk, December 22, 1989

Letter to Archbishop Rivera on Attacks Against Church
Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk, November 21, 1989

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives on Murders at the University of Central America
Archbishop Roger M. Mahony, November 20, 1989

Congressional Testimony on the Church in El Salvador
Ambassador Robert T. Hennemeyer, November 17, 1989

Letter to Archbishop Rivera on Murders at the University of Central America
Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk, November 16, 1989

Letter to President Bush Regarding the Murders at the University of Central America
Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk, November 16, 1989

Statement on Sanctuary Movement
Msgr. Daniel Hoye, January 14, 1985

Statement on Increased Military Aid to El Salvador
Bishop James W. Malone, February 8, 1984

Letter to U.S. Senate on Military Aid to El Salvador
Msgr. Daniel F. Hoye, July 9, 1982

Testimony on U.S. Policy Toward El Salvador
Rev. J. Bryan Hehir, March 11, 1982

Statement on Certification for Military Aid for El Salvador
Archbishop John R. Roach, February 9, 1982

Letter to U.S. Senate on Military Aid to El Salvador
Bishop Thomas C. Kelly, O.P., September 18, 1981

Statement on Salvadoran Nationals in the U.S.
USCC Administrative Board, September 17, 1981

Statement in Response to USCC Administrative Board Statement
Archbishop Arturo Rivera Damas, April 10, 1981

Statement on First Anniversary of Archbishop Romero's Assassination
Archbishop John R. Roach, March 24, 1981

Statement on Military Aid to El Salvador
USCC Administrative Board, March 24, 1981

Joint Statement on Military Aid
U.S. Catholic Conference, Conference of Major Superiors of Men, and Leadership Conference of Women Religious, March 2, 1981

Testimony Before House on US Policy Towards El Salvador
Rev. J. Bryan Hehir, February 25, 1981

Statement on Renewal of Military Aid for El Salvador
Archbishop John R. Roach, January 14, 1981

Statement on Meeting with Secretary Muskie Regarding El Salvador
Archbishop James A. Hickey and Bishop Thomas C. Kelly, O.P. December 18, 1980

Mailgram to President Carter and President-Elect Reagan on Military Aid for El Salvador
Archbishop John R. Roach, December 5, 1980

Statement on Killing of the Four Missionary Women in El Salvador
Archbishop John R. Roach, December 5, 1980

Statement on Violence, Campaign Against the Church in El Salvador
Bishop Thomas C. Kelly, O.P., November 6, 1980

Letter to Inter-American Commission on Human Rights on Invasion of Church Office
Bishop Thomas C. Kelly, O.P., July 8, 1980

Statement on the Assassination of Archbishop Romero
Archbishop John R. Quinn, March 25, 1980

Letter to House Foreign Operations Subcommittee on Military Assistance
Bishop Thomas C. Kelly, O.P., March 23, 1980

Letter to Archbishop Romero on Anniversary of Death of Fr. Rutilio Grande
Archbishop John R. Quinn, March 12, 1980

Letter to President Carter on Military Aid to El Salvador
Archbishop Oscar Romero, February 17, 1980

Congressional Testimony on the Condition of Human Rights in El Salvador
Mr. Thomas Quigley, July 21, 1977

Statement on the Persecution of the Church in El Salvador
Archbishop Joseph L. Bernardin, July 6, 1977

Letter to Salvadoran Ambassador on Arrest of Professors Zamora and Colindres
Rev. J. Bryan Hehir, May 3, 1977

Guatemala

Letter to Secretary of State Kerry on Central America | En Españo
Bishop Richard E. Pates, July 24, 2014

Letter of Solidarity to Bishop Alvaro Ramazzini in Guatemala After Threats
Bishops Thomas G. Wenski, April 9, 2008

Letter to the U.S. Ambassador to Guatemala Concerning Bishop Ramazzini
Bishop John H. Ricard, February 7, 2005

Letter to Cardinal Quezada on Security of Bishop Ramazzini
Bishop William S. Skylstad, February 7, 2005

Letter of Solidarity to Bishop Ramazzini
Bishop John H. Ricard, February 4, 2005

Report on Delegation to Guatemala
April 24-27, 1999

Letter to Archbishop Penados on the Death of Bishop Gerardi
June 5, 1998

Statement on the Death of Bishop Gerardi
April 27, 1998

Translation of the Episcopal Conference of Guatemala's Communique on the Death of Bishop Gerardi
April 27, 1998

Letter to Assistant Secretary Davidow on the Guatemalan Peace Accords
Fr. Drew Christiansen, January 3, 1997

Letter of Solidarity with Church in Guatemala
Monsignor Dennis Schnurr, January 3, 1997

Letter to Guatemalan Ambassador Lamport on the Peace Accords
January 3, 1997

Letter to Sr. Dianna Ortiz, OSU
Bishop Daniel P. Reilly, May 8, 1996

Letter to the Church in Guatemala
Bishop Anthony M. Pilla, April 8, 1996

Letter to Guatemalan Ambassador Mulet on Killings in Alta Verapaz
Bishop Daniel P. Reilly, October 13, 1995

Letter to Episcopal Conference of Guatemala on Killings in Alta Verapaz
Rev. Drew Christiansen, S.J., October 13, 1995

Translation of Communique on the Present Crises
Episcopal Conference of Guatemalan, May 29, 1993

Letter of Support for the Efforts of the Guatemalan Church
Archbishop John R. Roach, April 19, 1993

Letter of Support to Archbishop Penados
Archbishop John R. Roach, November 16, 1992

Report on Delegation to Guatemala
September 4, 1991

Statement of Support for Peace Process
USCC Delegation to Guatemala, August 27, 1991

Letter to U.S. Trade Representative Hills on Labor Rights in Guatemala
John Carr, August 15, 1991

Letter of Support for Peace Process
Archbishop John R. Roach, May 16, 1991

Report on Trip to Honduras and Guatemala
Archbishop John L. May, May 8, 1986

Honduras

Catholic Leaders Urge Temporary Protected Status and Foreign Assistance for Central American Countries Devastated by Recent Hurricanes
February 10, 2021

Catholic Leaders Voice Concern Over New Asylum Rules
November 25, 2019

Letter of Solidarity with the Church in Honduras
Bishop Oscar Cantú, March 22, 2016

Letter to Secretary of State Kerry Regarding the Slaying of Environmental and Human Rights Activist Berta Cáceres
Bishop Oscar Cantú, March 22, 2016

Letter to Secretary of State Kerry on Central America | En Españo
Bishop Richard E. Pates, July 24, 2014

Letter to Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez to Express Solidarity with the Church in Honduras
Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, October 21, 2009

Letter to Secretary of State Clinton on the Political Crisis in Honduras
Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, October 21, 2009

Letter to Secretary of State Clinton on Political Crisis in Honduras
Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, July 16, 2009

Editorial in the Washington: Forgiving Debts of the Poor
(References to Bolivia and Honduras)
Cardinal Bernard Law, September 20, 2000

Testimony before House Committee on Banking and Finance on HIPC
(Reference to Honduras)
Fr. Hehir, June 25, 1999

Letter to Archbishop Rodriguez on Honduras in the Aftermath of Hurricane Mitch
Bishop Anthony M. Pilla, USCC President, November 5, 1998

Report on Trip to Honduras and Guatemala
Archbishop John L. May, May 8, 1986

Letter to Secretary of State Shultz on Refugees in Honduras
Msgr. Daniel F. Hoye, September 11, 1985

Letter to Honduran Ambassador on Refugee Resettlement
Msgr. Daniel F. Hoye, April 5, 1984

Statement on Human Rights in Honduras
Archbishop Joseph L. Bernardin, September 15, 1975

Nicaragua: 2000 to Present

Nicaragua: 1986-2000

Letter to Secretary of State Christopher on Economic Aid to Nicaragua
Archbishop John R. Roach, March 29, 1993

Letter to Secretary of State Baker on Economic Aid to Nicaragua
Archbishop John R. Roach, August 2, 1992

Letter to Congress on Supplemental Aid to Panama and Nicaragua
Msgr. Robert N. Lynch, May 4, 1990

Letter to U.S. Senate on Emergency Economic Aid to Nicaragua and Panama
Msgr. Robert Lynch, March 22, 1990

Guidance for the Post-Elections Period in Nicaragua
The Bishops of Nicaragua, March 1, 1990

Statement on Killing of Two Religious in Nicaragua
Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk, January 3, 1990

Call for Lifting Economic Sanctions Imposed on Nicaragua
Archbishop Roger Mahony, February 27, 1989

Letter to Secretary of State Shultz on Aid to Hurricane Victims in Nicaragua
Msgr. Daniel Hoye, December 16, 1988

Letter to Cardinal Obando on Peace Process in Nicaragua
Archbishop John L. May, April 4, 1988

Message on Church's Peace Role
Archbishop John L. May, March 4, 1988

Letter to U.S. Senate on Aid to Contras in Nicaragua
Msgr. Daniel F. Hoye, December 11, 1987

Letter to Congress on Aid to Contras in Nicaragua
Msgr. Daniel F. Hoye, March 6, 1987

Letter to Nicaraguan Ambassador on Radio Catolica
Msgr. Daniel F. Hoye, February 5, 1987

Letter to Congress on Aid to Contras in Nicaragua
Msgr. Daniel F. Hoye, August 7, 1986

Report on Exiled Nicaraguan Bishop
Bishop Pablo Vega of Juigalpa, August 4, 1986

Letter on the Situation of the Church in Nicaragua
Nicaraguan Bishops, July 7, 1986

Cables to Nicaraguan President and Cardinal Ortega on Explusion of Bishop Vega
Bishop James W. Malone, July 5, 1986

Statement on Exile of Msgr. Carballo
Msgr. Daniel F. Hoye, July 1, 1986

Letter to Congress on Contra Aid
Msgr. Daniel F. Hoye, June 19, 1986

Letter to Congress on U.S. Policy on Nicaragua
Msgr. Daniel F. Hoye, April 9, 1986

Letter to Congress on Aid to Contras and U.S. Policy Toward Nicaragua
Msgr. Daniel F. Hoye, March 17, 1986

Nicaragua: Prior to 1986

Letter on Criticism of USCC Statements Being Used by Certain Sectors in Nicaragua
Msgr. Daniel Hoye, December 26, 1985

Letter to Congress on Aid to Contras
Msgr. Daniel F. Hoye, October 23, 1985

Statement Protesting Restrictions on Civil Liberties in Nicaragua
Msgr. Daniel F. Hoye, October 17, 1985

Cable of Solidarity to Bishop Vega
Bishop James W. Malone, July 18, 1985

Letter to Congress on U.S. Policy on Nicaragua
Msgr. Daniel F. Hoye, June 10, 1985

Report on Visit to Nicaragua
Archbishop John R. Roach, December 30, 1984

Statement on Expulsion of Foreign Priests
Bishop James W. Malone, July 12, 1984

Statement on U.S. Policy Toward Nicaragua
Archbishop John R. Roach, July 22, 1983

Response to Minister Reyes' Letter
Archbishop John R. Roach, November 8, 1982

Letter to Archbishop Roach from Government of Nicaragua
Minister Rodrigo Reyes, October 5, 1982

Statement on Attacks Against Church
Archbishop John R. Roach, September 9, 1982

Letter to Speaker O' Neil on Aid to Nicaragua
Archbishop John R. Quinn, February 1, 1980

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee on Aid to Nicaragua
Archbishop John R. Quinn, February 1, 1980

Statement on Aid to Nicaragua
Bishop Thomas C. Kelly, June 26, 1979

Statement from the Conference in Nicaragua
Archbishop John R. Quinn, June 12, 1979

Letter to Secretary of the Treasury Blumenthal on International Monetary Fund Loan to Nicaragua
Rev. J. Bryan Hehir, May 11, 1979

Letter to President Carter on Conflict in Nicaragua
Archbishop John Quinn, October, 6, 1978

Statement on Conflict in Nicaragua
Rev. J. Bryan Hehir, September, 22, 1978

Panama

Statement on United States-Central American Free Trade Agreement (US-CAFTA) | En Español
USCCB and Bishops' Secretariat of Central America (SEDAC), July 21, 2004

Letter to Congress on Aid to Panama and Nicaragua
Msgr. Robert N. Lynch, May 4, 1990

Letter to U.S. Senate on Emergency Economic Aid to Nicaragua and Panama
Msgr. Robert Lynch, March 22, 1990

Letter to Secretary of State Baker on Assistance for Panama
Archbishop Roger Mahony, March 8, 1990

Statements on Departure of Manuel Noriega from Nunciature
Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk, Archbishop Roger Mahony, January 4, 1990

Statement on the Granting of Asylum in the Nunciature to Manuel Noriega
Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk, December 29, 1989

Letter to Secretary of State Baker on Panama Bishops Statements
Msgr. Robert N. Lynch, December 27, 1989

Statements on the Political Crisis in Panama
Panamanian Episcopal Conference, Archdiocese of Panama, December 22 and 27, 1989

Letter to Secretary of State Baker Regarding Sanctions Imposed Upon Panama
Msgr. Robert N. Lynch, December 7, 1989

Statement of Protest on Electoral Fraud
Bishops of Panama, November 14, 1989

Communique on the Present Situation in Panama
Bishops of Panama, September 1989

Letter to President of Bishops' Conference of Panama Regarding Elections
Archbishop John L. May, May 12, 1989

Letter to President of Episcopal Bishops' Conference of Panama Regarding Conflict in Panama
Archbishop John L. May, May 3, 1988

Letter of Secretary of State Shultz on Panama Sanctions
Msgr. Daniel F. Hoye, May 3, 1988

Pastoral Message on the Continuing Crisis
Bishops of Panama, April 20, 1988

Letter of Solidarity with Church in Panama
Archbishop John L. May, April 4, 1988

Statement on Panama Canal Treaty
Archbishop John R. Quinn, May 30, 1979

Statement on Panama Canal Treaties
Bishop Thomas C. Kelly, April 12, 1978