Florida bishops praise result as 1.5 million former felons get votes

November 8, 2018 CNA Daily News News Briefs 0 Print

Tallahassee, Fla., Nov 8, 2018 / 04:30 pm (CNA).- On Tuesday Nov. 6, Florida voted overwhelmingly to amend the state constitution to return the right to vote to convicted felons who had served their sentence. Amendment 4 appeared on the midterm ballot across the state and its passage will restore voting rights to 1.5 million people.

The measure applies to felons who have completed their sentences, but does not include those convicted of murder or felony sex offences. With the adoption of Amendment 4, Florida becomes the 47th state to restore voting rights to felons who have paid their debt to society.

The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops was “pleased” with the passage of Amendment 4, a spokesperson told CNA on Thursday.

 

“The people of Florida have rightly recognized that, while our criminal justice system holds offenders accountable for their actions, inmates reentering society should be allowed the opportunity to participate more fully in their communities,” said the FCCB in a statement provided to CNA.

 

“Helping people become engaged citizens after incarceration decreases recidivism and creates safer communities for all.”

 

Florida has seven Catholic dioceses: Orlando, Palm Beach, Pensacola-Tallahassee, St. Augustine, St. Petersburg, Venice, and the Archdiocese of Miami.

 

Prior to Election Day, the bishops of Florida issued statements on several ballot initiatives, including Amendment 4. The FCCB urged the faithful in Florida to vote in favor of the amendment.

 

“Crime and violence that threaten the lives and dignity of Floridians cannot be tolerated; yet society may not give up on those who have lost their way,” said the FCCB in a voter guide released two weeks prior to Election Day.

 

“The Criminal Justice system holds offenders accountable for their actions; however, punishment must include a constructive and redemptive purpose. As nearly all inmates will return to society, their reintegration must be encouraged.”

 

And while the bishops acknowledged that it may not be “ideal” to have to amend the state’s constitution to restore voting rights to felons, “it seems to be the only practical way to achieve this policy goal outside of pursuing an uncertain path in the courts.”

 

The voting rights of felons varies from state to state. Of those that permit convicted felons to vote, 20 restore voting rights upon completion of probation, and 14 restore voting rights upon release from prison.

 

Two states, Maine and Vermont, allow felons to vote while incarcerated via an absentee ballot.

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Warning of global hunger crisis, CRS launches campaign to help

May 23, 2020 CNA Daily News 2

CNA Staff, May 23, 2020 / 03:59 pm (CNA).- As the COVID-19 pandemic threatens to worsen an already tenuous food situation for millions across the globe, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has announced a campaign to help address global hunger.

“Now is the time for us to lead the way forward to ensure that these communities have the support they need to make it through this crisis and beyond,” said CRS president and CEO Sean Callahan this week.

“If we don’t provide adequate food to children now, it will impact them for the rest of their lives.”

Catholic Relief Services warned that a food crisis already existed in many countries before the coronavirus pandemic hit. Now, unemployment, lockdowns, heightened food prices, and supply disruptions have made it even more difficult for impoverished families in many areas to get food.

“The shadow pandemic of worsening hunger is playing out in some of the world’s most vulnerable countries,” said Callahan.

The World Food Program has warned that the pandemic could double the number of people facing acute hunger or starvation, which already stands at 135 million.

Pope Francis has highlighted food insecurity in his homilies and addresses. In his comments on the COVID pandemic earlier this month, the pope noted that more than 3.7 million people have died from hunger so far this year. He warned of a “pandemic of hunger” that is not receiving adequate attention.

In response to the global crisis, Catholic Relief Services has launched a “Lead the Way on Hunger” campaign, calling for greater awareness, advocacy and fundraising to address global hunger rates.

The relief agency is encouraging Catholics to educate themselves and become involved in the effort to fight global hunger. It is asking Americans to contact their representatives in support of specific legislation, such as the Global Thrive Act (H.R. 4864), which would integrate early childhood development efforts – including health and nutrition assistance – into already-established foreign aid programs.

The campaign also encourages Catholics to donate to relief efforts when possible as a sign of solidarity with those who are suffering, and to help spread awareness on social media with the hashtag #LeadNow.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has invited the faithful to offer a prayer at noon on May 24 as part of the campaign.

“At this critical time, CRS’ ‘Lead the Way on Hunger’ campaign is an important expression of our Church’s steadfast commitment to global solidarity, to working for the common good, and to the upholding of human dignity,” said Archbishop Bernard Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis, a member of the CRS board.

“We believe that each life, no matter how vulnerable, is precious.”

Catholic Relief Services is active in many countries to help alleviate food insecurity. In Guatemala, the agency is helping offer packages of rice, corn, beans and oil for children who are at risk of malnutrition and often receive their only meal of the day through distribution programs at their schools, which are now closed due to the pandemic. In the Philippines, CRS aided a home for people with disabilities to acquire a one-month supply of food and hygiene items.

Catholic Relief Services is also helping with instructions and supplies for hand-washing and sanitization, to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Callahan urged Americans to be involved in efforts to alleviate acute hunger for the most vulnerable populations.

“The welfare of the next generation hangs in the balance,” he said.

 

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