Diocese of Scranton
Diocesan Advocacy Network
 

          The bishops of the United States call upon the faithful to participate in the political and legislative process.  In their document entitled, “Faithful Citizenship, A Call to Political Responsibility,” the bishops state, “Jesus called us to ‘Love one another.’ Our Lord’s example and words demand care for the ‘least of these’ from each of us. Yet they also require action on a broader scale.  Faithful citizenship is about more than elections. It requires ongoing participation in the continuing political and legislative process.” 

          In response to this call, the Diocese of Scranton is initiating a Diocesan Advocacy Network.   Catholics in the Diocese of Scranton are encouraged to participate in legislative efforts that address issues and concerns which include, but are not limited to, the following: 

v      Human Life Issues, i.e., abortion, euthanasia, bioethics, marriage, contraception, death penalty, etc.;

v      The dignity of the human person and the nature of the family, including basic human needs such as poverty, hunger, homelessness, housing, domestic violence, etc.;

v      Education including school choice, budget, preschool concerns, athletics, etc.;

v      Healthcare concerns, i.e., advance directives, long-term care, health care coverage, problems of the uninsured, development and distribution of pharmaceutical, etc.;

v      Economic and social justice, i.e., racism, discrimination, immigration, workers rights, unemployment, farm problems, etc.;

v      International concerns, i.e., human rights, foreign aid, world debt, environment, etc.;

v      Issues that affect the functioning of the Catholic Church. 

          Members will be asked to contact a legislator and/or officeholder, write letters to the editor, encourage parishioners, friends, and others.  Names and e-mail addresses will be kept confidential and will not be used for any other purpose. 

          Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Diocesan Advocacy Network, is asked to contact David Clarke, Director,  Office of Social Concerns/Pro-Life, at 570/207-2213, ext. 1130 or e-mail, David-Clarke@dioceseofscranton.org.