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#3
6-11-13
Report: Catholic McCarthyism threatens bishops anti-poverty push (RNS)
Be Not Afraid (Faith in Public Life)
6-11-13
Critics of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) are engaged in McCarthyism that interferes with the Churchs efforts to help the poor, according to a report from a Washington-based liberal group.
The CCHD, the official poverty-fighting effort of the US bishops conference, has drawn criticism for decades because of its ties to radical organizations that attack Church teachings on issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage.
But a 24-page essay released by Faith in Public Life complains that these criticisms are examples of guilt by association and other tactics from the McCarthy-era playbook.
A small but well-financed network has emerged as a relentless opponent of the bishops social justice campaign, which has long been recognized as one of the most influential funders of grassroots community organizing, charges the report.
The report, entitled Be Not Afraid, is endorsed by dozens of prominent Catholic individuals and organizations, including two past presidents of the US bishops conference: Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza of Houston and Bishop William Skylstad of Spokane (both now retired). The statement is also endorsed by a number of former staff members of the US bishops conference.
Report: Catholic McCarthyism threatens bishops anti-poverty push (RNS)
Be Not Afraid (Faith in Public Life)