Social Concerns

The mission of the Social Concerns Office is to serve the Diocese of Jefferson City as its primary catalyst for the work of social justice.

"Action on behalf of justice and participation in the transformation of the world fully appear to us as a constitutive dimension of the preaching of the Gospel, or in other words, of the Church's mission for the redemption of the human race and its liberation from every oppressive situation."
-1971 World Synod of Catholic Bishops

The Social Concerns Office helps the diocesan bishop:

• Share the social teaching of the Church

• Apply Catholic social teaching to major contemporary issues which have significant moral and human dimensions

• Advocate effectively for the poor and vulnerable and for genuine justice and peace in the public policy arena.

• Build the capacity of the local Church to act effectively in defense of human life, human rights and the pursuit of justice and peace

Work of the Social Concerns Office

The SCO works with the bishop, the Missouri Catholic Conference, pastors, parish leaders, USCCB staff and offices, as well as local, state and national groups and organizations on a wide variety of issues touching human life, human dignity and human rights.

Programs of the Social Concerns Office

Guiding Principles

• We will base our activities on the biblical and theological foundations of Catholic Social Teaching

• We will work in partnership with pastors, parishes, diocesan staff and offices, local, regional, state and national groups as well as other agencies and organizations

• We will give priority to working with Catholic parish communities in their mission of social justice

• We will give priority to strategies that enable people to realize and act on their own power.

• We will respect diversity, individual needs, beliefs and values

• We will involve volunteers in fulfilling our mission

• We will emphasize the "option for the poor" by pursuing issues which address the dignity and rights of people who are socially, politically or economically disadvantaged

• We will maximize opportunities to assist and work with organizations, coalitions and local and state groups to promote our common interests.

Contact Information