In an address to the body that represents most of the trade unions in the US, Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington said that it was important always to respect picket lines.
Prelates, labour leaders, and theologians gathered at the headquarters of the AFL-CIO this week for an all-day conference entitled “Erroneous Autonomy: A Conversation on Solidarity and Faith.” The conference was the second in a series focusing on libertarianism sponsored by Catholic University’s Institute for Policy Research and Catholic Studies.
Cardinal Wuerl gave the keynote address, which included many quotes from Pope Francis as well as a personal story about growing up in western Pennsylvania, an area where unions are very strong. “One visible way that solidarity was manifested, both within the movement and in the larger society,” Cardinal Wuerl said, “was respect for the picket line”.
He then narrated a tale that explained why he held picket lines in such high regard. “Once, some years ago, as I was making my way to a store, preoccupied in thought, and I heard someone say ‘Please Father.’ I then looked up and saw this picket line. Needless to say, I stopped. ‘Thank you,’ she said to me. Growing up it was clear – you don’t cross a picket line.”
The cardinal said that this was typical of the need for solidarity in other areas of society. “The efforts to stand together on behalf of all human development, to be inclusive in our outreach to all people, to demonstrate the commitment to protect the environment and our respect for all human life are the new picket lines of today which we ask all, with us, to respect,” he said.
Photo: CNS
Loading ...
