The Rev. Jay Lawlor Announces Moral Economy Series

Economic justice is a central part of God's message in calling humanity to reconciliation. Economics was originally considered a part of moral philosophy. Even Adam Smith stated economics must have concern for justice and freedom for the poor. INDIANAPOLIS - Oct. 19, 2017 - The Rev. Jay Lawlor, Episcopal priest and former Harvard economist, will launch a new blog series on building a moral economy.

In the Moral Economy Series, Fr. Lawlor will look at the history of the faith tradition proclaiming economic justice, economics for the moral good, and how we might restore a sense of ethical economics toward building a moral economy that works for all.

"The economy does not work equally or equitably for everyone. Decades of reporting on poverty, wage inequality, wealth inequality, disparities based on race and gender, and a shrinking middle class offer ample evidence of economic distress for millions of Americans," states the Rev. Jay Lawlor. He emphasizes that it is important to remember is that these are not simply data points or economic trend-lines, but they represent people.

"Both faith groups and the economic profession need to take more responsibility in advocating for economic practices which favor people over money and special interests," said Fr. Lawlor in statement on his website.

Economic justice is a central part of God's message in calling humanity to reconciliation. Jesus impressed this upon his first disciples. In fact, his teachings and manner of life indicate resources must be shared more equitably. And the Early Church patterned their community life and ministry after an economic fellowship in stark contrast to economic disparity in the world.

Economics was originally considered a part of moral philosophy. Even Adam Smith, whose book The Wealth of Nations is considered the birth of economics as a distinct field of study, considered economics part of moral philosophy. Smith — contrary to the widely held claim that he advocated for purely "free markets" — stated that economic markets, and their division of labor, needed to produce not only wealth from market activity, but also justice and freedom — particularly for the poor.

"It is my hope that the Moral Economy Series will create important dialogue about the role of faith communities and the economics profession in working toward a greater emphasis on ethical economics and moral considerations in economic decision-making," said the Rev. Jay Lawlor.

For more information visit https://www.therevjaylawlor.com/

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