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Dear John:


The Background

Each year the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) holds a Spring Plenary Assembly to spend time in prayer and dialogue, as
well as to vote on any relevant action items—which typically includes voting on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development
(CCHD) grants. This year’s assembly, slated for June 12-14 in Louisville, KY, will take a decidedly different turn: the Bishops will
not only consider the approval of CCHD grants, they will also be considering the future existence of CCHD.

For more than 50 years, CCHD—the U.S. Bishops’ national anti-poverty program whose mandate can be found in the Christian
Scriptures (Luke 14:8)—has provided millions of dollars of funding to organizations who work with those who are directly affected by
unjust systems and structures to break the cycle of poverty by helping low-income people participate in decisions that affect their
lives, families and communities. In the USCCB’s own words, “CCHD offers a hand up, not a hand out.”

Many Gamaliel affiliates, as well the Gamaliel National Office, have received and effectively used funding from CCHD through the
years for that very purpose. This year, however, those same affiliates (along with other groups across the U.S.) are being alerted by
their local dioceses to expect drastically reduced grants . . . if they receive anything at all.

CCHD has been under attack for many of those 50-plus years by a vocal and extremist right-wing group in the Catholic Church that
clearly does not support the Scriptural and moral mandate to address the problems of the poor and marginalized in society.

Recently, they engaged in a public “hit job” on CCHD (see article from National Catholic Reporter) claiming falsely that CCHD funds
have been mismanaged.

What you can do!

There is much at stake in this year’s USCCB Spring Plenary Assembly. If the U.S. Bishops vote to significantly reduce CCHD funding
or, worse, vote to end the CCHD program, millions of low-income and marginalized people across the U.S. will be harmed—not
just this year, but for decades to come. Take action now by:

 Telling the story of the impact that CCHD has had on your community—Gamaliel is collecting brief (30-60 seconds),
recorded stories of the importance of CCHD. Send those to [email protected] no later than May 24.
 Reaching out to your local bishop, and letting him know why CCHD is important to your community.
 Praying . . . as a people of faith, prayer keeps us focused on what’s at stake and how to respond.
 [Note: You can tune in to the public portion of the USCCB meeting on Jun 13-14. The livestream is available on the USCCB
website.]

A few years ago when CCHD celebrated its 50th Anniversary, two of our Gamaliel affiliates recorded messages for the celebratory
gathering describing the importance and impact of CCHD. We are sharing those again below and invite you to view them
prayerfully!

In solidarity,
Ana Garcia-Ashley, Executive Director

David Goodner - Thank you CCHD [[link removed]]

Gisela Guerrero - Thank you CCHD [[link removed]]


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