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
Moral and Human Dimensions of the FY 2022 Agriculture Appropriations Legislation
On behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committees on Domestic Justice and Human Development and International Justice and Peace, Catholic Charities USA, Catholic Relief Services, and Catholic Rural Life write a July 12th, 2021 letter to Congress to address the moral and human dimensions of the FY 2022 Agriculture Appropriations legislation.
Increase Funding for Housing Programs
Urging an increase in funding for housing programs, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley and Sr. Donna Markham of Catholic Charities USA write to Congress on June 29, 2021 regarding fiscal year 2022 appropriations for Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies.
Letter to Congress Regarding the Right to Vote
Recognizing the importance of ensuring the integrity of the elections processes, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley and Bishop Shelton J. Fabre write a June 24, 2021 letter to Congress regarding proposed legislation to ensure the right to vote is available to all citizens.
Faith for Just Lending Coalition Support Challenge to Rule Overriding State Usury Laws and Legalizing Predatory Lending
On June 16, 2021, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley and the Faith for Just Lending Coalition write to Congress to express support for the Congressional Review Act (CRA) challenge to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s (OCC) “National Banks and Federal Savings Associations as Lenders” rule. The OCC rule overrides state usury laws, legalizing predatory lending even in states that have outlawed it.
Bishops Offer a Moral Framework for Proposed Infrastructure Legislation
In an April 22, 2021 letter to Congress, the chairmen of five USCCB committees write to offer a moral framework and points of emphasis for consideration in the members of Congress consider a variety of policies that could be included in legislation on infrastructure.
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.
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JPHD: Working On The Margins Internationally
Letter to Secretary of State Blinken Regarding the Situation in Nigeria
On June 24 2021, Bishop David J. Malloy writes to Secretary of State Blinken to urge him to work with the Nigerian Catholic Bishops’ Commission on Church and Society and the National Association of Catholic Lawyers to promote interfaith dialogue and support the local Church’s efforts to seek a peaceful means to promote greater security and to reform the government of Nigeria.
Letter to Secretary of State Blinken Regarding Elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
On June 17, 2021, Bishop David J. Malloy writes to Secretary of State Blinken to share his growing concern over the disappointing progress towards free and fair elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to share the a paper entitled Towards Credible Elections in 2023 submitted by Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Congo (CENCO) and the Church of Christ of the Congo (ECC).
Written Testimony Regarding Appropriations for State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs
On June 9, 2021, Bishop David J. Malloy submits written testimony urging the House of Representative's Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs to increase funding appropriations for international assistance.
U.S. and European Bishops Issue a Joint Declaration for Renewed Transatlantic Partnership as EU-US Summit in Brussels Approaches
On June 8, 2021, as the EU-U.S. Summit in Brussels approaches, the heads of the episcopal conferences for the European Union and the United States issue a joint declaration affirming their shared commitment to the promotion of global peace, justice, and human development.
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.
State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs in Fiscal Year 2022 Appropriations
In a June 1, 2021 letter to Congress, Bishop David J. Malloy, Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, and Mr. Sean Callahan write regarding Fiscal Year 2022 appropriations in the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs budget.
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