Faith in the Public Arena

Are we promoting a culture of life? Are we offering a credible witness to our faith as people of peace?

The church reminds us pornography is not simply a private matter that impacts only the viewer. Pornography harms others, too.

Fake news that distorts public discourse and manipulates the public will not be countered effectively by a renewed interest in journalistic ethics or more laws aimed at improving disclosure of the sources of online content. It is a cultural problem.

As Minnesotans will be voting on governor, the state House of Representatives, and two U.S. Senate seats, we need to help establish party platforms that promote and defend human dignity.

As Catholics, we lose a lot of battles in the public arena. Sometimes giving up and opting out appears to be the best option, but it is not.

St. Francis’ words remind us that, like him, we must enter into the public arena to be of service to our public servants.

Our society is failing to get to the bottom of the issues and unless we address these problems with an eye to the whole of the human person — a union of body and soul made for relationship with God and others — change will not come.

Combating racial disparities will require overcoming policies championed by both the political right and left that entrench established ideological and economic power structures. In other words, it requires the wisdom of Catholic social teaching.