Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.

—Matthew 25:40

Catholic Values of CRS: Guided by Faith 

Catholic Relief Services is driven by the Gospel of Jesus Christ to cherish, preserve and uphold the sacredness and dignity of all human life. As the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic Church in the United States, we serve Catholics at home as they live their faith in solidarity with their sisters and brothers around the world. We are committed to promoting human development by responding to major emergencies, fighting disease and poverty, and nurturing just and peaceful societies.  

Partnerships and Collaboration 

As part of the Universal Church, CRS partners with Catholic institutions and other organizations that share our vision. We collaborate with governments, other faith communities and independent institutions to reach those in need. While some positions and practices of these institutions may not always align with Catholic teaching, CRS ensures that our association with them is focused solely on activities consistent with Catholic teaching. We have a careful review system to ensure fidelity to Catholic teaching and that all funds under CRS' direct control are used for purposes that comply with these teachings. 

Guiding Principles 

CRS operates under guiding principles that reflect our Catholic identity: 

• Subsidiarity: We support local leadership and empower communities to take charge of their own development. 
• Stewardship: We are dedicated to responsible management of resources and ensuring that our actions contribute to the common good. 
• Human Dignity: We believe in the sacredness and inherent dignity of every person and strive to protect and promote this dignity in all our work. 
• Rights and Responsibilities: We recognize that every person has basic rights and duties that flow from our human dignity, and we work to uphold these rights and responsibilities. 
• Social Nature of Humanity: We are social beings called to live in community with others, and we foster relationships that build up the human family. 
• The Common Good: We are committed to creating social conditions that allow all people to reach their full potential and contribute to the common good. 
• Solidarity: We stand with our sisters and brothers in need, recognizing that we are all part of one human family, regardless of differences. 
• Option for the Poor: We prioritize the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable, ensuring that our actions reflect our commitment to social justice. 

Faith in Action 

CRS works in more than 100 countries, providing aid based on need, not creed. We do not proselytize, but our faith shapes how we provide aid. Our work is characterized by a deep love and commitment to the people we serve, embodying Catholic social and moral teaching. Each year, CRS collaborates with partners around the world, including Caritas, faith-based organizations, civil society groups, governments, academic institutions and the private sector to deliver sustainable change at scale. 

In every diocese across all 50 states, CRS serves Catholics by inviting them to live their faith as part of one human family, carrying out the social mission of the Church.

Integral Human Development 

CRS promotes integral human development, a concept derived from Catholic social teaching. This approach ensures that people can reach their full potential in an atmosphere of peace, social justice and human dignity. It involves: 

• Protecting human life and dignity by caring for vulnerable and marginalized people. 
• Increasing resilience by building and maximizing family and community assets. 
• Promoting just relationships between all people, within and across families, communities and nations. 
• Increasing equitable access to and influence on structures and systems at all levels. 

Join Us 

CRS invites you to join us in our mission to save lives, promote human dignity, and build just and peaceful societies. Together, we can make a difference and live out our faith as part of one human family.