According to Paul Ryan and his ilk, an unfettered free market produces the most just distribution of wealth and resources, and private charity’s role is to make outcomes more tolerable for those who don’t fare well under the guidance of the Invisible Hand. It is based on the blind faith, impervious to all empirical facts,… Read More Sister Simone Schools Congressman Reid Ribble
In one of the most remarkable talks of his papacy, Pope Francis made a strong case for the common good—for social justice based on solidarity. I would like to make an appeal to those in possession of greater resources, to public authorities and to all people of good will who are working for social justice:… Read More The Slum Pope’s Unambiguous Call for Social Justice
As I watched Melissa Harris Perry’s coverage of the verdict in the George Zimmerman trial, a former Bronx prosecutor lamented Trayvon Martin’s family’s statement that “they put their trust in God.” She interpreted this as a signal of hopelessness and giving up. But as I watched Trayvon Martin’s cousins standing outside of their missionary Baptist… Read More Putting Our Trust in God: Giving up on Justice or the Source of Real Hope?
I have been shocked by the recent positive media coverage of the Catholic Church. The stories are all about Pope Francis and his striking example of humility, together with his tireless call to care for the poor. For instance, NPR featured “Pope Francis Puts the Poor Front and Center”, while the New York Times published… Read More Pope Francis: Liberation Theologian? Not So Fast
The first time I heard the phrase “social justice” I was 16 and on a retreat given by the diocese where I grew up. When explained to me in the roughest of sketches on that hot July day, I knew I’d found the place I belonged. Whatever social justice was, it was where I wanted… Read More Justice in the Family, Justice in the World
Last week, John Gehring pointed to Pope Benedict XVI’s progressive legacy. Gehring noted Benedict’s opposition to unregulated capitalism and support for the redistribution of wealth. He also noted the pope’s strong environmental record in defense of creation. These are two legacies that I hope the next pope will continue. In fact, there is much in… Read More A 21st Century Social Justice Pope
Millennial 