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H H H
and other religious freedom protections, opposes any effort to undermine the
ability of faith-based groups to preserve their identity and integrity as partners
with government, and is committed to protecting long-standing civil rights
and other protections for both religious groups and the people they serve.
Government bodies should not require Catholic institutions to compromise
their moral or religious convictions to participate in government health or
human service programs.
77.
Social Security
should provide adequate, continuing, and reliable income
in an equitable manner for low- and average-wage workers and their families
when these workers retire or become disabled, and for the survivors when a
wage-earner dies.
78. The lack of safe, affordable
housing
requires a renewed commitment to
increase the supply of quality housing and to preserve, maintain, and improve
existing housing through public/private partnerships, especially with religious
groups and community organizations. The USCCB continues to oppose unjust
housing discrimination and to support measures to meet the credit needs of
low-income and minority communities.
79. A first priority for
agriculture
policy should be
food security for all
.
Because no one should face
hunger
in a land of plenty, the Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or Food Stamps), the Special Nutri-
tion Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and other nutrition
programs need to be strong and effective. Farmers and farm workers who grow,
harvest, and process food deserve a just return for their labor, with safe and
just working conditions and adequate housing. Supporting rural communities
sustains a way of life that enriches our nation. Careful stewardship of the earth
and its natural resources demands policies that support
sustainable agriculture
as vital elements of agricultural policy.
Health Care
80.
Affordable and accessible health care
is an essential safeguard of human
life and a fundamental human right. Despite an increase in the number of
people insured, millions of Americans still lack health care coverage. Health
care coverage remains an urgent national priority. The nation’s health care
system needs to be rooted in values that respect human dignity, protect human
life, respect the principle of subsidiarity, and meet the needs of the poor and
uninsured, especially born and unborn children, pregnant women, immigrants,
and other vulnerable populations. Employers, including religious groups