Call to Action was founded in 1976 to promote a progressive agenda in the Catholic Church. We affirm the theological thinking of the Second Vatican Council. In accordance with the principles set down by that Council, we decry the culture of clericalism that pervades our church and encourages clergy at all levels to monopolize decision-making. The new parish structure which we envisage will be a collaborative venture welcoming the talents and insights of all members of the community.

Thus, we affirm the vital importance of the sensus fidelium, and in this crucial area of mature discipleship, we are secure in Christ’s promise that the sincere community is always accompanied by the Spirit.

We support a church that is fully inclusive of divorced Catholics and unequivocally responsive to the needs of LGBTQ+ people who must enjoy full equality in the ecclesial community. In addition, we reject the outmoded thinking that precludes women from ordination as deacons and priests, and we strongly favor the elimination of mandatory celibacy as a prerequisite for ordination.

Call to Action enthusiastically affirms Pope Francis’ prophetic encyclical, Laudato Si, which sets out clearly our moral duties to preserve and enhance our common home. We also applaud this pope’s commitment in Fratelli Tutti to Catholic Social Teaching and his trenchant critique of the prevailing brand of capitalism which pays little heed to considerations of the common good, the core guiding principle of Catholic social belief.

We also abhor racism in all its manifestations and pledge to join other like-minded groups in working to eliminate this evil from our society.