USCCB Campaign for Human Development

[MJE]

I have not given to CHD ever. I think too many Bishops are modern liberals in their politics and/or hire liberal bureaucrats to oversee their diocese/causes. I bet if they opened this agency to show the public every where the $ went there would be big problems. Is the real problem w/ poverty in the US a shortage of $? Have you ever heard the USCCB discuss the leading cause of US poverty? Why is the USCCB involved in minimum wage issues? Just what is their solution to illegal immigration other then being supportive of the immigrant?

 

[thomasf]

At our parish, and in our diocese, when they have special collections for campaigns like this, our church gives 10% of the donations that week to the diocese for the campaign. I assume that’s the way it’s done for the churches in our diocese. And then you are welcome to give more specifically for the campaign. So whatever you give to the parish that week, 10% goes to the campaign regardless.

I will not be giving anything this week. Instead I will double up next week when my funds won’t be going toward this campaign. And then I will be writing an email to the bishop about why I won’t donate to this campaign.

IMO, that’s the most effective way to handle this. If more people did this, it would help getting this organization changed.

 

[thomasf]

This is the email I sent to my bishop:

I am writing today about the Campaign for Human Development outreach that will happen the weekend of Nov 23.

I have heard and read a lot about this campaign recently. Particularly surrounding the presidential election and the organizations that the campaign gives donations to. This article: firstthings.com/onthesquare/?p=1216 particularly concerns me. Donating to organizations such as ACORN and the reported donations to non-catholic organizations that support abortion is very disconcerting. Also, the reported lack of tranparency of the campaign also concerns me.

I understand the need for funding both catholic and non-catholic organizations that help the needy and poor. The church proudly stands on her support of social programs. But I do not believe that the church should be supporting programs with sketchy backgrounds like ACORN, nor giving money to organizations supporting abortion.

I urge the Bishops to examine this campaign and consider reform. The Bishops MUST stand for catholic moral teaching and principles if the church expects the faithful to do so as well. This recent election is a reflection of the lack of clarity of the faithful on church teaching, and the lack of willingness to follow the teachings. The Bishops must make clear stands on these issues. To preach against abortion and for social programs, but at the same time give church money in opposition to that preaching is not only confusing by also hypocritical.

I will not be donating this weekend to my parish so that none of my money, even a portion, goes to this fund. I will double up next weekend so that my parish gets the funds she needs. I urge the Bishops to re-examine this Campaign and make it more transparent, and to stop giving funds to these orgainizations that stand against catholic principles and moral teachings.

Thank you.

 

[Tigg]

WOW! Thank you to the two previous posters for this information. I did not know this…so whether or not you give directly, doesn’t matter…you nonetheless give!

I will still drop a letter in the collection basket with a copy going to my bishop. No $$ this week in the basket at all.

DOWN WITH LIBERATION THEOLOGY which, contrary to Church teaching, insidiously states that capitalism is a sin. However did so many get on such an erroneous path?

I have not given to CHD ever. I think too many Bishops are modern liberals in their politics and/or hire liberal bureaucrats to oversee their diocese/causes. I bet if they opened this agency to show the public every where the $ went there would be big problems. Is the real problem w/ poverty in the US a shortage of $? Have you ever heard the USCCB discuss the leading cause of US poverty? Why is the USCCB involved in minimum wage issues? Just what is their solution to illegal immigration other then being supportive of the immigrant?

Exactly…there is such a dark side to this immigration issue that is never spoken of on this forum and has nothing whatsoever to do with social justice…it is purely a political issue! AND I believe one of Gamaliel’s goals (which the USCCB has also funded in the past) is no restrictions whatever on immigration which is in direct violation to the Constitution.

 

[Stylite]

I received this today:

This Sunday (Nov. 23rd) is the annual collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD). You may have heard that the CCHD had given over a million dollars per year to ACORN, a radically leftist group which seeks the election of “progressive” anti-life politicians among other things. The CCHD says that they will no longer be giving our donations to ACORN because there was reported embezzlement by ACORN founder Wade Rathke some time ago. (see: usccb.org/cchd/morin_acorn_report.shtml )

There is a lot of confusion about what the CCHD is, how it works and whether faithful Catholics can be sure their donations will be put to use in a way consistent with Catholic teaching.

The CCHD is a social justice group established by the US Bishops. They collect money and then farm it out to various local and national organizations throughout the US . This is absolutely a fine and legitimate thing to do. Unfortunately, the groups selected by the CCHD to be stewards of our donations include many organizations which promote either marxist socialism or anti-life/anti-church teaching. A complete list of last years grantees can be found here: usccb.org/cchd/2007CCHDGrantees.pdf

Some random examples:
The Intercommunity Peace and Justice Center: This Seattle-based leftist Catholic group actively promotes women’s ordination, radical feminism, socialism, radical environmentalism, and a disregard for Church tradition. Read the brochure for their “Northwest Catholic Women’s Convocation” ( ipjc.org/women/NWCWCRegistrationBrochure.pdf ) and ask yourself if this is something you would like to support via your CCHD donation. Also, note that one of the featured speakers is Sister Elizabeth A. Johnson who worships God as a goddess and stated "“every aspect” of the Catholic faith “is not just tainted but perverted by the evil of patriarchy. It is not that the tradition has some problems; the tradition is the problem.” (see: lifesitenews.com/ldn/2007/nov/07111305.html)

Chinese Progressive Association: A marxist/socialist group. (listed as a “meeting ground” in the communist newsletter “Voice of Revolution” usmlo.org/arch2006/2006-04/VR060407.HTM) Supports Homosexual Marriage (marriageequality.org/?page=supporters)).

**The Somali Action Alliance **: lists both the CCHD and the very pro-abortion Women’s Foundation of MN as partners. (see: somaliactionalliance.org/news.php and wfmn.org/health.shtml)

Los Angeles chapter of Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice: Chairman is Rev. James M. Lawson Jr.who in 2001 stated in a speech: "“The U.S. has become the number-one enemy of peace and justice in the world today.” He regularly speaks on marxist themes and has stated "“The revolution this nation needs has not yet begun.” (discoverthenetworks.org/printindividualProfile.asp?indid=1004)

As you can see, the removal of ACORN from the CCHD’s list of organizations was only the tip of the iceberg. While there are a few praiseworthy organizations listed here and there on the list, the majority is an odd assortment of socialist organizing groups (one can spot these right away by seeing the prominent red banners and power fist salutes on their home pages) and other groups antagonistic to Church teaching, be it social or moral.

A good and simple course of action we can take is not only to with-hold our donation of money from the second collection this Sunday, but also drop a slip of paper into the basket or envelope explaining that in lieu of money you will be donating prayers for the CCHD to be given the wisdom to select better organizations for its list.

So as to not punish the good groups on the list, consider donating to them directly.

Please forward to all Catholics on your list.

God bless you!

 

[Hamm]

I would like to have some opinions on the breakdown of where the 2007 donations went in Minnesota. 45,000.00 to Minneapolis Somali Action Alliance.(immigrant rights). 41,000.00 to Isaiah (immigrant rights). 50,000.00 to St. Paul and Minneapolis African Development Center (Communtity development financial institution). This is just the info provided by my Pastor in the church bulletin. I do not want to give support to anything that would in spite of all it’s best intentions come into conflict with the Church. I feel torn as I know the idea is good but after what I have seen on EWTN and what I have read on this site tonight I don’t think I can give. God bless all who read this, Dan

 

[Teelynn]

It’s impossible to know for sure. My guess is that some bishops have been deceived.

Others who are not deceived have not yet developed the courage to confront their brother bishops in public.

A few bishops lead their diocese to dontribute little or nothing to the CCHD. Praise God for them, and may many others follow.

I would only hope that you are correct about this,my feeling as well. I know I will not give to CCHD again. Will give food to the food bank, EWTN, Priests for Life, Relevant Radio etc.

This is kind of like GE doing business with Iran so they can send Islamic fighters over to Iraq and kill our soldiers.

 

[GeorgeR]

I spent some time on the USCCB site today. It is standard practice that the CCHD collection is split. 25% remains at the local diocese level, and 75% is forwarded to the CCHD PO Box in Baltimore, using a pink envelope.

So, even in dioceses which do a good job managing the local effort, parishioners should be aware that 75% of their CCHD offering will end up outside of local control.

See collections schedule download on left side of this page

 

[crenfro]

Called the parish office (the parish I belong to) today and told them to cancel my pledge - I also asked if I’d be excommunicated for being “disobedient” to the church and I was told no.

I’m so discouraged with the USCCB. I’m so sorry. It is so sad. I know that God is ultimately in charge, but this really makes my heart heavy.

Thanks for listening, and please correct me if I’m wrong in my reaction. It would be a welcome correction.

 

[GeorgeR]

I also feel the burden at times. We are called to holiness, and God reveals these things to us for a reason. I was listening to Fr. Corapi the other night, saying that it is only because the scales have been lifted from our eyes, that we can even see these things. Fr. Corapi urges us to not judge our blind brothers harshly.

The signs of problems with USCCB staff are unmistakable. The film review office with praise for Brokeback Mountain and the Golden Compass; the hiring and defense of Kathy Saile; 40 years of CCHD including at least 10 years since the Wanderer pointed out the current problems…

I recently received inside info about what is happening inside the USCCB office that has convinced me that we’ve not hit bottom yet. (I can’t share the details for fear of outing my source.) So, I’ll be looking at how to keep any of my money from going to the USCCB.

A friend of mine places his entire parish contribution into the monthly parish maintenance collection. That way nothing is passed up to the diocese, or USCCB (at least according to our local rules). He directs the rest of his giving to specific organizations. American Life League, Priests for Life, EWTN (his examples).

 

[elgar]

Called the parish office (the parish I belong to) today and told them to cancel my pledge - I also asked if I’d be excommunicated for being “disobedient” to the church and I was told no.

I’m so discouraged with the USCCB. I’m so sorry. It is so sad. I know that God is ultimately in charge, but this really makes my heart heavy.

Thanks for listening, and please correct me if I’m wrong in my reaction. It would be a welcome correction.

Anyone watch “The World Over” last Friday? A good portion of the show was devoted to CHD, its leftist political associations and a discussion on whether to contribute to it or not. It was shocking where all those millions go (went) over the years. Apparently people are putting acorns into the envelopes or notes explaining why they aren’t contributing. So much has to do with philosophical differences on how best to eradicate poverty. The liberals believe government and certain sanctioned organizations are the best way to tackle this. Watch out for the hidden agendas–many are on the opposite end of church teaching when it comes to life and sexuality issues. No different giving to the United Nations.

 

[thomasf]

Frankly, my trust in the USCCB has been shaken quite a bit, between this and other issues with them. I will not be contributing to any of their special fund drives. I will be keeping my donations local and to charities I can review and trust.

 

[GeorgeR]

Anyone watch “The World Over” last Friday? A good portion of the show was devoted to CHD, …

Yes. That was a very instructive segment. The woman interviewed on the phone, was Stephanie Block who writes for The Wanderer. I didn’t catch the name, but am curious about the man who appeared on the segment - a former spokesman for the USCCB.

 

[Tigg]

---

I also feel the burden at times. We are called to holiness, and God reveals these things to us for a reason. I was listening to Fr. Corapi the other night, saying that it is only because the scales have been lifted from our eyes, that we can even see these things. Fr. Corapi urges us to not judge our blind brothers harshly.

The signs of problems with USCCB staff are unmistakable. The film review office with praise for Brokeback Mountain and the Golden Compass; the hiring and defense of Kathy Saile; 40 years of CCHD including at least 10 years since the Wanderer pointed out the current problems…

I recently received inside info about what is happening inside the USCCB office that has convinced me that we’ve not hit bottom yet. (I can’t share the details for fear of outing my source.) So, I’ll be looking at how to keep any of my money from going to the USCCB.

A friend of mine places his entire parish contribution into the monthly parish maintenance collection. That way nothing is passed up to the diocese, or USCCB (at least according to our local rules). He directs the rest of his giving to specific organizations. American Life League, Priests for Life, EWTN (his examples).

WHAT??? My Jesus, Mercy…I never heard a word about this one! Can you provide a link to this? HOW could they defend these movies?

BTW, altho I love Fr. Corapi, I don’t see this as a judgment - I see it as FIGHTING EVIL!!

 

[GeorgeR]

Response for Tigg. This relates to CCHD indirectly, in that Kathy Saile talks about integrating prolife, social justice, and CCHD.

Saile doesn’t say what that means, whether she would like to see
CCHD become more pro-life, or pro-life become more like CCHD.

The film office initially found praisworthy elements to Brokeback Mountain, then revised the review after criticism. Archbishop Burke spoke out against the review of Golden Compass. Here are some links.

CNA reports on Brokeback complaints

Catholic League on Life Site News re Brokeback

Archbishop Burke on Life Site News re Movie Office Problems

Kathy Saile appointment USCCB Original Report

Kathy Saile Concerns on Life Site News

USCCB response to Saile Criticism via CNS

WASHINGTON (CNS) – Kathy Saile, who begins work in mid-October as director of domestic policy for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said the thing that “sold me on the position” was the USCCB’s commitment to integrate more closely the work of the pro-life, social policy and Catholic Campaign for Human Development offices.

Catholic social ministry “is not piecemeal work,” said Saile, who has been associate director of public policy for Lutheran Services in America in Washington since August 2004.

She previously worked as director of the Office of Peace and Justice for Catholic Social Service of Central and Northern Arizona and CCHD director for the Phoenix Diocese, 2001-2004; coordinator of social justice and outreach ministries at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, Ariz., 1997-2001; and as a loaned executive to Catholic Charities USA, May-July 2003.

 

[Tigg]

Thank you, George. However did I miss this one?

 

[Deborah]

I’m not a cheerleader for the USCCB but I do like to work with good information so I’m passing this clarification on.

Please read below what our Archdiocese has to say on the matter.

Date: November 14, 2008

To: All pastors and parish administrators

From: Most Reverend Archbishop John C. Nienstedt

Re: Important Facts about this Sunday’s CCHD Collection and ACORN Rumors

Some parishes and parish administrators have alerted us to an organized campaign by misinformed individuals intent on discouraging contributions to this weekend’s Catholic Campaign for Human Development Collection (CCHD). These individuals are contending that CCHD still has ties to ACORN, the organization that has been identified with, among other things, voter registration fraud.

Until last June, 2008, CCHD had contributed to the good works of ACORN such as preventing home foreclosures, creating job opportunities, raising wages and addressing crime and improving education. Because of some financial improprieties discussed in June, all financial support ceased. Therefore, there was no CCHD monies involved in any of the alleged voter fraud. It would be most unfortunate to “punish” CCHD which provides so much help to the poor.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. . . .

Report of Bishop Roger Morin, Chair of the CCHD Subcommittee to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

usccb.org/comm/archives/2008/08-175.shtml

Deborah

 

[Tigg]

I’m not a cheerleader for the USCCB but I do like to work with good information so I’m passing this clarification on.

Please read below what our Archdiocese has to say on the matter.

Date: November 14, 2008

To: All pastors and parish administrators

From: Most Reverend Archbishop John C. Nienstedt

Re: Important Facts about this Sunday’s CCHD Collection and ACORN Rumors

Some parishes and parish administrators have alerted us to an organized campaign by misinformed individuals intent on discouraging contributions to this weekend’s Catholic Campaign for Human Development Collection (CCHD). These individuals are contending that CCHD still has ties to ACORN, the organization that has been identified with, among other things, voter registration fraud.

Until last June, 2008, CCHD had contributed to the good works of ACORN such as preventing home foreclosures, creating job opportunities, raising wages and addressing crime and improving education. Because of some financial improprieties discussed in June, all financial support ceased. Therefore, there was no CCHD monies involved in any of the alleged voter fraud. It would be most unfortunate to “punish” CCHD which provides so much help to the poor.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. . . .

Report of Bishop Roger Morin, Chair of the CCHD Subcommittee to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

usccb.org/comm/archives/2008/08-175.shtml

Deborah

Thank you for your post, however, the problem as explained in previous posts, (and other threads) goes way beyond ACORN and voter registration fraud, now. Serious, serious stuff!

 

[GeorgeR]

Our chancery broadcast a similar response. Distancing CCHD from ACORN and linking to Bishop Morin’s report.

Unfortunately, few bishops have acknowledged that Catholic faithful have concerns about giving any funding for any purposes to organizations that do some anti-catholic work. As many have pointed out, the problem does not end with ACORN.

To put the question another way, would any Catholic bishop, consider it proper to fund the KKK for the “good work they do in protecting gun ownership rights”, while ignoring the racist work they also do?

If we wouldn’t associate with organizations working to elect racists, then why do we fund organizations that work to elect pro-abortion politicians? Is racism worse than the killing of innocent children?

I have a lot of respect for Archbishop Nienstedt. Perhaps he has not yet had time to fully study the problems surrounding CCHD.

 

[IrishAm]

Today’s front page of the Washington (DC) Times . . .

Catholics rebuffing controversial charity
Julia Duin (Contact)

Several priests and parishes in Northern Virginia’s Arlington Diocese balked Sunday at taking up a collection for the much-criticized Catholic Campaign for Human Development, whose contributions to the voter-registration group ACORN got a dose of bad publicity this fall.

“I personally haven’t given a dime to the Campaign for Human Development in years,” the Rev. John DeCelles told parishioners during his Sunday homily at St. Mary’s Church in Alexandria.

“Over the years, including last year,” he continued, “the campaign has given millions of dollars to very questionable groups, including groups that actively support and campaign for so-called ‘abortion rights.’”

Mary Beth Beasley, a law student who was at the 1 p.m. Mass where Father DeCelles spoke, said her thought was, “Wow, it was great he was being so honest about what the CCHD does, because you don’t hear that.”

“And then when the basket went around, I didn’t see any cash collected at all,” she added.

The Rev. Dennis W. Kleinmann, the pastor at St. Mary’s, also was unenthusiastic in encouraging donations to the CCHD at his Masses. According to two parishioners, he cited the recent controversies over the campaign’s grants to the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) as one reason to be “cautious.”

Complete article -
washingtontimes.com/news/2008/nov/26/catholics-rebuffing-controversial-charity/
. . . .