Catholic Leaders Challenge President Obama, Congress as Deficit Reduction Talks Heat Up

National Catholic social justice leaders and theologians who last month challenged Speaker John Boehner's budget priorities before his commencement address at The Catholic University of America are now urging President Obama to show moral vision in the face of political pressure to reduce the deficit by slashing vital safety net programs. From a statement released today:

Many of us supported President Obama's efforts to pass health care reform legislation, applaud his consistent appeals for comprehensive immigration reform and commend his bold commitment to nuclear non-proliferation. All of these initiatives reflect core principles of Catholic social teaching in public life. But we are compelled speak out to ensure that political leaders do not forsake those who have no voice, especially when political pressure mounts. Faced with irresponsible and reckless calls from Republicans to dismantle our nation's safety net, the President must now demonstrate the leadership and moral vision necessary to reject false choices. In years past, political leaders from both parties have reduced the deficit without hurting our must vulnerable neighbors and increasing poverty. We must do so again.

"As Republican leaders refuse to compromise on tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans, President Obama needs do what's morally right - not what's politically expedient in Washington," said Sister Simone Campbell, Executive Director of NETWORK, A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby. "Religious leaders and people of faith who have supported many of the President's efforts on behalf of the common good will not accept cuts to life-saving programs for seniors, pregnant mothers and hungry children as if these vulnerable Americans caused our nation's deficit. Now is the time for the president to stand firm and continue to show leadership and moral vision."

"President Obama now has an opportunity to use his bully pulpit and lay down some clear lines," said Stephen F. Schneck, Director of the Institute for Policy Research & Catholic Studies at The Catholic University of America. "Any deficit reduction deal that cuts Social Security and Medicaid is a betrayal of values that make our nation great. We can be more fiscally responsible without hurting those the Gospels compels us to protect."

http://blog.faithinpubliclife.org/2011/07/catholic_leaders_challenge_pre.html

Full statement and signatories here: http://faithinpubliclife.org/content/press/Catholic_Statement_on_Debt_Negotiations.pdf

It's good to see that religious leaders are addressing moral issues other than abortion.

where their mouth is. I can't believe more religious groups aren't screaming about this.