Cincinnati, Ohio, Dec 6, 2012 / 02:24 am
Leaders of 11 Catholic human services providers from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati are calling on lawmakers to protect the poor from the "fiscal cliff" by safeguarding funding to the programs that serve those in need.
The agencies reminded politicians that "it is through a partnership with an adequate federal safety net that the tireless work of our Catholic and all agencies, volunteers, and contributors can more effectively serve those in crisis."
The consortium of agencies said it believes the best arrangement is for government and private religious groups to work together so that "we can more confidently guide those who are struggling to become self-sufficient, so everyone may fully realize the human dignity that God has given us all."
In a policy statement presented at a Dec. 5 news conference, leaders of Catholic social aid groups repeated the call for federal budget discussions to establish a "circle of protection" around poverty aid programs.