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| U.S. Archbishop: urgent work needed to support working families |
In a compelling statement released on August 30th, Archbishop Borys Gudziak of the Ukrainian Archeparchy of Philadelphia, serving as the chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, urged the United States to embrace a "radical solidarity" with working families. His call to action comes amidst Labor Day preparations and reflects his deep concern for the well-being of American families.
Despite encouraging economic signs such as low unemployment rates, decreasing inflation, and job creation, Archbishop Gudziak contends that many American families feel financially strained compared to the previous year. His concerns are supported by a Federal Reserve report indicating that a significant portion of Americans can't handle an unexpected $400 expense, and grocery prices have risen nearly 5% in the last year. Moreover, three out of ten mothers have faced situations where they couldn't afford to buy food.
Affordable housing remains elusive for millions of Americans, while healthcare costs continue to surge beyond the reach of many. The archbishop asserts that it's a moral imperative for the nation to embrace "radical solidarity" with mothers, children, and families in their struggles.
Gudziak underscores the vital role played by labor unions in society, emphasizing their support for healthy, thriving families, particularly those facing the greatest challenges. He highlights the importance of supporting policies that protect the well-being of families, echoing calls from U.S. bishops in the wake of the Supreme Court's Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization ruling, which returned abortion decisions to individual states.
The archbishop commends certain congressional actions from the past year, including the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act and extending postpartum Medicaid coverage for one year after birth. Still, he emphasizes the need to strengthen the Child Tax Credit, which lapsed at the end of 2021, causing millions of children to fall back into poverty, with Black and Latino families being disproportionately affected.
Gudziak advocates for "national support for paid family leave," viewing it as a pro-life stance. He also calls for better access to affordable, high-quality child care and pre-kindergarten, coupled with just wages for childcare workers and teachers. He believes that families choosing to care for children at home should receive support, including faith-based child care and early education programs, while retaining their religious character.
The archbishop acknowledges that public policy changes alone are insufficient to help families thrive. Communities must also mobilize to address family challenges, with the Catholic Campaign for Human Development playing a pivotal role in supporting such efforts. He highlights the example of Washington Home Care Cooperatives in western Washington state, which empowers caregivers through worker-owned businesses, thanks to CCHD support.
In closing, Archbishop Gudziak emphasizes the critical role of labor unions in ensuring the well-being of working families. Quoting Pope Francis, he asserts, "'there are no free workers without trade unions.'" The economy's purpose, he adds, should be to enable families to thrive, aligning with Catholic social teaching's values. The Second Vatican Council's teachings emphasize that productive work should cater to the needs of individuals, particularly mothers of families.
In conclusion, Archbishop Gudziak's passionate call for "radical solidarity" with working families echoes the timeless values of social justice and compassion, reflecting the teachings of the Catholic Church. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of supporting families in their pursuit of well-being and prosperity.
