His Excellency Archbishop Donald Wuerl Archdiocese of Washington, DC Archbishop Wuerl: We are a group of Catholics in your Archdiocese. We have become increasingly concerned about the abuse of God’s children in exploitative labor conditions around the world. Many of whom are working to provide products for our consumption. Of particular concern is the school uniforms that are mandated at all of the schools in the Archdiocese. Our research indicates that none of the uniforms are purchased through companies that use verified sweat shop free labor. Additional research indicates that at least one alternative exists. In 1997 The Sisters of the Good Shepherd started a project called, “Handcrafting Justice.” In 2004 they were approached by a number of schools that shared our concern with the dignity of the workers that produced their uniforms. In response the ministry added a fair trade school uniform component. They now partner with women in cooperatives in Thailand and Mexico to produce uniforms for Catholic Schools throughout the United States. As we celebrate the one year anniversary of the historic visit of Pope Benedict XVI by promoting our obligation to global solidarity we are mindful of the words of Our Holy Father from May 19th of 2006 when he said, “There can be no true social justice if not in the light of genuine solidarity.” This light of genuine solidarity can best be shone by our Archdiocese serving as an example to the country of how an institution can commit themselves to respecting the dignity of all of our neighbors on this planet. With that in mind we respectfully ask that you consider mandating that all Catholic schools within your Archdiocese switch to guaranteed sweat shop free uniforms. When Our Holy Father celebrated Mass at National’s stadium last April he said, “ Young people need to be helped to discern the path that leads to true freedom: the path of a sincere and generous imitation of Christ, the path of commitment to justice and peace.” Our prayer is that the gift of solidarity exemplified in this gesture will serve as the imitation of Christ that leads all of us on this path to justice and peace. Sincerely,

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