Justice, Peace & Human Development

Mission & Identity

"The Church cannot and must not remain on the sidelines in the fight for justice."

- Pope BenedictXVI

The Department of Justice, Peace & Human Development (JPHD) promotes awareness of Catholic social teaching and opportunities to live the Baptismal call to love God and neighbor.

Efforts include the anti-poverty mission of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, as well as advocacy in support of poor and vulnerable persons and communities, in the U.S. and abroad.
JPHD's work is guided by the Committees on International Justice and Peace, Domestic Justice and Human Development and the Subcommittee on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.

JPHD: Working On The Margins In The United States

Preserve Important Gains in Health Care Coverage and Access
In a January 18th letter to Congress, Bishop Frank J. Dewane urged members of Congress to work bipartisan fashion to protect vulnerable Americans and preserve important gains in health care coverage and access. 

Catholic Campaign for Human Development
Since 2013, CCHD has invested nearly $2.5 million to support environmental justice. Learn how CCHD is helping communities support environmental justice.

 More United States Issues

JPHD: Working On The Margins Internationally

Fifty Year of Occupation Demands Action
On January 18th, the Coordination of Bishops' Conferences in Support of the Church in the Holy Land issuetatement 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.

More International Issues

Resources

Pope Francis' Social Teaching
These quotes from Pope Francis arample of his teaching on poverty, economic justice, care for creation, human rights and other issues. | en Español

Environment
Learn more about God's gift of creation and the Church's teaching on the environment with our new resources.

New Success Stories on WeAreSaltAndLight.org 
Success stories on WeAreSaltAndLight.org show hopeful examples of how Catholics are praying, reaching out, learning and acting together. Here arew that were recently profiled:

• Immigrant women get empowered, create change (Hidalgo County, TX)
• Refugee simulation helps students encounter, learn to advocate (Radnor, PA)
• Encountering our Muslim brothers and sisters (St. Louis, MO)
• Schools unite for life and justice (Cleveland, OH)
• Students help parents advocate for rights of incarcerated children (New Orleans, LA)
• Diocese celebrates Year of Creation (Burlington, VT)
• High school engages students in nonviolent peacemaking (Washington, DC)

CST101 Videos and Educational Materials | en Español

CST 101 iollaborative 7-part video and discussion guide series presented by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic Relief Services on Catholic Social Teaching. The videos bring the themes of Catholic social teaching to life and inspire us to put our faith into action. Some suggested uses of the videos and discussion guides include adult faith formation settings, high school theology classes, in lay ministry formation and to prepare groups for service trips. The series also includes downloadable posters and handouts for adults and kids, in English and Spanish. The artwork featured in the videos and accompanying videos are courtesy of Br. Mickey McGrath, OSFS.