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at the highest levels of government, precisely because of her teachings on
marriage. Catholics have a particular duty to make sure that protections like
these do not weaken but instead grow in strength. This is not only to secure
the just freedom of the Church and the faithful here but also to offer hope and
an encouraging witness to those who suffer direct and even violent religious
persecution in countries where the protection is far weaker.
Preferential Option for the Poor and Economic Justice
73. Economic decisions and institutions should be assessed according to
whether they protect or undermine the dignity of the human person. Social
and economic policies should foster the creation of
jobs for all who can
work
with decent working conditions and
just wages
. Barriers to equal pay
and employment for women and those facing unjust
discrimination must be
overcome
. Catholic social teaching supports the
right of workers to choose
whether to organize
, join a union, and bargain collectively, and to exercise
these rights without reprisal. It also affirms
economic freedom, initiative, and
the right to private property
. Workers, owners, employers, and unions have
a corresponding responsibility to work together to create decent jobs, build a
more just economy, and advance the common good. We also note with grow-
ing concern the increase in “excessive social and economic inequalities,” as
the
Catechism of the Catholic Church
refers to it, and the shrinking middle class.
74. We support legislation that protects consumers from the excessive and
exploitative rates of interest charged by many payday lenders. “Although
the quest for equitable profits is acceptable in economic and financial activ-
ity, recourse to usury is to be morally condemned” (
Compendium of the Social
Doctrine of the Church
, no. 341).
75.
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. Given the link
between family stability and economic success, welfare policy should address
both the economic and cultural factors that contribute to family breakdown.
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 fami-
lies in greatest need, will help lift low-income families out of poverty.
76.
Faith-based groups
deserve recognition and support, not as a substitute
for government, but as responsive, effective partners, especially in the poorest
communities and countries. The USCCB actively supports conscience clauses