Publish date: Wednesday, September 11, 2013
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Catholic Relief Services (CRS), established in 1943, is the international humanitarian agency of the bishops of the United States. Last year, CRS served more than 100 million people in 91 countries. Through CRS, the Catholic Church in the United States helps the poorest of the poor around the world in response to the call of the Gospel, based on the teachings of the Church and following the example of our Holy Father. Its service around the world makes us all proud.
Sadly, in recent weeks some groups have raised questions about this extraordinary witness to the Gospel of life. They have raised allegations about CRS’ adherence to Church teaching and its identity as a Catholic institution.
In light of this, and based on thorough investigations into the concerns, we wish to assure the Catholic faithful that CRS fully and faithfully adheres to Church teaching in fulfilling its mission of mercy. In particular:
We want to make it clear that those making these public critiques, albeit, we hope, in good faith, do not speak for the Catholic Church and we advise the Catholic faithful to exercise caution and consult the CRS website for clarification before endorsing or giving credence to the groups’ critiques. At the same time, we do urge the Catholic faithful to continue to support Catholic Relief Services. The U.S. Catholic bishops stand firmly behind CRS in its commitment to promote and defend human dignity and the sacredness of every human life from the moment of conception until natural death, and at every moment in between.
Source: USCCB.org