TCC congratulates Ralph McCloud, leader of the Diocese of Fort Worth' Department for Community and Pastoral Services, for being named head of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD). CCHD is the bishops' anti-poverty program which funds community organizing and economic development projects that address root causes of poverty in the United States.

CCHD is part of the Human Development, Justice and Peace Department of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). In his new position, McCloud will lead and coordinate on a national level CCHDs grant-making and the promotion and integration of CCHD's domestic anti-poverty work.

McCloud has coordinated the peace and justice ministry in the Fort Worth Diocese and directed CCHD in the diocese since 1995. He has headed the diocese's African American ministries since 1990. He also serves as a board member of the Roundtable, the National Association of Diocesan Social Ministry Directors.

Bishop Kevin Vann of Fort Worth has praised the appointment saying, "Ralph has served the Diocese of Fort Worth for 14 years, assisting faithfully both the late Bishop Joseph Delaney and myself. He will be a great asset at the USCCB."