The Catholic Church- some things DUers should know [View All]

I read with interest the latest thread about "respecting the Pope" which was overall a thankfully rational and respectful discussion among DUers.

Often on here, we get riled by the things which upset us and don't see the good things. So to expand everyone's horizons a bit, I wanted to post a bit more about the Catholic Church, which is often denounced as being too conservative and backward on social issues (abortion, homosexuality, birth control, etc.).

It's important to know that out of the billion or so Catholics out there, we're a diverse group of people - and the Church has many facets. Yes, one of them is this horribly reactionary and oppressive position on issues surrounding sex, gender, and sexuality. But, on the other hand, the Church has been a prime mover and shaker on issues of economic and racial justice. Everyone should take this into account.

The Catholic Church is NOT the Christian Right. Sure, there are Catholics who consider themselves a part of that movement. But the Church itself has some major differences with the Fundamentalists on the Right side of the U.S. (or world) political spectrum. And these differences pop up on the issue of economic equality. So, without further ado, to give everyone a quick lesson in the Church's social teachings, check these snippets out:

First, check out the official Catechism of the Church on economic and social inequality:

"There exist also sinful inequalities that affect millions of men and women. These are in open contradiction of the Gospel:

"Their equal dignity as persons demands that we strive for fairer and more humane conditions. Excessive economic and social disparity between individuals and peoples of the one human race is a source of scandal and militates against social justice, equity, human dignity, as well as social and international peace."
-- Catechism of the Catholic Church, Par.1938
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Does that sound conservative or rightwing to you?

Next, here's the Catechism on discrimination:

2433 Access to employment and to professions must be open to all without unjust discrimination: men and women, healthy and disabled, natives and immigrants.
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Here's the Church's open endorsement of the labor movement and collective bargaining as a legitimate part of economic life:

2430 Economic life brings into play different interests, often opposed to one another. This explains why the conflicts that characterize it arise. Efforts should be made to reduce these conflicts by negotiation that respects the rights and duties of each social partner: those responsible for business enterprises, representatives of wage- earners (for example, trade unions), and public authorities when appropriate.
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A far cry from the unionbusting GOP and the Christian Right's long-held belief that unions are akin to communism.

Next, how would Ken Lay and the boys react to this one:

2409 Even if it does not contradict the provisions of civil law, any form of unjustly taking and keeping the property of others is against the seventh commandment: thus, deliberate retention of goods lent or of objects lost; business fraud; paying unjust wages; forcing up prices by taking advantage of the ignorance or hardship of another.
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In other words, paying "unjust wages" is akin to taking the property of another. It doesn't matter what the law says or doesn't say and it sure as heck doesn't matter what the market dictates. Wages should be based on notions of justice.

Here's the Church making an explicit preference for the poor:

544 ...Jesus shares the life of the poor, from the cradle to the cross; he experiences hunger, thirst and privation. Jesus identifies himself with the poor of every kind and makes active love toward them the condition for entering his kingdom.
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"Active" love - rather than passive - means actually doing something to side with and fight for the poor. The Church believes in an economic safety net.

In fact...here is the National Conference on Catholic Bishops in 1995:

"However, it has always been clear that the pursuit of greater economic justice is not carried out primarily by the statements of religious bodies, but in the broader marketplace -- where investments are made, contracts are negotiated, products are created, workers are hired and policies are set. The search for economic justice is also carried forward in the public square. In this election year, while others are campaigning for office, let us campaign for the poor and vulnerable and for greater economic justice. Let us ask those who seek to lead and represent us how they will govern and vote on key issues of human life, human dignity and economic justice. And let us as citizens and believers continue to advocate for people who are poor and vulnerable in our communities, nation and world."
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Of course, DUers are apt to point out and justly criticize the Church's failings on a host of issues - abuse, gay rights, womens' rights, AIDS policy, etc.

And my point isn't to say those things don't matter. Rather, it's to point out that, among the warts - like with many institutions - there are some real and redeeming gems.

As rightwingers like to point to the Church at times for moral currency, so too can we. The Church's economic views are clearly on OUR SIDE. As progressives, we need to do more to make that link apparent. We must not let the Church and the faith that it inspires in millions of Americans to be monopolized by the the Far Right. It's too powerful a force to dismiss and give up.

Of course, disclosure: I'm Catholic.