The Just and Moral Society: From Ideal to Reality

October 13, 2007

8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
St. John’s University, Queens Campus

Since 1999, the biennial Vincentian Chair of Social Justice conferences have convened academics, practitioners, church leaders and policy makers to explore perspectives on poverty and move beyond problem analysis to personal and systemic solutions.   At the dawn of the new millennium, the world recognized that "we are the first generation that can eradicate poverty". Nations, churches and universities are accepting this challenge in a variety of ways and with a range of goals.   Some work to "eliminate" or "eradicate" poverty while others more modestly seek to "reduce" or "alleviate" poverty and its effects.   All concur that poverty, an affront to human dignity, obstructs justice and peace and prevents a just and moral society.

St. John's University looks to Catholic Social Thought and the Vincentian Tradition to guide our principles and practices to achieve this goal.   Catholic Social Teaching under-girds the social mission of the Church which is to promote the dignity of the human person and advance the common good as witnesses to the reign of God on earth.   It is expressed by both virtues that we are called to practice individually and institutionally as well as by principles we must apply to social issues as we examine the "signs of the times".   It raises many critical questions:

•  What are the criteria by which we identify the just and moral society?  

•  What are the factors that limit opportunities and delay the creation of a just and moral society?  

•  What is the role of government, civil society and the private sector in building a just and moral society, protecting human dignity and assisting people who are poor or vulnerable?

•  What policies and programs characterize the just and moral society and advance the common good?  

•  Is there a distinctive spirituality that builds the just and moral society?

•  How should the Church promote the development of justice, solidarity, and other important virtues in its institutional practices and among its membership?  

We invite you to join us as we explore these concepts and questions and examine best practices to alleviate poverty and promote social justice for all in society.

Invited Participants:

Academics, Church Leaders, Policy Makers, Service Providers, Students

Conference Goals:

• Identify the foundations of and the criteria that mark a just and moral society.
• Recognize factors and conditions that inhibit or advance the development of a just and moral society for persons who are poor, vulnerable, oppressed or marginalized.
• Identify the best practices by government, social services, education and churches that respect human dignity and promote the common good and contribute to a just and moral society.
• Foster dialogue among students, academics, practitioners, policy makers, and Church leaders so that both witness to and action for justice can be advanced.

Planning Committee:

The Planning Committee is composed of the Vincentian Research Fellows, staff of the Vincentian Center and external specialists.

Brochure (PDF)

Program

Registration

For information and registration contact
Vincentian Center for Church and Society 718.990.1612 or vccs@stjohns.edu

Previous Conferences in this series

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