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. The Catholic Church is the worlds biggest NGO. Its membership is growing globally but in the West it faces a serious existential crisis entirely of its own making. Yet green shoots are emerging among them: the social justice mission of the women of Unanima who work with and through the United Nations. Where are they taking the church and why? This book shows us another side of the post-conciliar church--an intriguing one well worth a hearing. --Mary McAleese former president of Ireland Margaret Scott provides a significant lesson about the Christian passion for justice. This account of a small Roman Catholic order demonstrates how the conviction of faith can impact the world for good. These sisters have proven how crucial it is for people of faith to walk the halls of power and hold world leaders accountable to protect the weakest and the least of our world. --David D. Grafton Hartford Seminary Margaret D. Scott ACI is a published author contributing regularly to Catholic journals in England Ireland Spain and Chile. Her first book The Eucharist and Social Justice was published in 2009. Margaret has ministered in many different countries and exercised leadership in various international organizations. She taught theology at St. Josephs University in Philadelphia. Her studies as well as theology include a masters degree in international relations and a DMin. She is a board member of UNANIMA International.