Is it Time to See-Judge-Act as a Church?

The church in the US bears a pressing moral responsibility to swiftly recognize, understand, and transform the social and political realities evolving in the Americas. The pervasive political corruption, state-sponsored violence, and US intervention to bolster these governments demand our immediate attention and action.

How can we practically apply the Cardijn Method of See-Judge-Act to devise a comprehensive program or plan? This plan should focus on innovation, education, and collaboration with the US Bishops to advocate for justice in the modern world, particularly in the US.

Why is the See-Judge-Act method not central to the church’s daily life? The crucial element to highlight here is the imperative to ACT! It’s not enough to see and judge; we must act to bring about change.

The slogan, Haz patria, mata un cura (“Be a patriot, kill a priest”) became a battle cry for Salvadoran right-wing extremists who believed that anyone who opposed the military regime was a communist, including religious figures. El Salvador Nayib Bukele is a right-wing icon in the world. See the patterns!

Ask yourself where does the gospel come into play? Why is it not front and center? What role does Christian Nationalism play in supporting right-wing agendas?

Who sides with the Poor?

Remember: On 2 December 1980, four churchwomen—Maryknoll Sisters Maura Clarke and Ita Ford, Ursuline Sister Dorothy Kazel, and lay missionary Jean Donovan—became victims of escalating violence toward church members who sided with the poor in El Salvador.