News from the Iowa Catholic Conference

 

Hunger coalition launches petition in support of Summer EBT

The Iowa Hunger Coalition (IHC) has launched an online petition to urge the governor to ensure that Iowa participates in Summer EBT in 2025. Summer EBT would provide $120 in nutrition benefits to 245,000 low-income children in Iowa during the summer months. Summer EBT has been shown to reduce childhood food insecurity while increasing the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy. Iowans can sign the petition by visiting iowahungercoalition.org/summer-ebt.

Sign the petition supporting migrants

Please take a minute to sign our petition in solidarity with the bishops of Iowa and Pope Francis, who see the migrant as not simply a brother or sister in need, but “Christ himself, who knocks at our door.” The petition invites us to support the human dignity of migrants. Thanks to those who have already signed!

Catholic coalition supports affordable housing bill

Catholics believe that housing is a human right, and as such, governments, the private sector, nonprofit organizations, and churches and their ministries, have a shared responsibility to ensure all people have access to affordable and stable housing.

The Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States, Catholic Charities USA, and the National Council of the U.S. Society of St. Vincent de Paul support S. 3910, the federal Yes in God's Backyard Act, because it would help faith-based and nonprofit organizations improve their capacity to meet the housing needs of poor and vulnerable community members.

U.S. bishops’ president condemns political violence

Following the news of the shooting at a political rally involving former President Donald Trump, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, and president of the U.S. Conference of Bishops (USCCB) offered the following statement: 

“Together with my brother bishops, we condemn political violence, and we offer our prayers for President Trump, and those who were killed or injured. We also pray for our country and for an end to political violence, which is never a solution to political disagreements. We ask all people of goodwill to join us in praying for peace in our country. Mary, Mother of God and Patroness of the Americas, pray for us.” 

Protecting the Common Good 

As the slate of candidates continues to be clarified in this election season, please explore the bishops’ bulletin insert on the Common Good to find out more about how every human being has a right to life, a right to religious freedom, and a right to have access to those things required for a decent living. We also encourage you to watch the video, “Catholics Promote the Common Good” on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ YouTube page, https://www.youtube.com/@UsccbOrg.