A collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) was taken up in all parishes of the diocese, Nov. 24-25. Some allegations have been made regarding the selection of grants. Ralph McCloud, director of CCHD for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has provided a response to ensure all grants meet the highest standards of accountability and conformity with the moral teaching of the Catholic Church. See below to read the response from Ralph McCloud.

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Allegations have been made by the Lepanto Institute and Church Militant regarding grants made on behalf of CCHD. While the grants are current, the allegations of how CCHD provides funding are old and previously reviewed. In each case, CCHD staff looked into the allegation, found no wrongdoing andsecured the local bishops express permission to execute/continue the grant. In years past, CCHD staff met with Mr. Hichborn of the Lepanto Institute with no positive results. Additionally, the CCHD Subcommittee asked that we not meet with him since there seems to be no amicable resolution.

CCHD requires each grantee the highest standards of accountability and conformity with the moral teaching of the Catholic Church. If a group commits offenses against Catholic moral teaching or undermines the Church’s defense of the unborn and vulnerable or her promotion of the family, the grant qualification is rescinded. CCHD monitors grant recipients through an exacting reporting process in cooperation with the local diocese. Only groups that have received formal approval from the local
bishop may receive a CCHD grant.

It is important to note that, throughout its history, CCHD and CCHD grantees have been subject to organized, exploitative attacks. Although sometimes these attacks originate due to a misperception of the mission of CCHD (To empower communities in their work, to overcome injustice and economic marginalization), at times they derive from opposition to the Church’s teaching and work in the field of charity and justice.

Regardless, all credible allegations are thoroughly investigated by CCHD in partnership with the local diocese, and all of the Lepanto allegations cited have been previously investigated. However, in the case that any group engages in activities contrary to Catholic teaching, the situation will be rectified quickly, responsibly, and charitably in deference to the local ordinary.

Justice requires that CCHD investigate with due diligence any claim that a funded group may be engaged in where activities are contrary to Catholic teaching. However, prudence recommends that current claims are originating from the same sources as in years past be considered with reasonable skepticism based on their consistent track record of misreporting.

We can assure you and your parishioners that CCHD is pro-life, pro-family, and pro-community and will never do anything to undermine that commitment. To assist in this assurance, CCHD has secured the services of a moral theologian who also serves as a consultant to the pro-life committee. He helps to ensure adherence to the church’s guidelines.

Answers to some frequently-asked questions are available at http://www.usccb.org/about/catholiccampaign-for-human-development/frequently-asked-questions.cfm and information about the collection is available at http://www.usccb.org/news/2017/17-198.cfm. If you have further questions, I am happy to assist and can be reached at 202-541-3367.

Ralph McCloud, director
Catholic Campaign For Human Development
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops