INTRODUCTION to the 1999 publication of the Vincentian Center for Church and Society:
Moral Dimensions of Poverty

In the medieval period Thomas Aquinas christianized Aristotle’s classical concept of the "common good" which calls us to fulfill the biblical mandate "to love our neighbor as ourselves." In the modern period, the popes and Vatican II have made this concept a foundation stone of Catholic social teaching. Current world socio-economic conditions insistently demand that persons concerned with the Kingdom make contribution to the common good not only a measure of personal spirituality but also a focus of social policy and practice. Shocking global inequities, as well as income disparities in the U.S. and digital divides, call for serious reflection and response on the personal, institutional and governmental levels.

This 1999 Vincentian Center Chair of Social Justice publication focuses on variousaspects of the common good. The book includes presentations offered throughout theyear with special emphasis on the papers presented at The Moral Dimensions of Poverty Conference in October of 1999.

Rev. David Hollenbach, S.J., introduces the theme in the lead essay which applies the principle of the common good to urban poverty. He challenges the priority given to the ethic of tolerance which has deteriorated into the acceptance of social isolation,
marginalization and indifference which mark our inner cities. He urges a new commitment to the Christian goal of human solidarity to establish "minimum levels of participation in the life of the human community for all persons."

Dr. James Galbraith, noted economist, discusses the moral obligation society must assume for the persistence and pervasiveness of poverty. Downplaying the role of technology and immigration in economic equality, he identifies a series of factors impacting economic inequality and declares that improvement toward equality is within reach as demonstrated by the impact of Social Security, minimum wage, etc. He offers a crisp agenda to eliminate poverty.

Building on the moral imperative of personal and social responsibility, Rev. John Kavanaugh, S.J., in his keynote address at the Moral Dimensions of Poverty Conference, critiques the current culture of choice. He demonstrates that choice, rather than moral imperatives, has achieved primacy and prominence on the pluralistic cultural terrain. He decries the absence of an ethic grounded in personal dignity. Unless a personalist ethic prevails, both the materially deprived and the materially blessed are diminished in their humanity. He graphically describes the debilitation and ultimate destruction caused by the consumer society, and suggests alternative attitudes and activities to conquer the spiritual disease of "consumption."

In responding to Father Kavanaugh, Bishop Joseph Sullivan of Brooklyn, discusses the relationship of charity and justice and urges all to accept a dual responsibility to serve directly but also to be passionate and assertive in influencing public policy. He laments the intrusion of the marketplace into human services and encourages all to recognize and support an appropriate role for government and the private sector. Sister Mary Rose McGeady, D.C., of Covenant House, points out the inadequacy of current definitions of poverty and with graphic descriptions creates the world of poor persons. She identifies seven basic causes of poverty (immigration, lack of education, public policy, greed, prejudice and racism, out of wedlock pregnancies, and skewed moral consciences). In making recommendations for action she stresses the need for universal efforts in both service and advocacy and major shifts in public policy.

Dr. Janet Poppendieck addresses head-on the critical issue of charitable and justice initiatives in reducing hunger and improving nutrition among the poor. She expresses great concern that many good, generous charitable efforts are counterproductive because they reinforce the perception that charity, particularly that of faith-based organizations, can solve the problem. She also cautions that small personal efforts like canned good drives, etc., not only divert energies but they can also soothe consciences which should be pricked. She makes a strong case for education about the causes and the victims of hunger and urges aggressive public policy efforts.

Economist Charles Clark describes public attitude toward poor people from the War-on-Poverty days to the current welfare reform efforts. He explains the means of measuring poverty and identifies the problems in using both relative and absolute standards. His statistical studies put the lie to the theory that the rising tide lifts all boats. Because of this disproportionate benefit of economic prosperity which goes to those already economically secure, he recommends that consideration for the common good must guide economic and social policy. Political scientist Robert Pecorella presents the undue influence politics has on distribution of financing for education. He points out the serious inequities which exist in New York State. By relating student performance to public support, he demonstrates that the children with the greatest need for educational support are not getting appropriate funding. He also observes that strong legislative efforts or judicial action are required to increase equity funding which is essential to educational reform in New York State. This will only be achieved by political mobilization.

Also included are brief summations of other presentations from the Moral Dimensions of Poverty conference and features the views of university professors, public officials and social advocates on a range of topics.

We are grateful for the contributions of the distinguished authors on the common good and poverty. We welcome your comments and suggestions. You may contact:

Margaret John Kelly, DC, Ph.D., Executive Director (718) 990-6470
Mary Ann Dantuono, J.D., Associate Director (718) 990-6758

The Vincentian Center for Church and Society
St. John's University
St. Vincent's Hall Room 108
8000 Utopia Parkway
Jamaica, NY 11439
(718) 990-1612

E-mail:VCCS@stjohns.edu

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