Policy & Advocacy

2014 Catholic Social Ministry Gathering International Talking Points Guide

Topic
Office/Committee
Year Published
  • 2014
Language
  • English

CSMG International Talking Points Guide, February 2014

Promoting Peace Through Negotiations, Development, and Humanitarian Assistance

Pope Francis and the Church stress that patient, persistent dialogue is essential for peace. In conflicts from Syria to Israel-Palestine, he teaches that “nothing is lost” in genuine conversation and that dialogue can overcome war and foster coexistence across ethnic and religious divides.

Negotiations with Iran

  • The Church supports diplomatic engagement and opposes military action.
  • Pope Francis praised progress in the P5+1 talks on Iran’s nuclear program.
  • Bishop Richard Pates urged Congress not to undermine negotiations with new sanctions, arguing a diplomatic solution is preferable to unpredictable military repercussions.
  • Successful talks enhance Israeli security, whereas an attack risks regional escalation and bolsters hardliners.

Israeli-Palestinian Peace

  • The USCCB backs U.S.-sponsored talks and joins Pope Francis in calling for courageous decisions toward a just, lasting solution.
  • Though challenging, the Church affirms peace is possible and rooted in hope.
  • A two-state outcome—a secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state—meets both peoples’ legitimate aspirations, strengthens security, preserves democratic character, and undermines extremists.
  • Actions that erode confidence include rocket attacks, heavy military responses, settler violence, deep-seated walls, settlement expansion, humanitarian distress, and political divisions on both sides.

Soft Power: Development and Humanitarian Assistance

  • Beyond negotiations, development and aid are critical tools for reducing misery and preventing conflict.
  • The Church views international assistance as a moral obligation to the poorest, not an optional budget item.
  • Priority programs include emergency relief, child survival and maternal health, HIV/AIDS, infectious disease control, agriculture and food security, water and sanitation, and refugee support.
  • Cuts to these accounts cost lives and undermine long-term peace.

Funding and Conflict Prevention

  • FY 2014 allocates just over $20 billion—0.6% of the federal budget—to poverty-focused development and humanitarian programs.
  • Well-targeted aid reduces inequalities that fuel violence, as seen in Syria, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic.
  • Proactive assistance can help address root causes before they erupt into large-scale conflict.

Recommendations to Congress

  1. Give peace a chance:
    • Encourage and protect diplomatic negotiations on Iran and Israel-Palestine.
    • Refrain from new sanctions or funding restrictions that could derail talks.
  2. Sustain and expand poverty-focused assistance:
    • Build on FY 2014 funding levels in the FY 2015 budget.
    • Remember refugees of Syria and survivors of natural disasters as you set priorities.

2014-csmg-international-talking-points.pdf