Clare Skelton (Parish Practice, 19 July) calls us to respond to the needs of the poor. But it was disappointing that her article did not mention that we are also called to challenge the causes of poverty. She gave inspiring examples of social action at diocesan level to address social needs, food poverty in particular, but none of how the laity could challenge why, in today’s Britain food banks are necessary. The next general election will be an opportunity for Christians to make their voices heard in the call for justice and relief of poverty. I understand that the bishop’s conference is preparing an updated version of their guidance document, “The Common Good”. Perhaps Caritas Social Action, as an arm of the conference, could take the lead in mobilising the