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Bishops, Policymakers From Western Hemisphere To Discuss Moral Implications Of Trade Agreements
WASHINGTON (September 2, 2005)– Catholic bishops and other religious leaders, international financial policymakers, and legislators from 19 countries in the Western Hemisphere will discuss the moral implications of trade integration at a conference in Washington, September 7-8.
Trade, Growth, and Poverty Reduction: Public Policy, Moral Aspects and Social Justice will be led by Cardinals Theodore E. McCarrick of Washington, Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago, and Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez of Honduras, and will discuss how trade integration impacts families, communities, workers, and farmers in their respective countries.
The conference is sponsored by the Inter-American Development Bank and organized by the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM) and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The conference comes on the heels of a contentious debate over the passage of the US-Central American Free Trade Agreement.
WHAT:
Trade, Growth, and Poverty Reduction: Public Policy, Moral Aspects and Social Justice
WHO:
From throughout the Western Hemisphere –
* Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish religious leaders
* Legislators, Government Representatives, and Diplomats
* Leaders of International Financial Institutions
* Economists and Academics
WHERE:
Pope John Paul II Cultural Center
3900 Harewood Road NW, Washington, DC
WHEN:
September 7-8, 2005
MEDIA COVERAGE:
Thursday, September 8:
* 8:00 a.m. Breakfast Dialogue with Members of Congress, Remarks by Cardinal Francis George
* 9:45 a.m. Speech by Chilean Senator Alejandro Foxley
* 10:15-10:45 Media availability with Cardinals George, McCarrick, and Rodriguez
CONTACT:
David Early, USCCB Communications, 202-541-3200
Rev. Andrew Small, USCCB, Office of International Justice and Peace, 202-607-1126 (cell)