Doing Ethics

President Obama's speech at Notre Dame's graduation included a call (and a pledge) for open hearts, open minds, and fair-minded words when we address our differences and look for ways of working together.

In that speech Obama reflected on his work as a community organizer in Chicago where he was "touched by the words and deeds of men and women" he worked with from many Catholic parishes. "I'd like to think," Obama said, that in our community service "we touched the hearts and minds of the neighborhood families whose lives we helped change. For this, I believe, is our highest calling."

Obama's fair-minded words at Notre Dame about the moral debate over abortion offer us a model for doing ethics. Finding common ground and making real progress in addressing moral issues and creating greater justice requires respect for those with whom we differ. And "fair-minded words" are one way that we manifest this respect.

With hope...Bob

Labels: abortion, obama