Catholic Latino leaders seek to engage in national dialogue on policy

Published: 2008-01-22

SAN ANTONIO (CNS) -- The new Catholic Association of Latino Leaders was launched Jan. 16 with a call to U.S. Latinos to "bring to mainstream America the blessings of the integration of faith and culture" found in Latino culture. "Today, more than ever, our voices must be heard," said San Antonio Archbishop Jose H. Gomez at the group's inaugural national meeting. The organization's goal is to engage in public debate and affect the national dialogue on matters important to Latinos. He noted that Latinos are the fastest-growing segment of the population in the United States and the Catholic Church; 71 percent of all growth in the U.S. Catholic Church since 1960 has come from the Latino community. "We must be prepared to be effective witnesses of our Catholic faith," he said. The archbishop lamented that many Latino families are separated by unjust immigration laws, their hope is diminished by poverty and they still confront discrimination.

Copyright (c) 2008 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .