I have previously blogged about what attention, if any, Pope Francis had given to the issue of human trafficking, prior to his selection as Pope. I expressed my hope that he would address the scourge of human trafficking in today's world, as I view it to be the moral issue of our generation. On Easter Sunday I was glad to see that he addressed it head on, describing it as "the most extensive form of slavery in this 21st century." Perhaps equally as important as addressing it in this highly visible forum, Pope Francis linked it to broader issues of selfishness, greed, and peace. By appropriately placing it among the most fundamental world issues, Pope Francis highlights that the multi-billion dollar industry of modern day slavery throughout the world is an issue of world peace. Within a month of taking office on the holiest day of the year, Pope Francis reminded the world that the buying and selling people as "profitable products" is not only immoral, but a destabilizing force for individuals, families, economies, and countries.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
More on Human Trafficking and Pope Francis
Monday, March 18, 2013
Pope Francis and Slavery
The endless coverage regarding Pope Francis and the meaning of his selection has been interesting and exhilarating to observe. Many here at MOJ and elsewhere have attempted to draw predictions for the future from various events or actions in Pope Francis's history as a priest, bishop, and cardinal. As we all learn about Francis, many find encouragement (and others register concern) based on certain aspects of his previous actions.
I find myself encouraged by looking at Pope Francis's record on one of the most pressing issues of our generation. It is an issue the Church has labeled "a multidimensional problem and one of the most shameful phenomena of our era." This is the issue of human trafficking.
With conservative estimates of over two million people victimized by a $32 billion industry, this issue of modern day slavery can be seen as the moral issue of our time. With so many victims being served by Catholic affiliated organizations (often women religious), the Church has been actively working against human trafficking for decades. In the words of the Holy See, "trafficking in human beings is a dreadful offence against human dignity, which the social doctrine of the Catholic Church regards as the foundation of human rights."
According to the State Department, Argentina is a source, transit and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to both forced labor and sex trafficking. Therefore, I was eager to discover what, if any, attention Pope Francis has paid to the issue. I was encouraged to see it reported that "[o]rganizations working against labor and sexual exploitation in Buenos Aires counted him as an ally. He often visited victims of trafficking, was moved by their testimonies and denounced those responsible for these forms of slavery in his homilies." Even the New York Times reports that Pope Francis began an initiative to assist victims of human trafficking in 2008. This is significant because, at that time, Argentina was on the State Department's watch list of nations in need of improvement in their response to human trafficking.
While no one should be judged on one issue, it is encouraging that as human trafficking continues to grow and threaten human dignity throughout the world, the Holy See could play a strong role in combatting it.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
A Framework to Consider for the Conclave
As a Criminal Procedure professor, it has always irked me when the media uses sports analogies to report on criminal cases. Reporters often use phrases such as "the defense team," or talk about a lawyer "scoring points," or describe a trial event as a "game-changer." Such references not only trivialize very serious matters, but add to the mainstream perception of "law as sport." In my own classes students discuss how the cases covered are "life altering events" for those involved. More directly, when we discuss "law as a vocation of service," we underscore that a trial is anything but game. Hopefully, graduates from our Catholic law school leave with a sense that a criminal trial is not a sporting event or competition between lawyers. Rather, for both the defendant and the government it should be seen as a sacred opportunity to see that justice is done in the wake of a possible crime.
Unfortunately, I am observing a similar phenomenon occurring in the coverage of the selection of the new pope. Here the analogy is not necessarily to sports (although there is that as well), but to a modern political campaign. Like many MOJ readers, I understand the mainstream media rarely covers Catholic Church events with a true comprehension of the issues. Furthermore, given that this is a conclave after the first Papal resignation in 600 years, we all find ourselves in unchartered waters. However, the constant analogies, or outright descriptions, of this as a rank, modern, political event are equally as troublesome.
The media has repeatedly used terms such as "frontrunners," "contenders," "picks" or "candidates" to describe possible successors to Peter's chair. The selection process has also been replete with terms describing cardinals as "campaigning" or engaging in "horse-trading" for the position. Now, I am not completely naïve – it is, after all, called an "election" - and voting is involved. Therefore, some of these descriptors are not entirely misplaced. However, the extent to which this selection has been exclusively framed completely as a political sideshow is unfortunate.
To be sure, politics have always played a role in selecting leadership. Even during the life of Christ, some actively attempted to gain positions of influence. (Mathew 20:21) However, I would like to think a more balanced description of what is occurring in the Eternal City, such as that offered by Mathew Schmalz in this piece, has a place in this discussion. He reminds the public that, while politics may or may not infuse some of this process, that narrative should not be the dominant theme in these events.
"Men like Angelo Roncalli and Karol Wojtyla were on no one's list of papal contenders when their conclaves began. Now both have been made "blessed." A sign, for Catholics at any rate, that the Holy Spirit works in ways that we often cannot predict or contain."
I am no Vaticanista. Therefore, I do not know who is correct, but I hope the reality of the selection of a new pope is more accurately described by Professor Schmalz than the mainstream media. If not, it should be by all those involved (participants and observers of the conclave). Just as with a trial, the papal selection is not a game or political campaign. Its significance may be life altering. As such, I might suggest the better framework was something I recently heard from a parish priest sharing mass with second graders. He opened mass with a prayer that the cardinals gathered in Rome "may be guided to select the best pope for the people of God." That sounds like a simple, yet elegant, framework to consider.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Collateral Effects of Papal Transition
With all the discussion regarding Pope Benedict's resignation and who his successor should be, some interesting pieces can be missed. I would like to draw attention to just two of them that address some of the collateral issues related to the change in Church leadership and governance. First is this Washington Post article discussing, among a wide array of somewhat tangentially related issues, how the Vatican has seemed to change its policy regarding the role of Cardinals who have been accused of wrongdoing. The second, an analysis piece in the National Catholic Reporter, discusses the effect of a change in Church leadership on the ongoing dispute between the Vatican and the Leadership Conference of Women Religious. Whether one agrees with the analysis or not, both are worth a read to help underscore the dimension of potential change.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Guns and a Culture of Life
Central to our faith is the core belief that from the greatest tragedy in world history (the crucifixion) God transformed the world with the greatest triumph in world history (the resurrection). In the aftermath of the string of mass shootings in the United States, culminating in the December Sandy Hook massacre, many of us wonder what lessons could possibly be taken from these horrible events to transform our society in any positive way?
Earlier this week, the President unveiled his plan to reduce gun violence. It is a comprehensive approach to the gun violence in America that killed 31,672 people in 2010. While no approach is perfect, this plan addresses background checks to limit those who have access to firearms, the types of weapons and ammunition available for purchase, the need to restart research of gun violence which was banned at the behest of opponents of gun control, more comprehensive legislation, and improved mental health treatment.
Criticism of this plan rests mainly on the argument that such measures will not stop all the killing and if someone wants to kill, they will do so. That is true. Such an argument misses the point. The lack of a perfect solution is not an excuse to have no solution at all. Sadly, the state of the human condition is that some people will always commit crimes – even unspeakable horrors. Yet, do we as a society throw up our hands and abdicate the use of the law to make effective changes simply because the law will not stop 100% of the crime? Imagine if we weakened our anti-terrorism efforts because such measures cannot stop all terrorists. We would never do so.
The critics ask the wrong question. I suggest there is a better question than "Will these measures stop all gun violence?" Rather, we should consider invoking John Paul II and ask, "Do these measures offer an opportunity to replace a 'culture of death' with a 'culture of life?'" I suggest they do.
The "culture of life" concept is associated most often by the media with a pro-life stance surrounding the issue of abortion. However, in 1993, when reporting on John Paul II's visit to the United States where he outlined the "combat between the culture of death and the culture of life," the New York Times described it to also include concern regarding "urban violence" and "a broader assault on human life." (New York Times, August 16, 1993)
This is consistent with the statement issued by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops after the Sandy Hook shooting:
It is time for our nation to renew a culture of life in our society.
Sacred Scripture reminds us time and again to "be not afraid." Indeed, we must find within ourselves the faith-filled courage to address the challenges our nation faces, both in our homes and in our national policies.
The statement continues to specifically address gun control. "With regard to the regulation of fire arms, first, the intent to protect one's loved ones is an honorable one, but simply put, guns are too easily accessible. The Vatican's Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, in their document, 'The International Arms Trade (2006),' emphasized the importance of enacting concrete controls on handguns, for example, noting that 'limiting the purchase of such arms would certainly not infringe on the rights of anyone.'"
A culture of life perspective on these issues transcends a legalistic analysis of proposed statutes. Instead is asks whether measures are promoting an atmosphere of life or a glorification of death. By advocating for a comprehensive approach to firearm violence which includes addressing mental health needs, "nurturing school environments," and improved training for both school counselors and school resource officers we are taking strong step forward.
The litmus test for steps to combat violence cannot only be whether a plan is perfect. No plan will ever pass such a test and society will remain (as no doubt the gun industry wishes) in the status quo. I would argue the status quo is a culture of death. Alternatively, if proposed measures are examined through a lens of the culture of life, society has the potential to move forward and decrease the violence.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Unsung Catholic Hero
From time to time bloggers here at MOJ have commented on the media bias regarding the Church and various legal or criminal cases associated with it. Earlier this week there was a refreshing alternative narrative on the cover of the Washington Post. This story profiles Monsignor Robert Weiss, Pastor of St. Rose of Lima parish in Newtown, Connecticut. Not only was Monsignor Weiss active in responding to this tragedy, he lost ten members of his parish in the carnage. The story echoes a point many of us try to make: the Church is not just the Bishops and Cardinals, but the people on the front lines doing unbelievably challenging work in beautiful ways. They are the hands of Christ.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Catholic University Law School Dean
As Michael previously mentioned, on Tuesday the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America, made an important announcement:
After an 18-month-long national search, The Catholic University of America has named Daniel F. Attridge of the Washington, D.C., office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP as dean of the Columbus School of Law. The managing partner of Kirkland's Washington, D.C., office since 1998 and a partner in the firm since 1985…
This is a wonderful moment for the Columbus School of Law, founded in 1897. The official announcement is here and National Law Journal article is here.
As we all know, this is a critical point in time for legal education. Such an appointment, in my view, is an excellent one for Catholic University for the objective reasons mentioned both in the announcement and the news coverage. It is also exciting for the more intangible reasons important to a law school that is interested both in academic excellence, as well as mission.
At various times here at MOJ we have discussed, and no doubt will continue to do so, the meaning, purpose, and value of an authentically Catholic law school. Within that context, there is some agreement that a law school in the Catholic intellectual tradition is one which reflects the highest academic and professional standards, as well as a commitment to something more profound. In the words of Judge Noonan in his 1992 Essay, A Catholic Law School, it "encourage[es] such a fusion of the responsibilities of the lawyer and the love of Christ."
In my view, the selection of Mr. Attridge reflects that wonderful combination that separates the Catholic law school from the secular institution. Not only does he have a record of significant distinction in the profession, as objectively indicated in the building of Kirkland into a firm with a global reputation for excellence. He also brings a commitment to certain "core values" of education and faith. Thus, he demonstrates that such achievements – such "responsibilities of the lawyer," need not be separate from the commitment to something greater. For, again in the words of Judge Noonan, "a Catholic law school . . . must indeed be aware of its roots in faith if it is to be aware of its own vocation."
Monday, November 5, 2012
The $6 Billion Question
Here are some reflections on the eve of election day. People have argued, debates have occurred, pundits have postulated, and the proxies have predicted the "inevitable" effects of the "other side" winning. Similar to young men during the first week of a new dating relationship, candidates have promised to change our lives in countless miraculous and, more than likely, unattainable ways.
Here is one change that would be miraculous and should be attainable: that we have an honest conversation in this country about our societal values. No, I am not talking about those values about which we have heard so much – the values each side righteously claims as their own and indignantly asserts the other side lacks. I am talking about a real test of values: do we value winning or do we value people?
This question came to me this week when the press reported the money spent on federal elections exceeded $6 billion dollars. To put this number in context, this past week we witnessed the devastation by Sandy on the East Coast. Poignant among the many heartbreaking stories was the suffering by homeless children in New Jersey and New York served by the Catholic organization, Covenant House International, whose shelters sustained significant damage. (Full disclosure - I used to volunteer with Covenant House and their current president is a graduate of The Catholic University of America). On a global level, the State Department budget to combat human trafficking and the enslavement of 20 million people throughout the world is a mere $21 million. By some estimates, that $6 billion amount would rebuild half of earthquake stricken Haiti.
Can we imagine what $6 billion could do for victims of disaster, homeless children, or victims of human trafficking? Yet, in the name of values we have spent it elsewhere. All candidates talk about "American values." Wouldn't it be great if our election process actually reflected them?
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
The Potential for a Catholic Community to Be a Saving Grace
Weekly, The Washington Post Magazine presents a small piece entitled "First Person Singular" in which the subject of the piece shares select reflections written in the first person. This week, the reflections of U.S. Treasurer, Rosie Rios, were densely filled with food for thought for MOJ readers and legal educators.
Ms. Rios confesses that, as a younger person, she thought she would become a lawyer. More important, however, is her reason for considering the profession. After describing some of the challenges of growing up in poverty and the strong work ethic instilled in her, she states:
I always thought I'd be an attorney…. I had it in my mind — and probably not unlike many of my friends who are raised in disadvantaged neighborhoods who focus on areas of social injustice, whether it's neighborhood crime or other issues that come from being from a disadvantaged background — I always thought that I'd go into law. We tend to want to fix things.
This insight serves as an important reminder of the role of the attorney in its most basic sense: one who fixes social injustice.
However, even more intriguing were her comments on the importance of her Catholic upbringing. A highly successful person, Ms. Rios shares with refreshing candor some of the positive influences on her life while growing up in some trying circumstances. Here is an excerpt:
We obviously relied very heavily on our Catholic community and upbringing. I actually saw a very interesting picture of the world. I was very comforted in this village concept.
Our Catholic community is what helped us. It saved us financially. It helped us with access to education. Literally, our Catholic community was our saving grace.
The entire piece is worth a read.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Sr. Mary Rose McGeady
"There is no greater joy than to see a kid come in homeless, cold, hungry, dirty and then that same kid a few weeks later –cleaned up, smiling and hopeful…I believe that is what Covenant House is all about…one child at a time."
--Sr. Mary Rose McGeady
In a world in which the fullness of one's life is so often measured by material wealth, celebrity, and Twitter followers, Sr. Mary Rose McGeady stood as a powerful alternative model. In a previous post, Father Araujo beautifully posed the question, "What's it all about?" Sr. Mary Rose can offer us an example of someone who knew the answer. She demonstrated this wisdom through her work and her life which sadly ended September 13th after 84 years of dedicated service to the poorest children. This is a great loss for Catholics, children, and indeed the entire world.
In 1990 the largest program for homeless children in the United States was deeply in trouble. Covenant House had been hailed as an exemplary beacon of help and aid to the forgotten population of homeless children. However, after a scandal and financial problems brought the institution to the brink, it appeared that this once fine example of what a non-profit organization could be was in its last days. At this time of crisis, Covenant House turned to this 62 year old Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent DePaul, whose life had been spent working with children in need, to be its new leader. After praying extensively about the unattractive challenge, Sr. Mary Rose answered the call few others would have heard and became the Executive Director of a deeply in debt Covenant House at a time when its services were deeply needed.
That alone was courageous enough. But what she did in the position is even more remarkable. For the next thirteen years she resurrected the organization and directed its growth to meet the needs of literally hundreds of thousands of children in six countries through its shelters, street outreach, and services. Through her work, Covenant House doubled the number of homeless children served. Today, it is the largest privately funded organization providing food, shelter, and services to homeless children in the Americas.
More intangibly, but equally as critical to the story of this remarkable woman, was the way in which she lead such an impactful life. She did it through love. Again and again in her public presentations or her writing she would come back to what was central to serving the poor: love. Without a doubt, her vision and tenacity were critical to her success. But at the core of all she did was a love of children.
One can read about Sr. Mary Rose's life and achievements in her obituaries here and here. The many accolades indeed demonstrate the fullness of a life dedicated to others. For the legal community, it is significant that her work transcended direct services to children to a tireless advocacy for children in legal and policy circles. Much of her work was spent giving a voice to the voiceless children who are often reduced to statistics, if considered at all, in lawmaking and public policy. She worked to change that and to remind policy makers and academics alike of the real children, those to whom the "kingdom of heaven belong;" (Mathew 19:14); those who are supposed to be the subject of all our concern.
Her life represents so much to us. For Catholic scholars she is a constant reminder of the human story unfolding in the wake of legal and policy decisions. She embodies Catholic social teaching, taking it from complex theory into simple practice. For our students, she represents an alternative message of what it means to live a full life. Sr. Mary Rose died as she lived: happy to be serving God, loving and being loved by so many children, and feeling blessed that she had the richest of lives. At the end of her days she received calls from leaders throughout the country and world. At her funeral next week, the church will no doubt be overflowing with those who want to celebrate her life. That full church, and the love flowing throughout that space, will offer a clear example of how one can lead a very full life when devoted, not to the partnership track, but to the weakest and most vulnerable among us.
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