(Reposted with Permission from the Author) The mass shooting at Umpqua Community College has once again shed light on gun violence in America. Yet despite the focus being on mass shootings, it should be noted gun violence comes in a variety of tragic forms, such as suicides and homicides. When Pope Francis visited the United States, he mainly focused on the poor, sick and marginalized throughout society. Doing the same when it comes to gun violence may finally heal deep wounds... Read more
As Pope Francis’ trip to the Philippines last January revealed, where Francis goes people pay close attention. Americans should expect no less enthusiasm from his journey here this week to Washington D.C., New York City and Philadelphia. Though not expressly political, it would be naïve to disregard the obvious ramifications of this trip. Since his ordination in 2013, Pope Francis has been a catalyst on a number of important political matters, throwing his hat in the ring on issues pertaining to income... Read more
(Reposted with Permission from the Author) With Pope Francis increasingly focused on economic inequality, protecting the environment, compassion towards immigrants and peace through diplomacy, it’s perhaps appropriate to ask: have Republican presidential candidates taken steps to follow his example on these four issues? 1. Economic Inequality On economic inequality, Pope Francis has called for ending an economy that kills. Pope Francis believes such an economy has been perpetuated by a “throwaway culture.” But what exactly constitutes an economy that kills?... Read more
I’m intrigued by Bernie Sanders. When he initially announced his presidential bid for 2016, I thought this must be a publicity stunt, an attempt to promulgate his left-of-everyone political brand. One need not be a political science professor to see that he should be too liberal to be a truly viable presidential candidate. Surely, I thought, he can’t remain in the race for too long, and I awaited his inevitable fall. But Sanders is defying expectations, amassing more supporters than... Read more
Despite the recent influx of political attention given to criminal justice reform these past few weeks, discussions about how criminal justice reform could be accomplished should be especially important to Christians. I am relieved that more people are now sounding the alarm for what they see as an over-incarcerated and mistreated population. Earlier this month, I attended a discussion hosted by Justice Fellowship with Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Tim Scott (R-SC). Both senators discussed the manner in which their... Read more
Like millions of other Christian environmentalists, I had been eagerly anticipating the release of “Laudato Si” Pope Francis’ encyclical on environmental ethics. I have long been an adherent of the notion of Creation Care, or the practice of environmental stewardship as a moral imperative. These are firm convictions and causes close to my heart and which are deeply rooted in my being as a person of faith. I couldn’t wait to read what this exciting pontiff whose papacy is still... Read more
Last week President Barack Obama delivered what could become the most significant foreign policy victory of his Presidency: a nuclear peace deal with Iran. Speaking of the historic peace deal, President Obama remarked, “[A]fter two years of negotiations, the United States, together with our international partners, has achieved something that decades of animosity has not — a comprehensive, long-term deal with Iran that will prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon.” After several weeks of high profile domestic victories, the... Read more
(Below is a modified version of a piece recently published in the International Policy Digest. Publishing permission has been granted by the author.) Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s ideology is too partisan and inconsistent, and both his major initiatives and image have been unpopular at the state and national level. These factors may not ban him from a Republican presidential nomination, but it certainly bans him from a successful national campaign. Here’s why Walker simply cannot win: Highly Partisan Positions Presidential... Read more
I got a call late on Wednesday, June 17. The ring jolted me out of sleep into a confused, nearly panicked state. When I answered, the voice on the other end told me there had been a shooting in Charleston, that it had happened at a black church, historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church (Mother Emanuel), and that a state senator was believed to be a victim. Could that really be? What are the right words in that moment? Even now,... Read more
Haven’t we been silent long enough? In an effort to expand our community, Faithful Democrats is looking for writers, bloggers, artists and those who love a good meme. With upcoming national events such as the Pope’s visit to the United States and the 2016 campaigns, we need additional voices and regular commentators. We want diversity in age, race, gender, sexual orientation and faith tradition. Those interested should write Editor Joseph Gidjunis: faithfuldem@gmail.com and briefly share why you would like to join... Read more
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