Central Mission of the Organization:
To care for rural community and to care for Creation. NCRLC promotes a rural ethic based on Catholic social teaching: an abiding respect for human dignity, the common good, integrity of creation, and fair distribution of goods and services.

History of the Organization:
NCRLC was founded in 1923 in response to a lack of Catholic ministry in rural areas. During the 1930s and ë40s, NCRLC began to respond to the consequences of industrialization and deleterious impacts on rural communities. The past few decades have involved NCRLC in concerns about the environment, farmworkers and agribusiness concentration. The impact of economic globalization has led us to create networks with farm and faith-based groups around the world.

International Issues and Focus:
Global food system and agricultural trade.
Social and environmental justice.
Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (UN-FAO initiative).
Migrant farmworkers and labor rights.
Genetic engineering and intellectual property rights.

Events and Programs Sponsored:
ìEating is a moral actî campaign
ìSave the family farmî campaign (North America and overseas)
Farm Policy Collaboration (trade and farm subsidies)
ìNew Social Contractî movement

Membership:
NCRLC is a membership-based organization for individuals, parishes, dioceses and organizations in the United States. We also welcome ecumenical involvement.

Internationally, NCRLC is a member of the International Catholic Rural Association (based in Rome, Italy) and the International Federation of Catholic Rural Movements (based in Brussels, Belgium).