Statement
Bishops Soto and Blaire Memo Regarding CCHD
Memorandum from Bishop Jaime Soto, Chairman, Subcommittee on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development and Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, Chairman, Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development regarding CCHD, September 28, 2011
The American Life League (ALL) continues to criticize the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) and USCCB leadership, alleging CCHD funds organizations that conflict with Catholic teaching. CCHD has repeatedly engaged ALL to explain its mission and procedures, but the groups remain in dispute.
CCHD affirms its commitment to serving people in poverty, upholding Catholic teaching, and continuing the Review and Renewal process; diocesan bishops remain central to funding decisions and oversight.
CCHD response and oversight
- CCHD staff, the Bishops’ CCHD Subcommittee, the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, and consulting moral theologian Father Daniel Mindling have reviewed ALL’s allegations.
- One clear violation was found after a grant was made; that grant was promptly and fully terminated.
- Other ALL claims were found to lack substance; where questions arise, CCHD relies on local bishops’ judgments rather than external ideological critics.
Reforms and accountability measures
- Intensive training for new diocesan CCHD directors is being offered to strengthen oversight and implementation of the Review and Renewal.
- New application forms, grant agreements, and materials have been approved to better reflect CCHD’s mission, moral principles, and Catholic identity.
- Increased focus on compliance with requirements that prohibit activities contrary to Catholic teaching; some groups were declined funding for potential problems and at least one other group was defunded.
- New criteria and processes for national grants will align funding with USCCB priorities such as human life and dignity, marriage and family, and cultural diversity.
Current funding priorities and governance
- CCHD is funding initiatives that include support for pro‑life pregnancy centers and programs assisting low‑income parents pursuing school choice in DC and Maryland.
- No organization receives CCHD funding without the explicit affirmative support of the local diocesan bishop.