Q. What is C.A.L.L.?
A. Congregational Action to Lift Lives is an ecumenical, interracial,
congregation‑based organization begun
in May, 1997 and incorporated in
1998, with tax-exempt and
nonprofit status.
Q. Why was C.A.L.L. formed?
A. C.A.L.L. was founded by Msgr. Vincent L. Enright, a priest of the Diocese of Erie. Msgr. Enright served C.A.L.L. as its wise prophet until his death in 2004. The purpose of C.A.L.L. is to unite congregations to bring about positive changes in our community. By working with business, labor and government, our voice will be heard on issues that affect us all. One of our main goals is to strengthen the local tax base that keeps Erie alive and to shrink the ever‑increasing concentration of poverty in our central city. Throughout the United States‑in Buffalo, Cleveland, Youngstown, Pittsburgh, Shenango Valley (Mercer County) and the Scranton‑ Wilkes Barre area affiliated organizations are already active.
Q. We already have an active community ministry. Does C.A.L.L. have something else to offer?
A. Many of our outreach ministries (food pantries, thrift stores, etc.) meet immediate needs by treating the symptoms of social problems. C.A.L.L. seeks to uncover the root causes and develop strategies to address issues in a unified way. With the strength of many congregations, our voices are heard on the pressing issues of today. C.A.L.L. has the advantage of professional guidance from the Gamaliel Foundation (Chicago), which provides opportunities for leadership training and staffing to assist C.A.L.L. in its mission
Q. Where does the funding for C.A.L.L. come from?
A. Our support is from member congregations, grants and our Annual Banquet.
Q. What plans does C.A.L.L. have?
A. We strongly support equity in taxation, educational opportunity, employment and hiring practices, as well as better strategies to rebuild our economy. We encourage the development of leadership skills in our youth through positive approaches in family, church and community. Our current major task force is concerned with the homeless and the need for affordable-housing to lessen this serious social malfunction in our community. We are also contemplating ways to assist in providing equality in healthcare for over 46.6 million fellow Americans without health insurance. And finally, C.A.L.L. sponsors a Candidates Forum before each election, whether in the primaries or the general elections.
C.A.L.L.
902 E. 6th Street, Erie, PA 16507
Phone: (814) 456-6189,
Fax: (814) 456-8709,
E-Mail: eriecall@choiceonemail.com