Latinos are a major force in the U.S. Catholic Church that will define the direction of U.S. Catholicism for generations. At the same time, in the midst of deepening polarization, the role of Latinos in shaping U.S. culture and politics is complex and evolving.
This dialogue will explore what it means to engage in public life as Latinos/as and Catholics in a society shaped by ideological, political, and social fragmentation. As the Church weighs how to engage the country in defense of immigrants, in support of poor children and families, to prevent the destruction of the environment, and to protect the life and dignity of all, Latino Catholic ministry, media, education, and intellectual life can offer distinctive ways forward.
Focusing on the ecclesial and cultural institutions built and sustained by Latino Catholics in the United States, this conversation will explore a vision for the future of Latino pastoral and political action, considering how Latinos can guide the Catholic Church into a new era of engagement in U.S. political life.
Christian Soenen, projects manager of the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life, will moderate the dialogue.
This gathering is co-sponsored by Georgetown University’s Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life and the Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry.
