What is the Catholic League?
The Catholic League is the nation’s largest Catholic civil rights organization. Founded in 1973 by the late Father Virgil C. Blum, S.J., the Catholic League defends the right of Catholics – lay and clergy alike – to participate in American public life without defamation or discrimination.
Motivated by the letter and the spirit of the First Amendment, the Catholic League works to safeguard both the religious freedom rights and the free speech rights of Catholics whenever and wherever they are threatened.
The Catholic League is listed in the Official Catholic Directory and has won the plaudits of many bishops.
Father Blum served as president of the Catholic League until 1988.
Is the Catholic League Necessary?
Absolutely. Harvard professor Arthur Schlesinger, Sr. once observed that prejudice against the Catholic Church was “the deepest bias in the history of the American people.” Mount Holyoke College professor Peter Viereck commented that “Catholic baiting is the anti-Semitism of the liberals.”
And today’s brand of anti-Catholicism is more virulent and more pervasive than ever before in American history. While it is true that Catholics as individuals have made progress in securing their rights, the degree of hostility exhibited against the Catholic Church is appalling. Quite simply, Catholic bashing has become a staple of American society.
How Do I Join?
Either print the membership form and fill in the membership and payment information, then mail it back to the Catholic League, or, to join on line visit our membership page.
We will send you Catalyst, the League’s journal, and let you know of various league activities in your area.
By joining the Catholic League you become part of the most influential lay Catholic organization in the country. You are integral to our mission and our mission is integral to the mission of the Catholic Church.
They’re talking about us . . .
“…I appreciate Dr. Donohue and the work done by The Catholic League. I look forward to the day when the work done by the Catholic League is no longer necessary. Sadly, as recent events have proven once again, that day still seems far in the future.”
— Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York
“The Catholic League has the courage to speak up candidly and forcefully for the Church when circumstances call for fighting the good fight. The League should be on every Catholic’s short list of essential organizations to support.”
— Most Rev. Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.
“I am privileged to support the Catholic League. The work of the Catholic League is invaluable and its accomplishments over the years are unparalleled.”
— Cardinal Edwin O’Brien
“The Catholic League has done much to ensure that the Church’s positions are presented clearly and fairly. Too often those who do not understand the Church or Her teachings are the interpreters of the doctrines and events in the life of the Church. The work of the League is important in the mission of the Church which must teach the hard truths of the Gospel in season and out of season.”
— Seán Cardinal O’Malley, O.F.M. Cap.
“We are seeing the most violent attack on the Catholic Church in the media and public life since the days of the Ku Klux Klan. Every serious and committed Catholic needs to know what is going on and what to do about it. I consider membership in the Catholic League a must.”
— Father Benedict Groeschel, C.F.R.
