A Catholic Message to Congress

Catholic Leaders from Idaho Meet with Congressmen to Discuss Key Issues

Boise, ID, Feb. 24- At a national gathering this week, Catholic leaders from across the country traveled to Washington, DC to urge members of Congress to put the poor and vulnerable first particularly during this time of economic crisis. Several hundred Catholic delegates went to Capitol Hill as part of the annual Catholic Social Ministry Gathering to advocate for concrete policies that protect human life and dignity and pursue justice and peace worldwide.

Participants spent several days participating in issue briefings and strategy sessions before being sent off to urge their members of Congress to take action on four key domestic and international areas: health care that protects the lives and the dignity of all; putting the poor first in climate change legislation; increasing and reforming international assistance; and promoting freedom to travel to Cuba. A delegation from Idaho met with Senator Risch, Senator Crapo, Representative Minnick and Representative Simpson to discuss these domestic and international issues.

Sponsored by more than a dozen national Catholic organizations, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the conference was held from February 22-25, and drew more than 550 participants from dioceses, parishes and various Catholic groups across the U.S.

"We really felt like we were putting our faith into action and making a difference," said Christine Smith from Catholic Charities of Idaho.

About Catholic Charities of Idaho: 
Founded in 2000, Catholic Charities of Idaho (CCI) is one of the newest members of Catholic Charities USA, a national organization of Catholic social service agencies which services the needs of over 8 million Americans annually. The mission of CCI is to advance the dignity of individuals, families, and communities by strengthening families, advocating justice, and engaging the community to serve the common good. These three principles guide all the work of CCI throughout the state of Idaho. CCI offers services to all people regardless of religion, age, gender, disability, race/ethnicity, income or background.