Describing themselves as "Catholic leaders who recognize that the moral scandals of racism and poverty remain a blemish on the American soul," the group noted that "some presidential candidates now courting 'values voters' seem to have forgotten that defending human life and dignity does not stop with protecting the unborn."

The letter posted Jan. 19 on the organization's website reminded Gingrich and Santorum that "Catholic bishops describe racism as an 'intrinsic evil' and consistently defend vital government programs such as food stamps and unemployment benefits that help struggling Americans. At a time when nearly 1 in 6 Americans live in poverty, charities and the free market alone can't address the urgent needs of our most vulnerable neighbors."

It went on to say that "while job seekers outnumber job openings 4-to-1, suggesting that the unemployed would rather collect benefits than work is misleading and insulting."

They concluded by urging Gingrich, Santorum and all presidential candidates "to reject the politics of racial division, refrain from offensive rhetoric and unite behind an agenda that promotes racial and economic justice."

Signers of the letter included leaders of organizations such as the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, Pax Christi USA and Network, a Catholic social justice lobby.

Among the academics who signed the letter were: Father Bryan N. Massingale, associate professor of theology at Marquette University; Father Anthony J. Pogorelc of the Institute for Policy Research & Catholic Studies at The Catholic University of America; Jesuit Father David Hollenbach, University Chair in Human Rights and International Justice at Boston College; Jesuit Father John F. Kavanaugh, professor of philosophy at St. Louis University; and Jesuit Father Jim Keenan, theology professor at Boston College.

Other signers included additional theology, politics or religious studies professors from St. Louis University, Boston College, Fordham University, Catholic University, the University of Notre Dame, Xavier University, St. John's University in Minnesota, St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, Loyola University in Chicago, Fairfield University, the University of Dayton and Santa Clara University.