Cardinal Dolan on How Catholics Can Make an Impact on Public Policy

This is a phenomenal short-course on how Catholics can and ought to make an impact in public policy decisions. I guarantee it is worth the time you will spend watching it.

Cardinal Dolan forms the entire talk around Catholic social justice principles, so he talks about 7 "is" and the 7 "oughts"

The Seven "IS"

1. Innate dignity of Human Person
2. Human life is sacred
3. The principle of solidarity
4. Creator has instilled within us and within his creation an inherent order
5. Subsidarity: the common good is best served by agencies, organizations & institution closest to the human person
6. The preferential option for the poor/care for those left behind/ Jesus, who always seemed to have a radar for those on the side of the road
7. Inalienable rights are given not by society, not by culture, not by government, but by the Creator himself.

The Seven "OUGHTS"

1. We ought to be in politics
2. We ought to bring values and convictions to politics
3. Catholics ought to propose never impose
4. We ought to stand for principles always above politics
5. We ought to stress responsibility as much as rights
6. We ought to defend the rights of others
7. Catholics ought to stress "us" not "me"

Skip to the 35 minute mark to hear the presentation by Cardinal Dolan: