Evangelicals for Social Action

Catholics and Evangelicals for the Common Good

Many Catholics and Evangelicals have reflected on an increasing convergence of views on issues of public policy. They believe the time is right for serious exploration of how they can work together more closely to discuss a common framework and to contribute to the common good of our nation. Both communities have grappled with the implications of their Christian witness in recent important statements on public policy.

Summoned by a commitment to justice and the common good, a small group of Catholics and Evangelicals have formed as a dialogue group to promote cooperation, especially between their respective communities in the United States, on public policy and strengthening the institutions of civil society. They share: (1) a respect for the sanctity of human life, (2) a strong desire to promote economic justice and care for creation and strengthen marriage and family, and (3) a passion to promote racial justice, peacemaking and human rights.

Strategy
Top Evangelical and Catholic leaders (academic, public policy, and church) plan to engage in sustained dialogue to explore whether and how the two communities might work more closely together. Ron Sider and Michael Gerson co-chair the evangelical dialogue group. Cardinal McCarrick and Rick Warren are senior co-conveners of the dialogue.

Annual two-day workshop/dialogues of 10-20 leaders from each community will be conducted. Presentations and discussions could be published. News releases and other communiqués would be issued as the group feels comfortable doing so.

As additional support is provided, Dialogue Centers would be created with the help of part-time staff and graduate research assistants at Georgetown University and The Sider Center at Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University to support the ongoing work of these dialogues.

Progress To-Date
The first set of discussions in 2006 included reflections on two major documents: (1) The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church (2004), collected and issued by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and (2) “For the Health of the Nation: An Evangelical Call to Civic Responsibility,” unanimously adopted (October 2004) as the official policy of the National Association of Evangelicals.

The second meeting in 2008 included presentations and discussions on theological foundations for cooperation, political engagement, and American history.

A third meeting is scheduled in March 2009.

Invitation to Contribute
The Sider Center on Ministry and Public Policy at Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University invites individuals, organizations, and foundations to contribute toward this project. This dialogue will improve understanding of each community, deepen our common agenda, and strengthen ties for long-term cooperation.

Small and large contributions to this effort are welcomed. Go to this page and click on "Evangelical/Catholic Dialogue".

See also:
World Evangelical Alliance
Black Church/White Evangelical Dialogue