December, 2007

Washington, DC - Catholic social justice leaders and Evangelical Christians called for a "ceasefire" in the Christmas culture wars challenging Bill O'Reilly and others who have lashed out against a so-called secular "War on Christmas" to join them in a campaign that restores a focus on the common good during this holy season. In an "Open Letter to Christmas Culture Warriors" the group says that outrage over some department stores using "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas" is a distraction from the profound moral challenges we face in confronting the threats to human dignity in our world.

To sign on to the statement, visit the Christmas Campaign website www.ChristmasCampaign.org.

Washington DC - Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good has released a pledge asking Catholic voters to encourage candidates and elected officials to address the moral scandal of poverty, help end the war in Iraq and put the common good at the top of the nation's political agenda. The pledge, which is available here, will help promote Catholic Social Teaching about poverty, war and the common good in our nation, states, and local communities.

"As people of faith our allegiance must be to uplifting the broad range of common good values at the heart of Catholic social teaching not following narrow partisan agendas," said Alexia Kelley, executive director of Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good.

Washington, DC- Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good has issued a statement regarding the document Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship produced by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The document is a call to political responsibility from U.S. Bishops.

The Catholics in Alliance statement also notes the statement by Bishop William Skylstad, outgoing president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which called for bipartisan cooperation and responsible transition in Iraq.