Bishop Richard Pates, in his role as chair of the U.S. bishops' Committee on International Justice and Peace, was among 100 Christian leaders to sign a Feb. 25 letter to President Obama and leaders of Congress "affirming the governemnt's responsibility concerning poor people."  The letter further said, "Assuring governemnt's obligation to advance the common good, ensure fairness and defend the most vulnerable is good religion and good politics." The letter was sent on behalf of the ecumentical Circle of Protection coalition.

Read the full letter here.