distributism

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    Archbishop Wester: Faith Leaders Need to Step Up Call to Abolish Nuclear Weapons

    Avatar photoByCatholicWorker.org

    Archbishop John Wester of Santa Fe, New Mexico, addressed the immorality of nuclear weapons and the moral imperative to abolish them in his sermon at the Mass for the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons, sponsored by the Dorothy Day Guild, at Our Savior Church in New York City. The event was held on November 29, 2023—the anniversary of Day’s death—and Wester cited Day’s early witness against nuclear weapons. Wester called on faith leaders, and Catholics in particular, to step up efforts to abolish nuclear weapons.

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    Distributism Versus Capitalism

    Avatar photoByDorothy Day

    Summary: Contrasts the support of certain Catholics for the Industrial Council Plan, which called for co-management, with Distributism’s advocacy for co-ownership as the only means to alleviate the injustices caused by industry. Quotes “Osservatore Romano” on its condemnation of capitalism. Repudiates the characterization of the Industrial Council Plan as ‘the Pope’s plan,’ by quoting Pius XII’s 1952 Christmas message opposing efforts to conform society to modern industry and praising economies emphasizing agriculture and the crafts. Laments the use of text books upholding industrial capitalism in Catholic schools and seminaries, and offers examples of the body of American Catholic thought “which sets its face against this godless system.”
    (DDLW #175) The Catholic Worker, Oct 1954, 1, 6.

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    On Pilgrimage (June 1953)

    Avatar photoByDorothy Day

    Summary: Laments the commitment of so much of society, including the poor, to preserving the status quo. Advocates instead building new social structures to create “the kind of society where it is easy for people to be good,” including four-hour work day that leave time for study and prayer, farming communes, agronomic universities, hospices, unions, and cooperatives. Speaks of missionaries in Africa and the work of Vinoba Bhave in India, whose promoted a personalist approach to addressing poverty. Denounces McCarthyism and its use of fear and repression. (DDLW #171) The Catholic Worker, Jun 1953, pp. 2, 6.

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    On Pilgrimage (February 1949)

    Avatar photoByDorothy Day

    Summary: Discusses Truman’s attempt to build Federal Steel plants—a possible step towards nationalization—and argues that it should be permitted only if as a step towards decentralization to ownership by smaller groups representing the workers themselves. Mentions the lack of support for distributism, particularly among Catholics who support government intervention, and warns of the danger of encroachment by the State. Tells of challenges facing rural populations, and the assistance provided by their neighbors. (DDLW #162) The Catholic Worker, Feb 1949, pp. 1-2

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    On Distributism: Answer to John Cort 

    Avatar photoByDorothy Day

    Summary: Repudiates John Cort and other Catholics who see distributism as an agrarian visionary dream. Quotes from Pius XI, Pius XII, and Leo XIII in support of small and medium-sized businesses, employee ownership, and a back to the land movement. Discusses the evils of capitalistic industrialism and urges the long-range plan of distributism. (See DOC #159 and DOC #160) (DDLW #161) The Catholic Worker, Dec 1948, pp. 1, 3

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    Articles on Distributism — 2 

    Avatar photoByDorothy Day

    Summary: Argues that distributism is the only alternative to the US economy. Distributism is an alternative to capitalism and socialism built around “the village economy” and a more just distribution of wealth. Quotes four modern Popes in its support. Summarizes its principles with the following statements: “land is the most natural form of property” “wages should enable man to purchase land” “the family is the most perfect when rooted in its own holdings” “agriculture is the first and most important of all arts.” (See also DDLW #159 and DDLW #161) (The Catholic Worker, July-August 1948, 1,2, 6. DDLW #160).

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    All the Way to Heaven Is Heaven Or, Articles on Distributism—1

    Avatar photoByDorothy Day

    Summary: First of a series of articles on distributism (see DOC #160 & DOC #161). Against the backdrop of harsh city life, she points to life on the land as a way to find zest in life. Distributism is a third point of view, neither Communism or capitalism. “The aim of distributism is family ownership of land, workshops, stores, transport, trades, professions, and so on.” Recommends reading Belloc and Chesterson as an introduction to it. (DDLW #159) The Catholic Worker, June 1948, 1, 2, 7.

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    On Pilgrimage (May 1948)

    Avatar photoByDorothy Day

    Summary: 16th anniversary recapitulation of distinctive CW positions, especially pacifism and distributism. Explains the C.W.’s philosophy of labor as serving others. Argues that the problem of unemployment originates from the machine and advocates Gandhi’s economic program. Emphasizes a philosophy of work and a philosophy of poverty. (DDLW #158) The Catholic Worker, May 1948, pp. 1, 3, 8

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    On Pilgrimage: January

    Avatar photoByDorothy Day

    Summary: Deep in winter at her daughter’s farm in West Virginia they await the birth of Tamar’s third child. Reflects on country life and a woman’s spirituality in the midst of small children and housework. Describes her efforts at prayer. Reflects on the handicrafts Tamar practices and the worth of a country economy, a way to be co-creators with God. Notes the duty to find joy and resist despair. Long quotes from Eric Gill on a decentralized economy. Keywords: family, poverty, personalism, distributism, capitalism, socialism, communism. (DDLW #476: Catholic Worker Books, New York, 1948, pp. 3-26.)