Advocate
In the Catholic Tradition, responsible
citizenship is a virtue,
and participation in political life is a moral obligation.
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, USCCB, November 2007.
We believe we are called to respond to our brothers and sisters in need, not just with our actions but also with our words. Our many volunteer outreach programs seek to address and alleviate the symptoms of poverty, suffering and injustice. Our advocacy efforts seek to address the underlying social justice issues which are at the root of those symptoms. In our advocacy efforts, we are grounded in Gospel values and the tradition of Catholic Social Teaching, and guided by the social justice teachings of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Washington State Catholic Conference.
Faithful Citizenship
Click here to
learn more about Faithful Citizenship. As Catholics, we are called to speak out for justic,
especially for those who have no voice. We can work for justice by
voting, as well as by participating in the political process through
education, communicating positions to elected officials, working
with political parties, and possibly even running for office. We
have an obligation to form our consciences in accordance with human
reason and the teaching of the Church. The Church in the United
States has a wealth of teaching on a wide variety of issues of life,
peace and justice. You can learn more about Church teachings
on social issues, including life issues, poverty, immigration,
peace, and many more by
clicking here.
Advocacy Efforts at St. James Cathedral Get involved!
Housing Advocacy Committee
The Housing Advocacy Committee is a group of parishioners concerned about the large number of homeless people living on the streets of our city and the lack of affordable housing in our community. Click here to learn more.
Environmental Justice Group
The Environmental Justice Group works to promote awareness of the connection between our Catholic faith and stewardship of creation. Click here to learn more.
ESL Advocacy and Education Board
The ESL Advocacy and Education Board carries out activities to
educate and inform board members, parish staff and
parishioners about immigration related issues, based on the Justice
for Immigrants campaign. Information,
Chris Koehler,
206-382-4511. Click
here to visit the St. James ESL homepage.
Catholic Advocacy Day
Every year, Catholics from all over Washington State
gather in Olympia to advocate for the most vulnerable members of our
society. Participants are briefed on the state legislative
priorities set by the Washington State Catholic Conference, and are
then given an opportunity to meet with their state senators and
representatives. For more information about the Washington
State Catholic Conference's Legislative Priorities for
2009-2011, visit www.thewscc.org. Questions? Patty Bowman at
206-382-4515 or
pbowman@stjames-cathedral.org.
Album: Catholic Advocacy Day in Olympia, February 9, 2010