Archbishop Responds To Ministers That Say Catholic Charities of New Orleans Not Effective In African American Outreach as to BP Oil Spill

Well this is interesting.

From the New Orleans Catholic Newpaper (page 6 pdf file)


Archbishop responds to claims of favoritism in BP oil response


In response to comments by an ad hoc group of ministers that Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans “does not have an outreach program that answers the needs of the entire African-American community throughout the Gulf Coast Region” in response to the BP oil spill, Archbishop Gregory Aymond issued the following statement on Aug. 30:

“The areas they are specifically talking about are Grand Isle and Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes, which are part of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

“Nonetheless, I was surprised to hear of the allegations. We take all criticism seriously, and we will definitely look into this matter. We never turn away anyone who is asking for help. We
are called to serve and not to be served. That call does not depend on a person’s nationality,
religion, ethnicity, race or gender.

“We have publicized the location of our five emergency assistance sites through our church parishes and civil parish presidents, and on our Web site and in the Clarion Herald.

“At St. Thomas in Pointe a la Hache, the majority of the people who have come
to the center have been African American.

“I told the group I would speak with Houma-Thibodaux Bishop Sam Jacobs
about their comments.”