Wisconsin Case Questions Whether Catholic Charities Are "Religious"

 In a case that could have broad national implications, a Wisconsin Catholic Charities branch has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a state Supreme Court decision that its activities are not primarily religious , therefore denying it an exemption  from paying into the state's unemployment  compensation program, the CRUX website reports today (August 10, 2024). 

In March, the Wisconsin Supreme Court affirmed a lower court decision from a year earlier that the activities of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Superior are not primarily religious. The ruling denied the organization from a religious exemption  from paying into the state's unemployment compensation program,and prevented it  from joining the Church's own unemployment program. 

 The work of the Catholic  Charities  in the Diocese of Superior mirrors that of the Catholic Charities branches nationwide. The organization helps people in the area with education in life skills, vocations and employment housing, infant development,in--home nursing services, and independent living assistance.