Clash over charity
CUTTING THROUGH THE NOISE
Curated Static is a space for deeper reflection—cutting through the media noise to engage with ideas that matter. Whether it’s a podcast, an article, or a thought-provoking piece from a news publication, this is where I step beyond the scroll to explore and respond with nuance. No hot takes, no algorithms—just a place to think, question, and engage meaningfully.
Christianity Redefined and Twisted?
I recently came across a New Yorker Article that highlights how Christian leaders and the Trump administration—particularly Vice President J.D. Vance—are at odds over immigration and the very concept of charity. As someone who grew up Catholic and was taught the importance of caring for your neighbor, I find this discourse both fascinating and, at times, disconcerting. On one hand, it’s clear that faith-based teachings can inspire compassion for migrants and refugees. On the other, Vance has cited Thomas Aquinas’s “ordered love” (ordo amoris) to suggest a hierarchy of obligations that might place the needs of one’s own community ahead of those from elsewhere.
Additionally, I acknowledge there’s a valid debate over whether government funds should be used to support private, faith-based charities. Some argue taxpayer money should remain separate from religious organizations, and I can understand that position - indeed, I share it. However, what concerns me most isn’t the financial question itself—it’s the suggestion that Catholic teachings support an exclusionary or nationalist approach to charity. My experiences in the Church emphasized that the command to “love your neighbor” wasn’t meant to stop at national borders.
A Shifting Catholic-Political Alliance?
For my entire existence, Catholic leaders and conservative politicians found common ground on a singular issue - abortion. But with the fall of Roe v. Wade pushing that debate into the states, other areas of disagreement—particularly on immigration—are rising to the forefront. Bishops like Cardinal Robert McElroy and Bishop Mark Seitz have been vocal about resisting sweeping deportations or restrictive border policies, often citing longstanding Church teaching on the dignity of every person.
This shift has put the Catholic Church on a potential collision course with the more nationalist-leaning elements of the Republican Party—an unusual position for an institution that was often viewed as a close ally on key social issues. Get the popcorn ready!
The Role of Government Funding and the Bigger Picture
I appreciate a nuanced perspectives on government support for religious charities. There’s an understandable concern about blurring the lines between church and state (again this interestingly isnt the issue at play in this specific example). At the same time, it’s important to recognize that the current debate revolves less around funneling money through churches and more around whether to fund social programs in general—initiatives such as feeding the poor, providing healthcare and ensuring access to education.
Critics who argue against expanding these programs frequently point to limited resources and stress the importance of prioritizing one’s own community first. Others maintain that investing in humanitarian efforts—religious or secular—serves a moral and civic duty that extends beyond national boundaries.
I understand that people may hold different perspectives on how to allocate public funds. Still, I’m concerned when I see a worldview that focuses primarily on scarcity, protectionism, or excluding those who are deemed “outsiders.” Whether these programs are administered by faith-based entities or secular organizations, the principle of helping those in need remains central to the Catholic values I was taught - not Vance’s interpretation.
Does it matter?
One might wonder if these disputes even register in a culture where religious participation is decreasing. According to a 2023 Gallup poll, around 31% of Americans attend religious services weekly or nearly weekly—a figure that has dropped steadily for decades. The Catholic Church, in particular, faces internal struggles with membership, due to controversies involving leadership or perceived political entanglements.
In the grand scheme it may not, but to me, it does!
As a gay man, I no longer consider myself a practicing Catholic, but the Church’s commitment—at least in principle—to universal love and care is what has kept me tethered, even when I’ve felt distant from it’s institutions. So to me it matters how the church moves forward.
Where Does the Catholic Church Go from Here?
As nationalists within the Republican Party challenge the Church’s more inclusive stance on immigration and social welfare, the real question becomes: What will the Church do about it? If the Church remains brave enough to stand up for its teachings—particularly regarding compassion for migrants and the poor—it could be an opportunity to re-engage individuals like me who have drifted away. A strong stance on inclusivity might resonate with those of us who value a broader sense of moral responsibility, whereas an alignment with nationalist perspectives could further alienate Catholics who already feel marginalized.
Balancing Understanding with Concern
I strive to remain open-minded: there are legitimate economic and social questions about immigration policy, and not everyone who favors tighter borders does so out of malice. However, my upbringing instilled in me a responsibility to assist those who are marginalized or suffering, regardless of where they come from. Discussions around “ordered love” can prompt meaningful reflection on how we balance close-to-home responsibilities with a broader moral obligation. Yet, using theological concepts to justify turning away from those in need feels inconsistent with the compassion-centered faith that influences my worldview.
All that to say…
I believe the debate over immigration and charity reveals a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church in America. It must navigate a landscape where political allegiances have shifted, abortion politics have evolved, and congregations are shrinking. How Church leaders respond may shape perceptions of Catholicism for years to come.
Whether one supports or opposes government funding for faith-based initiatives, the core question remains: Does Catholic teaching promote a narrowly defined compassion, or does it call for solidarity with anyone who is suffering? If the Church can truly embody the universal love it espouses—especially in uncertain times—it may find itself reconnecting with lapsed Catholics like me, who continue to value the ideals of compassion and service at the heart of the faith.
