CCHD - Helping to Bring About Our Financial Crisis

In the Oct. 2, 2008 Catholic Standard, Christian Wainwright (Director of CCHD for the Archdiocese of Washington DC) pens a Guest Opinion on the current financial situation. Unfortunately, this only appears in the print version (page 12).

In it, he discusses the bailout and how it needs to take into consideration the poor and home foreclosures. He reminds us that “moral decisions must favorably consider the effect on the poorest members of society.” To bolster his arguments, he uses Matthew 25, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Pope John Paul II encyclical Centesimas Annus.

Fair enough.

But what Mr. Wainwright fails to mention is that the CCHD has helped us get into the mess in the first place.

We know that part of the “American Dream” is to own a house, with the white picket fence, 2.5 children, a dog, two cars, etc.

However, the mortgage rules were changed in the mid-1990s during the Clinton presidency to make it easier for those who really could not afford to purchase a house.

To see who is responsible for this mess, here it is. These are the same people whom the social justice crowd supports and tells us get over the fact that they are pro-abortion. Remember this when it is time to vote in November!



So how did the CCHD help with this crisis?

Take a look at whom they have been giving to over the last few years. ACORN is a good example because it has been one of the groups that pushed for a relaxation of the mortgage rules in the 1990s. In 2007, ACORN received over $800,000 in funding. In 2006, ACORN received over $900,000 in grant money.

It is time for CCHD to accept responsibility that they have helped to cause they current financial crisis by funding these groups. It is time for CCHD to stop funding these groups and really reflect upon on their mission to help the poor. There is nothing wrong with helping those who are poor. There is something wrong when we support groups that have assisted in creating this mess.

Therefore, I am urging you NOT TO GIVE to this year’s CCHD Campaign and to let them know this. However, take whatever you would give and donate directly to a good Catholic charitable organization.

If you are in the Archdiocese of Washington DC, contact Mr. Wainwright at cwainwright@adw.org. State the facts and be nice. No threats, no foul language.

I am urging all bloggers to take up this cause!