Catholic Social Ministry Gathering 2018

This year's speakers addressed immigration, race and the environment. Attendees met with legislators on Capital Hill to discuss immigration, domestic social safety net programs and international development aid. 

Washington -- Calling the future of the planet "an ethical problem," Mauricio López Oropeza, executive secretary of the Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Network, made clear that the church's social teaching is very clear on the imperative to care for the earth.

Catholics and racism -- "Why does it appear that the church in America has been incapable of taking decisive action and incapable of enunciating clear-cut principles regarding racism?" asked Bishop George Murry of Youngstown, Ohio.

WASHINGTON -- Immigration was a key theme of the first day of the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering, which brought together more than 500 Catholics who work in social justice ministries. The event runs from Saturday Feb. 4 through Tuesday, Feb. 6, and concludes with an advocacy visit to Capitol Hill.