Housing and Hope: Property Law and Catholic Social Teachings

Forthcoming in Christianity and Private Law (Cochran & Moreland, eds.) (Cambridge Press)

Seton Hall Public Law Research Paper Forthcoming

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

Franzese, Paula A. and Carmella, Angela, Housing and Hope: Property Law and Catholic Social Teachings (February 19, 2018). Forthcoming in Christianity and Private Law (Cochran & Moreland, eds.) (Cambridge Press), Seton Hall Public Law Research Paper Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3337813

Paula A. Franzese (Contact Author)

Seton Hall Law School ( email )

One Newark Center
Newark, NJ 07102-5210
United States
973-642-8817 (Phone)

Angela Carmella

Seton Hall Law School ( email )

One Newark Center
Newark, NJ 07102-5210
United States
973-642-8843 (Phone)

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