►Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) Information by American Life League Released November 1, 2009
(01 June 2010 UPDATE) — American Life League and the Reform CCHD Now coalition sent a fully detailed report on the groups below to every bishop in the country. The hope is that they will review the information prior to their meeting from June 11-13. Click here to view the full report.
UPDATED INFORMATION - The following links are to recent articles related to the Catholic Campaign for Human Development meant to compliment the documented information on specific groups listed below.
The CCHD’s grants list for 2009, located here, lists the organizations below, each of which is accompanied by a brief explanation of why it should not receive any Catholic support, along with links providing the proof.
Please print out the statement cards (by clicking on the small picture of them, downloading them, opening the file and printing the sheet) and share them with fellow Catholics. Tell the CCHD "No Thank You!" when the annual collection is taken in your parish on November 22.
Here is the list of organizations, funded by the CCHD, that are engaging in philosophies and activities completely contrary to Catholic teaching.
The Chinese Progressive Association (recently defunded)
The organization must be fully nonpartisan when engaging in political activities. Organizations engaged in partisan political activity are not eligible.
Chicago Workers Collaborative - Illinois - $30,000
According to “about us” on Chicago Socialist website
"A world free of exploitation--socialism--is not only possible but worth fighting for. The ISO stands in the tradition of revolutionary socialists Karl Marx, V.I. Lenin and Leon Trotsky in the belief that workers themselves--the vast majority of the population--are the only force that can lead the fight to win a socialist society. Socialism can't be brought about from above, but has to be won by workers themselves."
CCHD grantees are listed as members with the Center for Community Change (CCC)
The Center for Community Change, while not a CCHD grantee, is partnered with 31 CCHD grantees (listed at the end). The CCC coordinates and trains its partners (including those receiving CCHD funds) with the goal of advancing its “progressive” vision of society. The Culture of Death is pervasive throughout the CCC, from its board members, to the grants it receives, to its projects and its promoted literature. Any group partnering with this organization is directly involved with this pervasive attitude. The following are just some of the aspects of the CCC which are completely incompatible with Catholic teaching.
Board of Advisors Member for Generation Change (a project of Center for Community Change)
Russell Roybal is director of movement building for the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, where he oversees the organization's capacity building and leadership development efforts.
State-wide Education Organizing Committee – New Jersey - $30,000
New labor - New Jersey - $30,000
FUREE – New York - $25,000
Queens Congregations United for Action – New York - $35,000
Northwest Bronx Community & Clergy Coalition – New York - $35,000
Metropolitan Organization for People – Colorado - $40,000
Idaho Community Action Network – Idaho - $35,000
Northern Plains Resource Council – Montana - $35,000
Nashville Homeless Power Project – Tennessee - $25,000
TN Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition – Tennessee - $25,000
Empower Hampton Roads – Virginia - $25,000
Justice Overcoming Boundaries – California - $25,000
POWER – California - $50,000
Coalition Los Angeles – California - $40,000
Workers' Defense Project – Texas - $35,000
CCHD Grantees Listed as Partnership Members with The California Partnership (CAP)
CAP took pro-abortion and pro-homosexual marriage positions in the 2008 Elections
Coalition LA - California - $40,000
Justice Overcoming Boundaries - California - $25,000
Parents Organized for Westside Renewal - California - $50,000
LA Community Action Network (AKA: CANGRESS) – California - $40,000
(UPDATE 11-16-2009) - According to a recent document from the CCHD titled, "For the Record - The Truth about CCHD Funding, The Archdiocese of Los Angeles reviewed the the activity of LA CAN, and the following is not considered "activity contrary to Church teaching, and has recommended continued funding for the organization."
The Women’s Community Revitalization Project – Pennsylvania - $30,000 (UPDATE 11-16-2009) According to a recent document from the CCHD titled, "For the Record - The Truth about CCHD Funding": The Diocese of Philadelphia, along with CCHD,continue to gather the facts involving this organization. This grant has been placed on hold during this process. Once all pertinent information has been reviewed, a final determination will be made regarding this organization.
"The following types of organizations and projects conflict with our values and funding philosophy and would not be considered."
"Organizations that consider themselves to be pro-life"
"Organizations and projects that do not support a woman’s full range of reproductive choices"
"Organizations and projects promoting abstinence-only sex education"
"Organizations and projects opposing same-sex relationships or marriage"
The San Francisco Organizing Project (SFOP) – California - $35,000 (UPDATE 11-16-2009) - According to a recent document from the CCHD titled, "For the Record - The Truth about CCHD Funding,"
"Archdiocese of San Francisco strongly supports the work of the San Francisco Organizing Project (SFOP) to expand access to health care to children. Both Archbishop Levada and Archbishop Niederauer have spoken at SFOP events; SFOP has met regularly with Archdiocesan staff to coordinate work on health care access and other issues that affect the poor and immigrant families."
(UPDATE 12-21-2009) - SFOP's involvement in pushing abortion, birth control, and "family planning" services is undeniable, as the following information will prove.
SFOP, on its own website, makes the following claims:
Won $200,000 for Mission Neighborhood Health Center and Excelsior Clinic for Women and Children.
Won Healthy Kids program to provide universal healthcare for children regardless of documentation status (2001).
Saved Excelsior Clinic and the public pharmacy at SF General Hospital.
Won Healthy San Francisco – a first-in-the-country program to provide universal healthcare to all 82,000 uninsured San Franciscans.
In order to be clear, this report will expose each of these four points in order.
Re: Point 1 - See above.
Re: Point 2 – SFOP mentions that it worked with San Francisco Health Plan (SFHP) in order to achieve passage of the Healthy Kids Program. In this 2005 report on SFOP is an explanation of its relationship with San Francisco Health Plan, specifically in regard to the Healthy Kids program. It said:
Relationships with other organizations and agencies have historically been on an as-needed basis depending on current campaigns, but over the past five years, SFOP has been developing longer-term partnerships with organizations such as San Francisco Health Plan and Council of Community Housing Organizations.
Health care became SFOP’s primary citywide focus as it worked to launch the Healthy Kids insurance program and helped to enroll 2,000 children in the program through the San Francisco Health Plan over a two-year period.
There are two very serious problems with this.
If You Need An Abortion SFHP covers abortions. You do not need to see your PCP first or get permission for an abortion. You may obtain outpatient abortion services from an SFHP network provider or from a non-network provider. Prior authorization for outpatient abortions is not required. Inpatient hospitalization for abortions may be subject to prior authorization procedures as per our current policies and procedure specific to each medical group and hospital contract. You do not need the permission of your parents/guardian to get an abortion. If you need help finding someone to perform the abortion, you can call Member Services at (415) 547-7800 (local) or (800) 288-5555. You can also call the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). DHCS can offer advice and give you a list of nearby family planning clinics. The DHCS number is (800) 942-1054.
And
Birth Control and Other Family Planning Services
SFHP covers birth control and other family planning services. If you need birth control or other family planning services, you can get them from any provider who is willing to take Medi-Cal. You do not need to check with your primary care provider first or get an approval. You do not need to see a provider who is with your medical group. You do not need the permission of your parents or guardian. If you need help finding a provider to help you with birth control or family planning, call Member Services at (415) 547-7800 (local) or (800) 288-5555. You can also call the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). DHCS has people who can provide advice and give you a list of nearby family planning clinics. The DHCS number is (800) 942-1054.
SFHP's participation in and promotion of abortion and birth control is plain and obvious for all to see, so it should come as no surprise that it carries this participation and promotion into its Healthy Kids Program. This is important to know because SFOP helped to enroll over 2,000 children in the Healthy Kids program through SFHP, because according to the services provided through SFHP for the Healthy Kids program:
Benefits and Services
The Healthy Kids program provides medical, dental, and vision coverage. San Francisco Health Plan offers members:
* Doctor Visits - over 2,500 providers to choose from
* Dental Care
* Vision Care (Glasses & Eye Exams) - over 200 vision service providers
* Hospital and Emergency Room Care - six of the best San Francisco hospitals
* Prescription Drugs - over 200 pharmacies throughout San Francisco
* Regular Check-ups and Immunizations (shots)
* OB/GYN Services and Pregnancy Care
* Family Planning * Substance Abuse Programs
* Mental Health Services
* Specialty Care - over 2,000 specialists in our network
Re: Point 3 – see above.
Re: Point 4 – Not only did SFOP “win” Healthy San Francisco, but it played an integral role in its planning. According to Greg M. Schwartz, staff writer for J Weekly
The progressive Reform synagogue was a perfect place for the June 18 announcement, since its members played a significant role in the city's decision to expand the plan, called Healthy San Francisco.
...
Sha'ar Zahav members saw a need for more inclusive health care after the initial HSF plan was passed unanimously by the board in 2006.
So they got the ball rolling by working with the San Francisco Organizing Project, a grassroots coalition of religious congregations and schools working to influence public policy.
Roles of Advisory Group and Departments Implementing a city-wide effort to expand access to health services to uninsured adults requires a collaborative planning process comprised of representatives from health care, business, labor, advocacy organizations, philanthropy, research and other disciplines. The HSF Advisory Council was formed to help guide the development, planning and implementation of Healthy San Francisco. The Advisory Council provides expert consultation on: implementation of employer spending mandate, membership, benefits, provider network, utilization, costs, and evaluation. With the approval of the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors, the following individuals were appointed to the Advisory Council are:
... Julia Velson, San Francisco Organizing Project
Healthy San Francisco also offers coverage for some services that would not be covered under a government-run public health insurance plan, such as elective abortion.
But some services, such as elective abortions, may not be offered through a public option or by policies that are subsidized by federal funds because of the U.S. government's ban on paying for such procedures. San Francisco public health officials said elective abortions would continue to be provided through Healthy San Francisco.
However, all things considered, it should really come as no surprise that the Archdiocese of San Francisco would so strongly defend the SFOP, considering the Archdiocese lists Sarah Nolan (with an SFOP e-mail address) as Parish Organizer/Outreach Coordinator:
And at least 20 parishes, in coordination with the Archdiocese of San Francisco, are working intimately with SFOP, its missions, and goals.
SFOP Organizing Committees in Catholic Churches
Church of the Epiphany Catholic – Excelsior/Crocker Amazon
Corpus Christi Catholic Church - Excelsior
Mission Dolores Catholic - Mission
Star of the Sea Catholic Church - Richmond
St. Anthony's Church - Mission
St. Elizabeth's Catholic - Portola
St. Kevin’s Catholic – Bernal Heights (exploring membership)
St. Patrick's Catholic Church - Downtown
St. Peter's Catholic Church - Mission
Partnerships
Achdiocese of San Francisco
Church of the Visitation
Holy Name of Jesus
Notre Dame de Victoires
Old St. Mary’s
St. Brendan's Catholic Church
St. Anne of the Sunset
St. Cecilia
St. Charles Catholic Church
St. Dominic
St. Ignatius
St. Thomas Moore
Also, please note that the public record for the third reading of the Healthy Kids bill contains a list of organizations supporting the bill, and those opposing. According to the public record, certain organizations presented arguments in favor and arguments against. Suppporting the bill are the Alliance of Catholic Health Care, California Catholic Conference, Catholic Charities of California, and Catholic Healthcare West. The lone opposition to the bill is the California Right to Life Committee. Supporting arguments in favor of the bill came from the California Catholic Conference, which represents the bishops (and their dioceses) of the state of California. Opposing the bill (and apparently the bishops as well), the California Right to Life Committee "argued that teenage girls will be brought into government-funded programs promoting birth control and abortion services," which means that the Catholic Conference of California possessed full knowledge of the pro-abortion and pro-birth control elements of the bill.
ALL's Analysis - SFOP supported and helped create Healthy San Francisco, which provides birth control and abortion. SFOP not only lobbied for it, but was on the advisory council, which helped "guide the development, planning and implementation of Healthy San Francisco. The Advisory Council provides expert consultation on: implementation of employer spending mandate, membership, benefits, provider network, utilization, costs, and evaluation." SFOP worked with the abortion and contraception-providing San Francisco Health Plan in Healthy San Francisco, and also worked with the same group on the Healthy Kids program, which ALSO provides family planning services. Combining those facts with SFOP’s active role in winning $200,000 for the birth control-providing Mission Neighborhood Health Center and Excelsior Clinic for Women and Children, and as will be made clear below is a member of Mobilize the Immigrant Vote California, it is perfectly clear and completely undeniable that SFOP is actively involved in promoting abortion and birth control, in direct violation of Catholic Church teaching and CCHD guidelines.
Preble Street- Maine -$30,000 (UPDATE 11-16-2009) According to a recent document from the CCHD titled, "For the Record - The Truth about CCHD Funding": The Diocese of Portland, along with CCHD,continue to gather the facts involving this organization. This grant has been placed on hold during this process. Once all pertinent information has been reviewed, a final determination will be made regarding this organization.
Operates a day shelter where "family planning services" are made available by human service agencies.
(UPDATE - 11-18-2009) Recently removed itself from the Health Care for America Now coalition. Commendable, but this still does not excuse the promotion of Gayneighbor.org.
Promoted homosexual campaign “Gayneighbor.org” for ally group Equality Wisconsin in Oct. 2009 newsletter
(Richard Kirsche) “Unfortunately, the House legislation included a provision that will deny some women access to abortion services, a standard benefit now available on the insurance market. We will work to see that women have access to comprehensive health coverage in the final bill that passes.”
A central promise of health care reform is that if you like the health care coverage you have, you can keep it. Today in America, millions of women who buy health care on their own or who get it through the small business employer have abortion care coverage. Congressman Stupak's amendment would strip them of that coverage, breaking that central promise.
Stupak wants to outlaw abortion coverage in the new health insurance Exchange, where individuals and small businesses will purchase their coverage. Instead, women would only be able to purchase abortion coverage in a "abortion rider" plan - a single-service plan that covers abortion only. Such an "abortion rider" is discriminatory and illogical. Women do not plan to have unintended pregnancies (or pregnancies in which a complication will arise that will require ending the pregnancy). In fact, about half of all pregnancies are unintended. Abortion is simply not something that women plan to insure against.
Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO) – Illinois -$40,000
Youth program El Cilantro promoted birth control and homosexual lifestyles in its newsletter to teens.
Massachusetts Community Labor United – Massachusetts - $30,000
Joined “Cure CVS Now” coalition to expand access to birth control.
Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center – Ohio - $25,000 (UPDATE – 11-17-2009) After we revealed IJPC’s list of "friends and colleagues" on EWTN’s The World Over, IJPC completely removed the list, and removed the reference to "friends and colleagues." Instead, IJPC has an "under construction" statement and a notice that says, "Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by IJPC of the activities of these organizations." The original list can be viewed here: "friends and Colleagues".
GREATER CINCINNATI WOMEN'S RESOURCE CENTER (pro-homosexual)
INTERNATIONAL SOCIALIST ORGANIZATION (self-styled Marxist organization)
P-FLAG - Parents, Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gays
CCHD grantees listed as partners with MIV California:
Mobilize the Immigrant Vote California’s platform states, "Reproductive health needs to be an integral part of our state’s safety net." MIV’s 2008 voter guide called for individuals to vote against abortion restrictions and for same-sex marriage.
Faith in Community – California -$25,000
People Organized for Westside Renewal – California - $50,000
Coalition LA – California - $40,000
Justice Overcoming Boundaries in San Diego County – California - $25,000
Nuestra Casa– California - $35,000
San Francisco Organizing Project – California - $35,000
In addition to these organizations being funded by the CCHD are organizations connected to Saul Alinsky. Alinsky is best known as a socialist community organizer who wrote Rules for Radicals. Dedicated to Lucifer, this book is the authoritative blueprint for radical activism. His teachings revolve around the principle that the ends justify the means, and he promotes the Marxist concept of continuous class warfare. These principles are the very foundation of the various Alinskyan networks in existence.
The number-one recipient of all CCHD funds is the Industrial Areas Foundation, which was created by Alinsky himself. Other Alinskyan organizing groups receiving CCHD grant money are People Improving Communities through Organizing (PICO), Direct Action and Research Training (DART) and the Gamaliel Foundation.
Until last year, ACORN had received several million dollars from the CCHD. Its funding was cut, not because it was engaging in activities contrary to Church teaching, but because of embezzlement.
These are the facts. The CCHD is funding organizations whose agendas and strategies are in complete contradiction of Church teaching.
UPDATE: November 10, 2009:
The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) released a frequently asked questions (FAQ)http://www.usccb.org/cchd/CCHD_funding_FAQ2009-11.pdf document on November 5, 2009 outlining common questions regarding what the CCHD is and what it does.
Included in this document is the following question: "Out of the 250 grantees for 2009, were any groups found non-compliant?"
The answer to this question on the FAQ is problematic at best, and patently false in some areas. Because of this, American Life League (ALL) is compelled to correct and address certain aspects of the answer to this question. What follows is the question and answer as is appears in the CCHD document with ALL’s clarifications in red:
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