Mr. Carr will offer reflections on the mission of Catholics in public life, the political and ecclesial context, and some directions and dangers in this election year for our nation and at a time of crisis for our Church. This will be followed by lively involvement of participants. 

John Carr is the founder and past director of the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life, Georgetown University. Previously he worked for the US Catholic Conference of Bishops. 

“For years, I have said that I often feel politically homeless as a pro-life, social justice, consistent ethic Catholic. This is not a badge of honor. If we Catholics are politically homeless, it is because we have failed to build a home. Sometimes we cannot even find shelter. 

“Our homelessness has many causes. We have not persuaded others to share our commitment to protect all human life and promote the dignity of all God’s children. Powerful partisan factions and ideological interests have emphasized personal autonomy and freedom over community and solidarity. Our church too often proclaims positions, rather than listening and learning, engaging and dialoguing in a search for the common good.”