Catholic Social Teaching and United States Welfare Reform

The passage of welfare reform legislation in 1996 has prompted the need for an evaluation of ethics in American social policy, Catholic Social Teaching and United States Welfare Reform examines how Catholic social teaching may be used as a resource for that evaluation, now (pertaining to the current welfare reform) and in the future (as new challenges and issues arise).

Using the 1996 reform as a case study, Catholic Social Teaching and United States Welfare Reform explores the dynamics and implications of the Catholic Church's attempt to serve as a "public church." It provides an inventory of relevant Catholic social teaching z resources, analyzes the 1996 welfare legislation, and describes the contributions of Catholic bishops to welfare reform legislation. The writings of John Rawls and John Courtney Murray are then explored as the framework for hope that a shared vision of fairness may develop within a pluralistic society. The meaning and challenges of postindustrialism conclude the discussion.

Written as an academic resource, Catholic Social Teaching and United States Welfare Reform is an informative book for anyone concerned with welfare reform or the place of faith in political action.