“Moving from one crisis to another has slowed economic recovery and has kept Congress from finding a sound, moral path to fiscal sustainability. Other important issues go unaddressed, all the increasing cynicism about our political process. Congress’ actions should not provoke serious economic setback or push more people into poverty.”
— From a letter by Christian leaders, including representatives of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, calling on President Barack Obama and congressional leaders to find a budget solution that protects the poorest Americans as $1.2 trillion in cuts in domestic and military programs over the next decade were set to kick in March 1

“While those who have done terrible harm to others deserve punishment, we urge a response that meets evil with a justice worthy of our best nature as human beings, enlightened by faith in the possibility of redemption and forgiveness.”
— Baltimore Archbishop William Lori, speaking Feb. 14 to Maryland lawmakers in support of a proposed repeal of Maryland’s death penalty