US bishops' campaign draws attention to domestic poverty

Washington D.C., Dec 15, 2011 / 23:13 pm

The U.S. bishops announced the launch of a renewed media effort to promote a better understanding of poverty in America. 

The new initiative unveiled by the bishops’ Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development will include a refurbished website, a new social media presence and daily events for Poverty Awareness Month in January.

Bishop Jaime Soto of Sacramento, who leads the bishops’ efforts to fight poverty through the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, explained that the culture of life must start with a love “that binds us to the hopes and joys, the struggles and the sorrows” of the poor and afflicted in society.

According to the U.S. bishops’ conference, 15 percent of total Americans and nearly 25 percent of children live in poverty.

The Poverty USA campaign will feature updated statistics in a special section on the bishops’ conference website. A new Facebook page has also been launched for the campaign, providing resources for families, individuals and parishes.

Visitors to the page can also participate in Poverty Awareness Month by joining the Facebook event and taking part in daily activities during the month of January to increase their understanding of domestic poverty.

Noting the widespread scourge of poverty in America, Bishop Soto spoke of the importance of solidarity with those who struggle in any capacity.

“We march with immigrant families toward a society made stronger and safer by their inclusion,” he said. “We embrace the mother and her unborn child, giving to both of them hope and opportunity.”

“We measure our own health by the quality of care we give to those most vulnerable,” he added. “We labor with those whose work is burdensome.”