Catholic Church Condemns Socialism

Distributism was Chesterton’s failed attempt to produce a working model of Church social encyclicals put into practice.

Its failure reflects only the limitations of its theorists, and should not be presented as the teaching of the Church, which does not advocate any particular social or economic system.

I think we are in agreement on Church position here. My main point is that the Church condemns redistribution of wealth by state mandate (socialism).

Your point is that the Church does not condone unchecked capitalism. I agree.

The way promoted by the Church is indeed in the middle of this, as is laid out in Rerum Novarum and the later affirming encyclicals:

1. Laws to protect private property
2. Laws to protect the masses from being enslaved
3. State promotion of good charitable and social programs (not necessarily running them)
4. A pervasive morality in which the wealthy willingly share out of a sense of personal charitable duty.

#1 indicates support of some form of a flat tax rate, but admitedly, this is my interpretation.

It’s refreshing to encounter another Catholic that actually reads Church teachings. Forgive me if my tone seemed argumentative.

Just for the record, the USCCB is not a doctrinal body.

"4. A pervasive morality in which the wealthy willingly share out of a sense of personal charitable duty.

Maybe this is a quibble, but if the rich are sharing out of a sense of duty, it still isn't charity.

If the Catholic Church is so opposed to socialism, then why hasn’t Father Pfleger been excommunicated?

I find that the Catholic Church has some of the best critiques of modern society, if one cares to read them. There is so much deep insight. I often find that the more I think about it, the more right the Magisterium’s teachings are on sound both moral AND practical levels-—and that is not just on theological matters.

The world would be a much better place if more people listened to what the Catholic Church has to say.

Excellent post and thanks!!

Thanks for the lesson. I grew up Catholic and was surprised to see this headline. I assumed the church was for socialism, since they were for illegals invading our country and told us we can to keep them and support them.

(Denver) Archbishop Criticizes Obama, Catholic Allies ( Finally! )

Little Murders [Bishop Chaput Slams Obama on Abortion & Blasts Kmiec for Misleading Catholics]

Bishop Finn does everything but name Obama

Colorado bishops correct governor’s ‘bad theology’ on Catholic teaching about human dignity

Bishop Holley Calls on Black Community to Stop Planned Parenthood's Racial Slaughter

Mashek of US News: Bishop Violates First Amendment by Denying Biden Communion

Bishop of Scranton pledges vigilance in correcting pro-choice Catholic politicians

Bishop Finn: Can a Catholic Vote in Support of Abortion?

Values: Abortion tops list (Area Catholics get warning from bishop)

Bishop Robert Hermann on Voting to 'Save Our Children'

Black Catholic Bishop Holley: Abortion Exploits African-American Community

Bishop of Fresno removes priest who opposes Prop. 8

Bishop Martino of Scranton on Respect Life Sunday

Bishop Vasa: Pro-Abortion Candidates are 'Disqualified'

Bishop reminds Catholics to remember Judgment Day in the voting booth(Vote for Obama-get zapped)

Arizona Bishops Encourage Yes Vote in Support of Proposition 102, the Marriage Amendment

Bishop Aquila's Address on Absolutes in Life Issues

Kerry: Abortion, HELL is a Reality and we are Free to Choose it, Bishop Samuel J. Aquila, Fargo

Bishop Soto Stuns national homosexual ministries conference

Biden avoids confrontation with his new bishop

U.S. Catholic Bishop Rene H. Gracida Releases Radio Ad

Cardinal Rigali issues Pastoral letter stating abortion is the "Transcending Issue of Our Day"

Updated: American Bishops who have spoken against Pelosi

Here is the complete list of American bishops who have responded to Nancy Pelosi's comments so far:

Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver was the first American bishop to respond
... Bishop James Conley, his auxiliary, joined him
Archbishop Donald Wuerl of Washington DC responded twice, first in a press release and second in a statement to The Hill. He has also appeared on Fox News, I am told.
Cardinal Justin Regali of Philadelphia, chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities, issued this statement through the USCCB website...
... Bishop William Lori of Bridgeport, chairman of the Committee on Doctrine, joined him
Cardinal Edward Egan of New York publised a strongly worded statement of his own
Bishop Samuel Aquila of Fargo issued a letter correcting Pelosi's claims
Bishop David Zubik of Pittsburgh and...
... Bishop Michael Sheridan of Colorado Springs have chimed-in
Archbishop Jose Gomez of San Antonio, CNA reports has added his voice ...
... Bishop Oscar Cantu, his auxiliary bishop, has joined him
Bishop William Murphy of Rockville has published an extensive letter
Bishop Edward Slattery of Tulsa has a detailed response
Bishop Kevin Farrell of Dallas has joined the USCCB's efforts
Bishop Gregory Aymond of Austin is on-board
Cardinal Sean O'Malley of Boston mentions the USCCB on his blog
Bishop Thomas Wenski of Orlando has written at length
Archbishop John Nienstedt of Saint Paul/Minneapolis challenges Pelosi's statement
Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, President of the US Bishops, has weighed-in
Bishop Robert Vasa of Baker, OR publishes in the Catholic Sentinel
Bishop Jerome Listecki of La Crosse, WI responds in a word document
Bishop Richard Lennon of Cleveland, OH will comment in his September 5th column (PDF)
Bishop Ralph Nickless of Sioux City, IA has one of the very best responses I've read
Archbishop George Niederauer of San Francisco has invited Pelosi to a "conversation"
Bishop Glen Provost, LA: "Catholic Church clear on when human life begins"
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn: "Judging the Candidates"

{Last updated on September 10th.}

Notes:

Previous #23 has been removed. Bishop Joseph Gossman of Raleigh, NC is actually the bishop emeritus, and the new bishop, Michael Burbidge has not, to my knowledge, made a personal statement.
Previous #16 has also been removed, it was an erroneous duplication of current #13.
#26 was added September 10th, although he published his column September 6th

video from CatholicVote.com

Powerful
http://www.creativeminorityreport.com/2008/09/new-video-from-catholicvotecom.html

Thank goodness.

You mis-state Catholic Church guidelines.

Thanks for the link. I've seen it before, very impressive.

From what I've seen a great many RC Bishops have spoken out very strongly about not supporting candidates that don't want to protect the most innocent and defenseless. My pastor as well as most in the Evangelical churches have done the same. When election day comes we will find out how many of our members are 7 day a week Christians or Sunday go to meeting Christians.

I think this lack of church discipline is not limited to any one church. We all have to confront it in our own church's. My cousin has been drinking the bambi kool-aid and no matter how many times we discuss infanticide and abortion he tries to deflect the issue somewhere else. Thanks for the link I'll be sending it to him.