Advocacy

In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue,
and participation in political life is a moral obligation.
-United States Conerference of Catholic Bishops
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, 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.

Advocacy Efforts at St. James Cathedral

Care for Creation Committee   The Care for Creation Committee of St. James Cathedral seeks to educate, inspire, and motivate parishioners to a deeper reverence and respect for God's creation, and to encourage our parishioners and the communities we live in to address environmental problems, especially as they affect poor and vulnerable people. For more information, please email Patrick Barredo, or call 206-382-4515.

Housing Advocacy Committee   The Housing Advocacy Committee is an advocacy group to help end homelessness by raising awareness, educating about homelessness, and assisting others to become involved. For more information, email Patrick Barredo or call 206-382-4515.

Life, Peace and Justice Committee   The St. James Cathedral Life, Peace and Justice Committee works to create a vibrant parish deeply rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, as embodied in the consistent ethic of life. We accomplish this by integrating education and understanding of Catholic Social Teaching into all aspects of parish life, and encouraging respectful dialogue about social justice issues. Our mission is to foster parishioners' commitment to and involvement in social ministry and advocacy for justice. For more information, email Patrick Barredo.

Respect Life Committee   The Respect Life Committee works to foster a culture of compassion at St. James, one in which every human being is valued and protected from the moment of conception until natural death. We strive to create an environment of open and respectful dialogue concerning life issues. We serve women in the midst of difficult pregnancies, parents struggling to care for young children, and anyyone dealing with the painful effects of abortion. For more information, email Patrick Barredo.