Sisters take policy stance on welfare reform

Sixty-three women religious, participating in a recent province chapter in Latham, unanimously adopted a statement urging protection for children, the elderly "and all other persons made vulnerable" by welfare reform.

The sisters issued their statement during the Albany Province Chapter of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, held March 1-2 at the order's Provincial House in Latham.

Amid an atmosphere where there is "a desire to cut government spending and promote needed reforms," said Sister Sean Peters, province director, "we urge our elected officials to vigorously defend those least able to speak out on their own behalf."

The province chapter is the highest policy-making assembly for the Sisters of St. Joseph in the region. It meets every four years to establish goals and policies for its 610 members and 63 associates.

Their statement, said the delegates, is "grounded upon the principles of Catholic social teachings." They asserted that they "believe that children in the womb, children living in poverty, the elderly, and all other persons made vulnerable by psychiatric or economic causes should never be put at risk by national, state or local welfare reform policy decisions."

The sisters agreed "to continue our efforts of direct relief and informed citizen action for structural change that will help protect the human dignity of all persons."

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