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Quick Bytes
- The USCCB has laid off staff from its social justice department due to financial constraints.
- Donations to the Catholic Campaign for Human Development declined during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Despite layoffs, the USCCB remains committed to its anti-poverty initiatives and social justice teachings.
USCCB Staff Reductions Amid Financial Struggles
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has recently downsized its workforce, particularly within the Department of Justice, Peace, and Human Development. This move comes in the wake of financial challenges, including a notable drop in donations to the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) during the pandemic.
Chieko Noguchi, a USCCB spokesperson, confirmed the layoffs, which affected the CCHD’s national anti-poverty program. The USCCB has faced scrutiny since 2008 for funding groups that conflicted with Catholic teachings, leading to stricter funding controls in 2010. The current layoffs are part of a reorganization aimed at better aligning resources with funding availability.
The department’s focus on Catholic social teaching, addressing issues such as peace, poverty, racism, and environmental concerns, remains a priority. The CCHD’s national collection and grant awards will persist, with reassurances from USCCB President Archbishop Timothy Broglio about the bishops’ commitment to fighting poverty. However, concerns have been raised by figures like Johnny Zokovitch, executive director of Pax Christi, about the potential retreat from supporting immigrants and marginalized communities.
The recent staff reductions have sparked a dialogue about the future of the Church’s involvement in social justice and its capacity to maintain its historical role in these areas.
Image Credits
- Kelly Sikkema: Photo of USCCB Department of Justice, Peace, and Human Development.
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