ABSTRACT
This chapter argues for the importance of sustaining a shared moral argument about a holistic vision of the common good that can help ground specific policy debates to address rising inequality, while helping faithful citizens discern their mutual moral responsibilities to meet this crisis. Despite declining memberships, communities of faith compose virtually the only modern American institution that cares to accept such responsibility, or indeed that can even recognize its form and grasp its meaning. This chapter links analysis of divisive economic changes and public policies over the past generation to the aims and efforts of religious organizations to enlarge public conscience and cast clearer light on the commonweal. It argues that communities of faith have a critical role in reminding government and corporate leaders that human beings are more than employees and consumers, more even than clients to be satisfied or voters to be persuaded.
