PUBLIC POLICY – WHAT IS IT?

As Catholics, we are called to love our neighbor.  Our response to those in need can take the form of direct assistance: food, clothing, housing, or provision of appropriate counseling and treatment services. But we are also called to address underlying issues which prevent people from achieving their full potential. 

In the Diocese of Rochester, our efforts at advocacy are coordinated by the Diocesan Public Policy Committee (DPPC). The DPPC advises the Bishop on public policy matters, meets with legislators, and works to encourage parish participation in social justice advocacy.  We address issues at the local, state, national and international levels.

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The new 2009/2010 Agenda includes three important priorities:

• The advocacy issue will focus on Justice for Farmworkers targeting either Federal Comprehensive Immigration Reform or the New York State Farmworker Fair Labor Practices Act.
  • Parish Educational Resources: Raising up Challenging Issues
  • Still to come: November Resources to prepare for Public Policy Weekend, February 13/14
• Education issues:
  • Life Issues: Losing the Right to Choose
  • Prodigal Sons and Daughters: Easing the Transition from Incarceration to Home and Community.

Continuing Education Issues:

Access to Healthcare

Faithful Citizenship

Global Climate Change and Care of God's Creation

Peace

Affirming the Dignity of the Unborn Human Being

Support for Ethical Stem Cell Research

Immigration

Solidarity with Africa