Diocese of Cleveland, Ohio

Diocesan Council on Global Solidarity Diocese of Cleveland, Ohio

“Connecting the global & the local by building solidarity”

PRINCIPLES OF SOLIDARITY:

· Anchoring Solidarity

· Teaching Solidarity

· Living Solidarity

· Investing in Solidarity

· Practicing Solidarity

· Promoting Solidarity

(Excerpts from: “Called to Global Solidarity – International Challenges for U.S. Parishes”, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, November 1997)

I. Anchoring Solidarity: Prayer, Worship, and Preaching

”One of the most important ways to focus on the Catholic call to solidarity is through prayer and worship. In our parishes, the eucharist represents a central setting for discovering and expressing solidarity. Gathered around the altar, we are reminded of our connection to all of God’s people through the mystical body of Christ. The eucharist makes present the sacrifice of Calvary in which Christ’s blood is shed for the redemption of the world. Our call to solidarity has its roots in this mystery and in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which we proclaim every time we gather for eucharist.”

II. Teaching Solidarity: Education and Formation

”Education and formation are key arenas for teaching global solidarity. We strongly support Catholic educators who consistently integrate international concerns into their curricula and programs such as geography, history, and science classes, as well as religious education and formation. Many Catholic educators are finding creative ways to reflect and act on the call to global solidarity, from principals and teachers who encourage their students to participate in Lenten relief programs to adult educators who host speakers on missions or international issues.”

III. Living Solidarity: Work, Family, Citizenship

”Many choices about international concerns are made in economic and public life. American corporations shape the world as much as government action. Business, union, and government leaders make decisions every day that enhance or undermine human life and dignity around the world. How believers invest and consume—and the choices we make as voters and citizens—can shape a world of greater or lesser justice, more or less peace.”

IV. Investing in Solidarity: Stewardship

”Catholics in the United States have given many millions of dollars to reach out to brothers and sisters in other parts of the world. In three decades, Catholics in our country have contributed more than $80 million through our Latin America collection alone. Through the annual Propagation of the Faith collection, we support missionaries who share the faith in every part of the world. Through parish collections and other activities, Catholic Relief Services provides not only emergency food to the hungry but also long-term support for development, health care, and sustainable agriculture in 2,000 projects around the world. In our collection for Central and Eastern Europe, Catholics in the United States help to rebuild churches and communities torn apart by years of repression. This is an impressive record of generosity.”

V. Practicing Solidarity: Outreach and Charity

”Parishes are called to help those who suffer in our own communities and in situations of poverty and pain around the world. Turning the human struggle we see on the nightly news into effective parish outreach on a global level demands initiative and creativity. It most often starts with building relationships, sometimes with members of the parish who are from countries where there is war, famine, and human suffering. Or the relationship may begin with our own mission efforts, Catholic Relief Services, or a diocesan resettlement office.”

VI. Promoting Solidarity: Advocacy and Political Responsibility

”True parish commitment to global solidarity will not stop with financial aid or compassionate service efforts. Pursuing justice is at the core of the call to solidarity. Parishes can promote a broader, truly universal sense of political responsibility by calling Catholics to be informed and involved in international peace and justice issues, responding to the leadership of the Holy Father. Parishes have special opportunities to develop leadership, to promote citizenship, and to provide forums for discussion and action on global issues. Legislative networks and state Catholic conferences are effective tools for helping believers act on the international dimensions of our faith.”

For further reference to the U.S. Bishops’ vision of Global Solidarity, visit:

• “Called to Global Solidarity -- International Challenges for U.S. Parishes: Nov. 1997

The U.S. Bishops’ Framework for parishes in the U.S. to build and practice global solidarity.

• U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops – Social Development & World Peace Office

The Social Development & World Peace Office covers a wide array of national

issues, including on-line archives of U.S. Catholic Bishops’ statements.

• Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

CRS is the direct relief and international assistance provider for the U.S. Catholic

Bishops, engaging in local empowerment, peace-building and advocacy initiatives.

(Contact us for more information about these and other related issues!)

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