Denver, Colo., Apr 25, 2004 / 22:00 pm
Churches are called to build a just society and to work for peace, but it can’t be done without the collaboration of government, said Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver in a column that was published in the archdiocesan newspaper, the Denver Catholic Register.
The archbishop’s column was adapted from similar comments he made at the Rally for Compassion, April 24, on the steps of the State Capitol. Participants at the rally, organized by Catholic Charities Denver, demanded that the state government revises legislation and includes more programs and policies in favor of the poor and the marginalized.
“Churches can’t build a just society alone,” said Archbishop Chaput. “Neither can synagogues or volunteers or charities.
“We need government to do its rightful job, not cut or hobble its services. We need government to serve the common good with laws that defend the weak, and with the money, personnel and other resources to ensure a life of basic dignity for all our people,” he said.