SW News: Chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, on December 28,2020, in a press release, commended the lawmakers for passing the COVID-19 relief package.

He applauded the lawmakers for the bipartisan progress and encouraged them to continue in this spirit in the new year as well. In his statement the archbishop noted that the nation is still suffering economically and is facing a historic health crisis due to the pandemic. He thanked the lawmakers for bringing relief to the needy in this time of need.

He emphasized that “continued bipartisan efforts are strongly encouraged to help the millions who have lost health insurance; ensure the safety of persons in prisons, jails, and detention centers; provide foreign assistance for vulnerable people in poorer countries; provide additional state and local funding; and address the expiring relief in this new package as need continues.”

“God is love, and this Christmas season we remember that he assumed our humanity to love us more closely, even in suffering and death,” the archbishop affirmed.

“May we find ways to love our neighbors as the Lord has loved us, and may God grant us peace and joy to rejoice and give him thanks,” he added.