Poverty

Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

While the common good embraces all, those who are weak, vulnerable, and most in need deserve preferential concern. A basic moral test for our society is how we treat the most vulnerable in our midst. In a society marred by deepening disparities between rich and poor, Scripture gives us the story of the Last Judgment (see MT 25:31-46) and reminds us that we will be judged by our response to the “least among us.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains:

"Those who are oppressed by poverty are the object of a preferential love on the part of the Church which, since her origin and in spite of the failings of many of her members, has not ceased to work for their relief, defense, and liberation through numerous works of charity which remain indispensable always and everywhere. (no. 2448)"

Pope Benedict XVI has taught that “love for widows and orphans, prisoners, and the sick and needy of every kind, is as essential to [the Church] as the ministry of the sacraments and preaching of the Gospel” (Deus Caritas Est, no. 22). This preferential option for the poor and vulnerable includes all who are marginalized in our nation and beyond—the unborn, persons with disabilities, the elderly and terminally ill, and victims of injustice and oppression.

Welfare policy should reduce poverty and dependency, strengthen family life, and help families leave poverty through work, training, and assistance with child care, health care, housing, and transportation. It should also provide a safety net for those who cannot work. Improving the Earned Income Tax Credit and child tax credits, available as refunds to families in greatest need, will help lift low-income families out of poverty.

Bishops' Statements/Teachings

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church. Chapter Seven, Economic Life. Pontifical Council for Peace and Justice, 2005.

Ohio Bishops' Campaign to End Poverty Proposal, 2007

Fair and Adequate Tax Reform May 21, 2004

A Place at the Table, USCCB, November 13, 2002

Economic Justice For All, USCCB, November 13, 1986

Resources

Governor Strickland's Response to Poverty Task Force Report 9/08. CLICK HERE

Governor's Ohio Poverty Task Force Short-Term Recommendations, 9/08. CLICK HERE

Powerpoint Presentation on Ohio Poverty Trends. 9/08.
CLICK HERE

2008 Ohio Poverty Report. County by County assessment using the Self-Sufficiency Standard. Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies. CLICK HERE

Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity. Excellent Resource includes views of the 2008 Presidential Candidates on Poverty, along with links regarding Ohio Poverty Statistics and National Poverty Campaigns. CLICK HERE

Powerpoint Poverty presentation: includes poverty quiz and background on CCUSA Poverty Campaign 2007 . CLICK HERE

Catholic Campaign For Human Development: Poverty USA.
CLICK HERE

CCUSA Campaign to Reduce Poverty. CLICK HERE

Catholic Campaign Against Global Poverty. CLICK HERE

The State of Poverty in Ohio 2005. Detailed study by the Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies.

Report on Poverty in Ohio: Ohio's Poorest Children- Excellent paper by Jack Frech, Director of Jobs and Family Services, Athens County. Includes poverty statistics; an explanation of how Ohio's public assistance programs work; and a call for benefit increases.

Ohio Public Assistance Payment Standards 2007

Balancing an Ohio Works First Budget 2007 - Worksheet

Poverty Budget Educational Guide. Ohio United Way 2006

Tour of Poverty in the USA - Animated website by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, nccbuscc.org (Macromedia Flash player required)

Need More Information

Contact Jim Tobin , 614-224-7147