Liberal group sees 'McCarthyism' in criticism of CCHD

[Michie]

#3
6-11-13

Critics of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) are engaged in “McCarthyism” that interferes with the Church’s 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)

 

[AMDG]

Campaign of Human Development? Was that the campaign that gave money to groups that actually went against Church teachings about abortion and birth control? Was it the one that funded ACORN? Both?

 

[Fantine]

Sen. Joseph McCarthy died May 2, 1957.

Sen. Rick Santorum was born May 10, 1958.

Yes, it's coincidence (except for those, perhaps, who believe in reincarnation).

But it sure didn't take long for his heir apparent to surface.

 

[Michie]

I think accusations of 'McCarthyism' completely misses the point of why some may be concerned in the first place.

 

[Michie]

CCHD critic says defense of program contains 'glaring inaccuracies'

A leading critic of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) has charged that defenders of the CCHD engaged in “distortions and untruths” in a defense of the program.

The CCHD, an anti-poverty program sponsored by the US bishops that relies heavily on community organizing, has frequently been criticized for supporting left-wing groups that attack Church teachings. Earlier this month a liberal group, Faith in Public Life, released a defense of the CCHD, accusing the critics of “McCarthyism.”
Michael Hichborn of the American Life League responds that the report from Faith in Public Life contains “glaring inaccuracies,” repeatedly downplaying the evidence that groups supported by the CCHD have openly attacked Catholic positions on issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage.

Author of Soros-funded CCHD defense stands by report despite bevy of omissions and errors (LifeSite News)

Liberal group sees 'McCarthyism' in criticism of CCHD (CWN, 6/11)