[MEGoody]

The "problem" does not lie with the Church. The "problem" lies with the world economy.

Actually, the church is the biggest problem. (I'm not just speaking of the Roman Catholic church here, but the whole body of Christ.)

So many expect government to take on the role of helping the needy that Jesus expects the church to fulfill. So many expect the government to empty the wallets of others to provide for the needy instead of emptying their own wallets to do so.

[marshmallow]

"The responsibility of the state. Economic activity, especially the activity of a market economy, cannot be conducted in an institutional, juridical, or political vacuum. On the contrary, it presupposes sure guarantees of individual freedom and private property, as well as a stable currency and efficient public services. Hence the principal task of the state is to guarantee this security, so that those who work and produce can enjoy the fruits of their labors and thus feel encouraged to work efficiently and honestly. . . . Another task of the state is that of overseeing and directing the exercise of human rights in the economic sector. However, primary responsibility in this area belongs not to the state but to individuals and to the various groups and associations which make up society."

Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2431