About Our History

Historical Background

The drastic cuts in human services in the State of Michigan (1991-92),
beginning with the elimination of the General Assistance program in 1991, and
the need for the Church to respond to the crisis, brought  together numerous
parishes/churches in the Archdiocese of Detroit.  Under the leadership of
Bishop Thomas Gumbleton, the Catholic Caucus was formed to provide a
forum for members of the Catholic community and other faith groups and
community organizations to work together in order to give highest priority to
human needs in the development of the public policies and the state budget.  

The Catholic Caucus grounded in the social teaching of the Church and
motivated by justice seeks to uphold the sanctity of life and promote the
common good.
About Us

Guiding Principles

  • Every economic decision must be judged in light of whether it protects
    or   undermines the dignity of the human person.
  • Human person is not only sacred but social.  The way we organize our
    society (economic, policy) directly affects human dignity.
  • All people have a right to participate in the economic life of society.
  • Human rights are the minimum conditions for life in community.  It
    includes economic rights: right to life, food, clothing, shelter, rest, medical
    care, education and employment.
  • Society as a whole has an essential responsibility: private institutions and
    government have a responsibility to enhance human dignity and protect
    human rights.

                               U.S. Conference of Bishops
                                            Economic Justice for All
                                            Pastoral Letter, 1986

The Caucus pursues its Mission through:

  • Ongoing educational programs which:
        … Explore the meaning of Catholic Social Teaching and its
             application in today’s world;
        … Assist advocates in local parishes with their witness and activities
             to further economic justice and opportunity;
        … Provide accurate nonpartisan information on public policies and
             their impacts.
  • Contact with public policy makers at all levels to advocate programs
    which broaden social and economic opportunities for all the state’s
    citizens.