Gospel Women at the United Nations: Handmaids of the Sacred Heart Doing Public Theology

This book offers a reflection on the development of the commitment of a group of Catholic Sisters to the poor and to social justice from teaching poor children in a convent basement to being involved in public theology at the United Nations. After a brief discussion of the emergence and definitions of public theology and an analysis of the social teaching of the Catholic Church it offers insights into the history and modus operandi of the United Nations and the network of NGOs including faith-based RNGOs that work closely with it on behalf of human rights and development. The interaction between these three protagonists forms the background for the story of a coalition of Catholic Sisters with NGO status at the United Nations whose determination is to be Gospel women engaging in public theology in the public square. Finally it offers some thoughts concerning future challenges and uncertainties facing the United Nations that will impact the Sisters and their commitment to the poor and the planet.