Housing and Hope: Property Law and Catholic Social Teachings
Forthcoming in Christianity and Private Law (Cochran & Moreland, eds.) (Cambridge Press)
27 Pages Posted: 11 Mar 2019
Date Written: February 19, 2018
Abstract
There are consequences when the divide between the “us” and the “them” widens and whole segments of society become marginalized, disenfranchised, and invisible. We can and must do better for those forced to endure unsafe and unlivable dwellings and the toxic consequences of housing displacement. Everyone deserves a safe place to call home. The promise of inclusion can and must be made real, to ordain meaningful opportunity for those of low and moderate income to share in the benefits of communities otherwise closed to them. Community must be restored to common interest communities to make real the promise of social trust.
Catholic social teachings provide an important foundation upon which to rest the aims of inclusion, equal opportunity, neighborliness, and justice. The compassionate lens of Church doctrine helps to put into sharper focus the imperative that we allay the suffering experienced by those excluded from the promise of sustainable, peaceful dwelling. In so doing, we achieve even more than success. We achieve significance.
Keywords: property, housing, social justice
JEL Classification: R38, R14, R30, R31, R38
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation