Global Solidarity

“A consistent theme of Catholic social teaching is the option or love of preference for the poor. Today, this preference has to be expressed in worldwide dimensions, embracing the immense numbers of the hungry, the needy, the homeless, those without medical care, and those without hope.” Solicitudo Rei Socialis (On Social Concern), Pope John Paul II, 1987

In the developing world, more than 1.2 billion people currently live below the international poverty line, earning less than $1 per day (Human Development Report 2003, Millennium Development Goals: A compact among nations to end human poverty, United Nations Development Programme Human Development Report, 2003)

Advocacy

Archdiocese of Washington Legislative Network
Join the Archdiocese of Washington Legislative Network and become apart of an over 4,000-member network advocating for global justice.

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
The Office for International Justice and Peace advocates for world issues on behalf of the U. S. bishops. The website includes key documents, legislative priorities and other important advocacy information.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Grassroots Action Center
 CRS aims to empower U.S. Catholics to exercise their civic rights and responsibilities to further the cause of global social justice with their elected officials.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
 CRS is the official overseas relief agency of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. CRS reaches out to people in more than 94 countries and territories around the world to alleviate human suffering and promote peace for poor and disadvantaged people. As the official development agency of the Catholic Church, CRS works through an extensive network of partners around the globe, providing humanitarian relief and development assistance in the fields of health and HIV/AIDS, peace and justice, education, agriculture, microfinance and emergency response.

To learn more about how the Archdiocese of Washington participates in various CRS projects and educational programming such as those described below, contact Mary McGinnity, 301-853-5339.

  • Darfur: A Call to Your Conscience: A genocide is being perpetrated in Darfur, Sudan. With the lives of 2 million Sudanese still in grave danger, the United Nations has called it the "worst humanitarian crisis in the world." The USCCB is urgently calling Catholics to advocate for a peaceful solution.
    Please take advantage of the rich resources available to your parish, youth groups, and schools via CRS's Sudan website. CRS is working tirelessly to raise awareness, advocate for change in US foreign policy, and provide humanitarian assistance. View the Archdiocese of Washington's Parish Social Concerns Committee Action Suggestions (PDF).
  • Fair Trade Coffee Project: Cup by cup, you can make a difference! The Fair Trade Coffee Project is an education, advocacy and consumer initiative developed in partnership with the Interfaith Coffee Program of Equal Exchange. The project provides a concrete way for Catholics in the United States to live their faith in solidarity with coffee, tea and cocoa producers who suffer as a result of unfair trade practices. Purchase fair trade coffee or promote it in your parish!
  • Global Village Program: Adopt a village and help build a self-reliant community that will be more stable for all its inhabitants, not just individuals. Your generous contribution can help put food in stomachs, water in cups and hope in hearts.
  • Operation Rice Bowl (ORB): ORB is a Lenten program of prayer, fasting and almsgiving sponsored by CRS; 75% of ORB contributions support CRS' overseas development efforts; 25% support diocesan anti-hunger efforts.
  • Work of Human Hands: An alternative trade program, implemented in partnership with SERRV International, offers handmade quality goods crafted by and purchased directly from artisans in Africa, Latin America, Asia and Eastern Europe. Educational and advocacy materials on fair trade and responsible consumerism are also available.

HIV/AIDS
 Learn more about our HIV/AIDS work and link to resources on this domestic and international crisis.

International Parish Twinning
"One special way parishes have reached out in solidarity is through a process known as twinning, in which a parish in the United States develops an ongoing relationship with a parish in another part of the world… We welcome “twinning” relationships and encourage the development of these relationships in ways that avoid dependency and paternalism. These bridges of faith offer as much to U.S. parishes as their partners. We are evangelized and changed as we help other communities of faith." (Called to Global Solidarity: International Challenges for U.S. Parishes, USCCB, 1997)

Twin your parish or school with a community in our sister diocese in Haiti, Diocese of Jeremie, or another global community of your choice. For more information, view this twinning PDF or contact Mary McGinnity, 301-853-5339.

Multicultural Communities
The Archdiocese of Washington reflects and serves the global church within our midst. Learn more about our rich diversity and the many services we offer to various communities.