[SuziQ]

Or to put it another way when the church leadership says "We need to provide goods to the poor," only a handful are going to say to themselves this isn't the official teaching of the church. Most will consider the source and say this is the voice of the church.

Maybe it's just me, but if I hear those words in a sermon at Mass, I don't assume that it means "GOVERNMENT needs to provide goods to the poor". I assume it means that Jesus is calling ME, PERSONALLY, to help those who cannot help themselves, as all Christians are called to do.

[from occupied ga]

, I don't assume that it means "GOVERNMENT needs to provide goods to the poor

Again you're taking it out of context. if I heard this OUT OF THE CONTEXT OF THIS THREAD I MIGHT agree with you, but read "Economic Justice for All" in the link in post 5 and tell me whether you think the church is urging charity or government redistribution.