Bishop Joseph V. Brennan of the Diocese of Fresno announced on April 29 his support for United San Joaquin, a new broad-based people’s organization in the Central Valley. The announcement comes as families in the region face challenges such as low wages, lack of healthcare access, domestic violence, and fear among immigrant communities.
The issue is significant because these hardships affect many local residents and highlight both social and moral concerns. Bishop Brennan said that faith teaches every person has inherent dignity and that the Church must advocate for those whose voices are often unheard.
“Our faith proclaims that every human is made in the image of God and possesses an inviolable dignity. Therefore, the Church continues to be a voice for the voiceless,” Bishop Brennan said. He also described how problems like insufficient wages, limited healthcare access, family separation, and lack of protection for women and children require action from both individuals and communities.
He referenced Catholic Social Teaching as a call to collective action: “Catholic Social Teaching insists that we are not meant to face these realities alone. We are called to act together as a united voice of advocacy but also to accompany those in need.” Citing Pope Leo XIV’s recent address encouraging pastors to “walk together in shared respect for human dignity,” Bishop Brennan welcomed United San Joaquin’s formation as an effort beyond partisanship or ideology.
The formal launch event for United San Joaquin will take place on May 3 with leaders from across the region attending. Bishop Brennan confirmed he will participate because he believes collaboration rooted in faith can renew society: “I believe that when people come together across differences and grounded in faith and moral conviction, something essential is being renewed in our society.”
He concluded by urging community members to reflect on their role: “I call upon community members to consider how they, too, are called to stand for the dignity of every person and to help build upon a just and compassionate Central Valley.”
