Catholic
Relief Services was founded in 1943 by the Catholic Bishops of the
United
States
to assist the poor and disadvantaged outside the country. It is administered by
a Board of Bishops selected by the National Council of Catholic Bishops and is
staffed by men and women committed to the Catholic Church's apostolate of
helping those in need. It maintains strict standards of
efficiency and accountability.
The
fundamental motivating force in all activities of CRS is the Gospel of Jesus
Christ as it pertains to the alleviation of human suffering, the development of
people and the fostering of charity and justice in the world. The policies and
programs of the agency reflect and express the teaching of the Catholic Church.
At the same time, Catholic Relief Services assists persons on the basis of
need, not creed, race or nationality.
Catholic
Relief Services gives active witness to the mandate of Jesus Christ to respond
to human needs in the following ways:
-
by responding to victims of
natural and man-made disasters;
-
by providing assistance to the poor to alleviate their immediate
needs;
-
by supporting self-help programs which involve people and
communities in their own development;
-
by helping those it serves to restore and preserve their dignity and
to realize their potential;
-
by collaborating with religious and nonsectarian persons and groups
of goodwill in programs and projects which contribute to a more equitable
society;
-
by helping to educate the people of the
United States
to fulfill their moral responsibilities in alleviating human suffering,
removing its causes and promoting social justice.
