The Cardinal's pastoral letter deserves reading and digesting and sharing. Issues like free enterprise, wealth and equal access and the freedom to choose where we live, recreate and worship are some of the strongest held beliefs in our society. These beliefs don't always resonate with the summons that comes from the Christian message towards greater sharing and participation in efforts to insure decent and quality living for all citizens, especially those who are beaten down by life or are disadvantaged within their own personal situations. Often, we cannot understand why poor people cannot pull themselves up by their own bootstraps and make a way like all good and responsible Americans. In a free society like ours somehow poor people are always left behind by the system.
Opportunity manages to be shaded by color and race in America.
We believe the Christian Gospel has something to say about all this. The Cardinal's letter is a courageous exploration of many of the issues. The letter reminds us that our Christian witness has not been what it should have been or should be. The Church remains a singular moral voice with this and other issues impacting equal access and equal opportunity in America. Christians have the message and should lead.