In recent days, we have received numerous calls from Catholics who strongly oppose the "Freedom of Choice Act" (FOCA) but were confused a= nd upset to learn that even though FOCA has not been reintroduced in the n= ew Congress and will likely never come to a vote, the U.S. Catholic Bishops ran a resource-intensive nationwide parish postcard campaign against the bill (see Catholic News Service story at: http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/= cns/0900402.htm).

Li= ke all Catholic organizations, we stand firmly as allies with the bishops in o= ur strong opposition to FOCA, and when and if the legislation were ever reintroduced, we would fight its passage. But almost all observers agree that FOCA is not going anywhere. In this time of increasing job layoffs, poverty, and food insecurity across America, we should instead be calling on Catholics to commit increased resources to helping children and families survive the collapsing economy, a crisis which could also lead to a sharp rise in abortion rates.

We= can help lessen the effects of the downturn by fighting for a just economic stimulus package and state budgets that do not leave behind the "l= east among us," and by sharing more of our own resources in our local communities. To help focus attention on those most profoundly affected by the economic crisis, please contact your bishop's office and tell him:

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Verdana'>You stand with him strongly against FOCA.
You are very concern= ed that the economic crisis and its impact on the poor and women will lead to an increase in abortions.

Th= erefore ask him to:

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Verdana'>Commit additional resources to meet the needs of families most affected by the curre= nt economic crisis by calling on parishioners to increase their suppo= rt to Catholic Charities or St. Vincent DePaul, diocesan-sponsored pregnancy support centers, or food banks.
Plan a parish advoca= cy campaign directed at federal and state officials urging them to protect state and national poverty reduction programs (food stamps, low income tax credits, foreclosure assistance, health care) in the federal and state budgets, programs which will be the first to go = in this crisis.

Yo= u can find a link to your local diocese here: http://www.usccb.org/dioceses.shtml.

Si= ncerely,

Ch= ris and James
The Catholics United Team

P.= S. Call your senators too. Contact them today at 866-544-7573 and te= ll them to protect programs that assist struggling families and their chil= dren (food stamps, low income tax credits, foreclosure assistance, health ca= re) in the Economic Recovery Plan.

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