Social Justice Issues

"...To desire the common good and strive toward it is a requirement of justice and charity...The more we strive to secure a common good corresponding to the real needs of our neighbors, the more effectively we love them." Caritas in Veritate [#7]

USCCB 2010 Labor Day Statement
"A good job at good wages for everyone who is willing and able to work should be our national goal and a moral priority." This is one of the points made by Bishop William Murphy of Rockville Centre in this year's Labor Day Statement issued in the name of the U.S. Catholic Bishops. Bishop Murphy also argues that a "new social contract, which begins by honoring work and workers, must be forged that ultimately focuses on the common good of the entire human family." Click here for the full statement.

Jesuit Provincials Call for Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Each of the provincials of our nine Jesuit provinces in the United States have signed letters to President Obama and to members of Congress calling on them to enact comprehensive immigration reform. The provincials will be calling upon all Jesuit works in the United States to endorse their letter and to mobilize their members in advocacy for just and humane immigration reform.
Letter of the Jesuit Provincials to President Obama.
Jesuit communities and works within the Ignatian Family are being asked to endorse a letter supporting the call for comprehensive immigration reform. Click here to learn more.

Record Number of Persons Receiving Food Stamp Benefits - Almost 40 Million Americans
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that 39.68 million persons, 1 in 8 Americans, were enrolled for food stamps in February. This is a new record. The number needing such assistance is likely much higher as research shows that one in three eligible persons are not receiving benefits. It is expected that the average enrollment for fiscal year 2011, which starts in October, will be 43.3 million Americans. the average monthly benefit per person is $101 ($3.36 per day) and $227 per household ($7.56 per day). A gallon of milk costs approximately $3.50. Why does a nation with such wealth tolerate such high levels of food insecurity?
Health Care Reform
The National Council of La Raza has produced a concise and easy to read document answering basic questions regarding the health care legislation that was recently passed. Click here.
Note:
Although the United States spends $6,714 per capita on health care (more than twice the average of other industrialized nations), the United States ranked 29th lowest in infant mortality rates in 2004, the latest year for which comparisons were issued by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. In 1960, we ranked twelfth lowest in the world. In 2004, we were behind Cuba in our infant mortality rate.
In 2006, 6.9 infants died in the United States for every 1,000 live births. Most European countries - along with Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore - have lower rates.
Chevron to Adopt Human Rights Policy
After six years of shareholder dialogue with Chevron, the Jesuit Conference was pleased to report that the company had agreed to adopt a human rights policy that represented a new commitment to integrate human rights concerns into its operations. This is a significant victory for faith-based investors who have worked steadily for the past six years to move Chevron to this point.
Click here for more information.

START Treaty - U.S. Bishops Urge Senate Ratification
The Obama administration has concluded a new arms control agreement with Russia that is intended to reduce our arsenals of nuclear weapons. This treaty is a welcomed first step in eliminating the threat posed by nuclear weapons. Write to your Senators urging them to support the START Treaty. Click here for resources on this important initiative.

2008 Poverty Level Was Highest Since 1997

The poverty rate claimbed to 13.2 percent in 2008, up from 12.5 percent in 2007, according to an annual report from the U.S. Census Bureau. The rise in the poverty rate, to the highest level since 1997, portends even larger increases this year, which has registered far higher unemployment than in 2008.

39.8 million Americans last year lived below the poverty level - defined as an income of $22,025 for a familiy of four. This is more than the population of California, our largest state.

Almost one in five children younger than 18 are living in poverty, with the total number rising from 13.3 million in 2007 to 14.1 million in 2008. This is more than the population of Illinois, our fifth largest state.

Median household income - the amount earned by a family at the exact center of the income scale - fell from $52,163 to $50,303. This is less than what the median income was ten years ago. In 1998, the median income was $51,295.

This sobering news should lead us to reflect on this passage from scripture:

Ezekiel: This was the guilt of your Sister Sodom: she had pride, excess of food and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and the needy.
Confronting Global Climate Change - The Catholic Response
On Earth Day, April 22, 2009, the Catholic Climate Covenant was launched by the United States Catholic Bishops. The Catholic Climate Covenant brings together our Catholic commitments to care for God’s creation and for vulnerable people here and abroad. They face the worst impacts but contribute the least to global climate change. All of us are encouraged to take the St. Francis Pledge to pray and reflect on our call to respect God’s creation, to learn and to educate others on the causes and moral dimensions of global climate change, to assess how each of us is contributing to global climate change, to act to change our choices and behaviors that contribute to global climate change, and to advocate for Catholic principles and priorities in climate change discussions and decisions, particularly as they impact the poor and vulnerable. Read More Visit the website: www.catholicclimatechange.org

Torture is Never Morally Acceptable & We Must Act to Ensure That Our Nation Never Again Engages in Torture

The United States has engaged in torture. The fact that our government has engaged in torture comes from multiples sources including Susan J. Crawford, a high-ranking member of the Defense Department in the Bush adminsitration. Crawford held the title of 'convening authority of military commissions,' that is, she held ultimate authority for determining who would be brought to trial at the United States military detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Crawford refused to refer the case of Mohammed al-Qahtani for prosecution after concluding that the U.S. military tortured him through interrogation techniques that included sustained isolation, sleep deprivation, nudity and prolonged exposure to cold, leaving him in a "life-threatening condition." "We tortured Mohammed al-Qahtani," Crawford said. "His treatment met the legal definition of torture. And that's why I did not refer the case" for prosecution.

National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT)
The Jesuit Conference is an Endorsing Member of NRCAT and the New York Province of the Society of Jesus is a Participating Member
NRCAT is a growing coalition of diverse faith traditions that are one in seeking an end to United States involvement in torture and to all forms of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of prisoners. We believe that torture violates the dignity of the human person which is God-given and hence not to be denied or compromised by any human action or inaction. We also believe that torture degrades everyone involved and violates the highest principles that were once the cornerstone of our country.
What Can You Do?
**Educate yourself. Go to www.nrcat.org and take advantage of the resources available there.
**Endorse NRCAT's statement of inquiry: "Torture is a Moral Issue" at www.nrcat.org
**Organize a Viewing within Your Congregation of the 20 minute DVD, "Ending U.S.-Sponsored Torture Forever: A Study for People of Faith." This excellent video seeks to build the moral consensus that torture is always wrong. You can order a copy at www.nrcat.org
**Continue legislative advocacy - advocacy which has known some significant successes. Issues for advocacy are available at the NRCAT website.

Support NY State Legislation Re Health Care Professionals & Torture
Legislation has been introduced in the NY State Assembly (A-6665-B) and the NY State Senate (S-4495-A) to bar health care professionals from participating in torture or improper treatment of prisoners, and provide a means by which health care professionals responsible for the care of prisoners or detainees can refuse an order to directly or indirectly participate in torture and to insist on providing professionally responsible care and treatment. Sign the petition in support of this legislation.

United States Catholic Bishops Conference (USCCB) Issues a Catholic Study Guide on the Issue of Torture
In speaking out against torture, our bishops have declared: "There can be no compromise on the moral imperative to protect the basic human rights of any individual incarcerated for any reason."
To help Catholics understand the moral reasons for opposing torture, the USCCB has issued a Catholic study guide that is an excellent resource for parishes, retreat houses, and our schools. Download a copy today, familarize yourself with it, and share it with others. The USCCB has worked closely with the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT).

National Jesuit Committee on Investment Responsibility (NJCIR) - Engaging Corporations for the Common Good
The Society of Jesus in the United States has been actively engaged in socially responsible investing, i.e., engaging with corporations to effect changes in corporate policies beneficial to all corporate stakeholders. Read the 2009 NJCIR Annual Report to learn more of how the Society of Jesus in the United States is working with corporations to effect policies that strengthen the corporation while serving the larger needs of society.

Economic Crisis in the United States - Real Stories of Real Persons Facing Hard Choices

United States Senator Bernard Sanders of Vermont has compiled a booklet of e-mail letters he has received from constituents, and others, who are experiencing serious economic hardships. Their hardships reflect the decline in real incomes in the United States, the rising number of Americans without health insurance, the growing number of Americans without adequate resources for retirement, and the rising costs for basic necessities. These stories remind us of the importance of the upcoming election and the need for elected officials to move beyond the partisan battles of the past to find real solutions to the growing economic crisis in our country.
Comprehensive Immigration Reform

Stay Informed and Involved through www.justiceforimmigrants.org

Immigration Is The Crucial Issue Today:
Educate Yourself with These Resources from the Maryland Catholic Conference:

Where All Find a Home: A Catholic Response to Immigration
The History of Immigration
The Legal Immigration Process
The Economics of Immigration
The Root Causes of Migration

The Institute is an interdisciplinary center engaged in both direct service and research/reflection/education and communications. A project of the Maryland, New York and New England Provinces of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), The Institute main office is hosted by Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland. Our key ministry partner is The Jesuit Collaborative.

Cause of Dorothy Day - Servant of God - One with the Poor
The Guild of Dorothy Day has been established in order to assist the process of her canonization. Its purpose is to spread the word of Dorothy Day's life, work and sanctity; to identify the growing devotion for Dorothy Day by Catholics and non-Catholics; and to document her ability to intercede for people in need of God's healing mercy and assistance. Learn more...

Provoke Radio - Calling Forth Reflection on Current Social Issues in Light of Gospel Values. Learn more.


What's New Province Events Jesuits of the United States Jesuit Curia and 35th General Congregation Social Justice Issues Updates on Israeli Palestinian Issue Avery Cardinal Dulles, S.J. Who We Are Our Mission The Society of Jesus History of Our Province Provincial Staff Our Spirituality Spirituality of St. Ignatius Retreats & Prayer What We Do Priorities of the Province Locate Jesuit Communities & Works Schools Parishes Retreat Houses Social Justice Ministries International Works Province Health Care Center Jesuit Colleagues Links to Jesuit Sites Jesuits in the Arts A Holy Boldness Join Us Jesuit Formation Jesuit Vocations Jesuit Volunteer Corps Ignatian Volunteers Our Spirituality Praying With & For the Jesuits Support Us Supporting the Jesuits Development Office Planned Giving Willmann Legacy Society The Good Samaritan Club Periodic Appeals Mass Cards and Enrollments Make a Contribution Espan´ol La compania de Jesus San Ignacio de Loyola Espiritualidad Ignaciana Oracion Diaria Online Centro Altagracia de Fe y Justicia Jesuit Hispanic Ministry Conference Contact Us Contact Us Office Directory FTP Home SJ E-mail Community Community Home

		Social Justice Issues "...To desire the common good and strive toward it is a requirement of justice and charity...The more we strive to secure a common good corresponding to the real needs of our neighbors, the more effectively we love them." Caritas in Veritate [#7] USCCB 2010 Labor Day Statement "A good job at good wages for everyone who is willing and able to work should be our national goal and a moral priority." This is one of the points made by Bishop William Murphy of Rockville Centre in this year's Labor Day Statement issued in the name of the U.S. Catholic Bishops. Bishop Murphy also argues that a "new social contract, which begins by honoring work and workers, must be forged that ultimately focuses on the common good of the entire human family." Click here for the full statement. Jesuit Provincials Call for Comprehensive Immigration Reform Each of the provincials of our nine Jesuit provinces in the United States have signed letters to President Obama and to members of Congress calling on them to enact comprehensive immigration reform. The provincials will be calling upon all Jesuit works in the United States to endorse their letter and to mobilize their members in advocacy for just and humane immigration reform. Letter of the Jesuit Provincials to President Obama. Jesuit communities and works within the Ignatian Family are being asked to endorse a letter supporting the call for comprehensive immigration reform. Click here to learn more. Record Number of Persons Receiving Food Stamp Benefits - Almost 40 Million Americans The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that 39.68 million persons, 1 in 8 Americans, were enrolled for food stamps in February. This is a new record. The number needing such assistance is likely much higher as research shows that one in three eligible persons are not receiving benefits. It is expected that the average enrollment for fiscal year 2011, which starts in October, will be 43.3 million Americans. the average monthly benefit per person is $101 ($3.36 per day) and $227 per household ($7.56 per day). A gallon of milk costs approximately $3.50. Why does a nation with such wealth tolerate such high levels of food insecurity? Health Care Reform The National Council of La Raza has produced a concise and easy to read document answering basic questions regarding the health care legislation that was recently passed. Click here. Note: Although the United States spends $6,714 per capita on health care (more than twice the average of other industrialized nations), the United States ranked 29th lowest in infant mortality rates in 2004, the latest year for which comparisons were issued by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. In 1960, we ranked twelfth lowest in the world. In 2004, we were behind Cuba in our infant mortality rate. In 2006, 6.9 infants died in the United States for every 1,000 live births. Most European countries - along with Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore - have lower rates. Chevron to Adopt Human Rights Policy After six years of shareholder dialogue with Chevron, the Jesuit Conference was pleased to report that the company had agreed to adopt a human rights policy that represented a new commitment to integrate human rights concerns into its operations. This is a significant victory for faith-based investors who have worked steadily for the past six years to move Chevron to this point. Click here for more information. START Treaty - U.S. Bishops Urge Senate Ratification The Obama administration has concluded a new arms control agreement with Russia that is intended to reduce our arsenals of nuclear weapons. This treaty is a welcomed first step in eliminating the threat posed by nuclear weapons. Write to your Senators urging them to support the START Treaty. Click here for resources on this important initiative. 2008 Poverty Level Was Highest Since 1997 The poverty rate claimbed to 13.2 percent in 2008, up from 12.5 percent in 2007, according to an annual report from the U.S. Census Bureau. The rise in the poverty rate, to the highest level since 1997, portends even larger increases this year, which has registered far higher unemployment than in 2008. 39.8 million Americans last year lived below the poverty level - defined as an income of $22,025 for a familiy of four. This is more than the population of California, our largest state. Almost one in five children younger than 18 are living in poverty, with the total number rising from 13.3 million in 2007 to 14.1 million in 2008. This is more than the population of Illinois, our fifth largest state. Median household income - the amount earned by a family at the exact center of the income scale - fell from $52,163 to $50,303. This is less than what the median income was ten years ago. In 1998, the median income was $51,295. This sobering news should lead us to reflect on this passage from scripture: Ezekiel: This was the guilt of your Sister Sodom: she had pride, excess of food and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and the needy. Confronting Global Climate Change - The Catholic Response On Earth Day, April 22, 2009, the Catholic Climate Covenant was launched by the United States Catholic Bishops. The Catholic Climate Covenant brings together our Catholic commitments to care for God’s creation and for vulnerable people here and abroad. They face the worst impacts but contribute the least to global climate change. All of us are encouraged to take the St. Francis Pledge to pray and reflect on our call to respect God’s creation, to learn and to educate others on the causes and moral dimensions of global climate change, to assess how each of us is contributing to global climate change, to act to change our choices and behaviors that contribute to global climate change, and to advocate for Catholic principles and priorities in climate change discussions and decisions, particularly as they impact the poor and vulnerable. Read More Visit the website: www.catholicclimatechange.org Torture is Never Morally Acceptable & We Must Act to Ensure That Our Nation Never Again Engages in Torture The United States has engaged in torture. The fact that our government has engaged in torture comes from multiples sources including Susan J. Crawford, a high-ranking member of the Defense Department in the Bush adminsitration. Crawford held the title of 'convening authority of military commissions,' that is, she held ultimate authority for determining who would be brought to trial at the United States military detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Crawford refused to refer the case of Mohammed al-Qahtani for prosecution after concluding that the U.S. military tortured him through interrogation techniques that included sustained isolation, sleep deprivation, nudity and prolonged exposure to cold, leaving him in a "life-threatening condition." "We tortured Mohammed al-Qahtani," Crawford said. "His treatment met the legal definition of torture. And that's why I did not refer the case" for prosecution. *National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT)* The Jesuit Conference is an Endorsing Member of NRCAT and the New York Province of the Society of Jesus is a Participating Member NRCAT is a growing coalition of diverse faith traditions that are one in seeking an end to United States involvement in torture and to all forms of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of prisoners. We believe that torture violates the dignity of the human person which is God-given and hence not to be denied or compromised by any human action or inaction. We also believe that torture degrades everyone involved and violates the highest principles that were once the cornerstone of our country. What Can You Do? Educate yourself. Go to www.nrcat.org and take advantage of the resources available there. Endorse NRCAT's statement of inquiry: "Torture is a Moral Issue" at www.nrcat.org Organize a Viewing within Your Congregation of the 20 minute DVD, "Ending U.S.-Sponsored Torture Forever: A Study for People of Faith." This excellent video seeks to build the moral consensus that torture is always wrong. You can order a copy at www.nrcat.org Continue legislative advocacy - advocacy which has known some significant successes. Issues for advocacy are available at the NRCAT website. Support NY State Legislation Re Health Care Professionals & Torture Legislation has been introduced in the NY State Assembly (A-6665-B) and the NY State Senate (S-4495-A) to bar health care professionals from participating in torture or improper treatment of prisoners, and provide a means by which health care professionals responsible for the care of prisoners or detainees can refuse an order to directly or indirectly participate in torture and to insist on providing professionally responsible care and treatment. Sign the petition in support of this legislation. United States Catholic Bishops Conference (USCCB) Issues a Catholic Study Guide on the Issue of Torture In speaking out against torture, our bishops have declared: "There can be no compromise on the moral imperative to protect the basic human rights of any individual incarcerated for any reason." To help Catholics understand the moral reasons for opposing torture, the USCCB has issued a Catholic study guide that is an excellent resource for parishes, retreat houses, and our schools. Download a copy today, familarize yourself with it, and share it with others. The USCCB has worked closely with the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT). National Jesuit Committee on Investment Responsibility (NJCIR) - Engaging Corporations for the Common Good The Society of Jesus in the United States has been actively engaged in socially responsible investing, i.e., engaging with corporations to effect changes in corporate policies beneficial to all corporate stakeholders. Read the 2009 NJCIR Annual Report to learn more of how the Society of Jesus in the United States is working with corporations to effect policies that strengthen the corporation while serving the larger needs of society. Economic Crisis in the United States - Real Stories of Real Persons Facing Hard Choices United States Senator Bernard Sanders of Vermont has compiled a booklet of e-mail letters he has received from constituents, and others, who are experiencing serious economic hardships. Their hardships reflect the decline in real incomes in the United States, the rising number of Americans without health insurance, the growing number of Americans without adequate resources for retirement, and the rising costs for basic necessities. These stories remind us of the importance of the upcoming election and the need for elected officials to move beyond the partisan battles of the past to find real solutions to the growing economic crisis in our country. Comprehensive Immigration Reform Stay Informed and Involved through www.justiceforimmigrants.org Immigration Is The Crucial Issue Today: Educate Yourself with These Resources from the Maryland Catholic Conference: Where All Find a Home: A Catholic Response to Immigration The History of Immigration The Legal Immigration Process The Economics of Immigration The Root Causes of Migration The Institute is an interdisciplinary center engaged in both direct service and research/reflection/education and communications. A project of the Maryland, New York and New England Provinces of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), The Institute main office is hosted by Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland. Our key ministry partner is The Jesuit Collaborative. *Cause of Dorothy Day - Servant of God - One with the Poor* The Guild of Dorothy Day has been established in order to assist the process of her canonization. Its purpose is to spread the word of Dorothy Day's life, work and sanctity; to identify the growing devotion for Dorothy Day by Catholics and non-Catholics; and to document her ability to intercede for people in need of God's healing mercy and assistance. Learn more... Provoke Radio - Calling Forth Reflection on Current Social Issues in Light of Gospel Values. Learn more.