Who Is My Neighbor? Pastoral Letter – English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Study Guide
Who Is My Neighbor? The Face of Poverty in Washington State is a pastoral letter from Washington’s Catholic bishops that invites Catholics to see people experiencing poverty not as strangers or problems to be solved, but as brothers, sisters, and neighbors whose dignity calls for relationship, solidarity, and action. Drawing on the lived experiences of people facing hunger, homelessness, illness, unemployment, and other hardships across the state, the bishops emphasize that Catholic Social Teaching calls both individuals and society to protect human dignity, pursue the common good, and advocate for access to basic needs such as food, housing, health care, education, and meaningful work. The accompanying study guide helps parishes and faith communities reflect on these teachings through prayer, discussion, and concrete action, encouraging Catholics to listen to those living in poverty, respond through both charity and social justice, and work together to alleviate suffering and advocate for lasting change.
Read the Pastoral Letter, Who Is My Neighbor? The Face of Poverty in Washington State:
