On today’s edition of JustLove, we examine the intersection of Catholic theology and social questions facing the United States public.  In acknowledgment of the Annual Pride March in New York City, we talk with Stan “JR” Zerkowski, Executive Director of Fortunate Families, a Lexington, Kentucky-based Catholic Ministry dedicated to facilitating respectful conversations within the Church about the dignity of LGBTQ+ persons of faith.  Then, we talk with Christopher Bell, Executive Director of Good Counsel Homes (a CCNY affiliate) in preparation for the anticipated Dobs v Jackson Woman’s Health Organization case, and how the organization’s work might change in light of a potential overturn of Roe v Wade. Stan “JR” Zerkowski is the Executive…

On today’s recording of JustLove, we celebrate Father’s Day weekend by talking with the founder of the Texas-based nonprofit Voices of the Fatherless, Percy L. Kennedy Jr. This mentoring program is focused on helping incarcerated fathers connect with their children, also the subject of a book recently published by Kennedy, “Voices of the Fatherless: Letters from Incarcerated Dads Aimed at Breaking the Prison Pipeline.” We then celebrate an equally important holiday, Juneteenth, which originated in Galveston, Texas in 1865, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the emancipation of black Americans from slavery. We are joined by the President of One Hundred Black Men Inc., Aldrin Enis, an organization dedicated to…

On today’s recording of JustLove, we discuss the foundational concept of Religious Freedom as essential to civic harmony with Elizabeth Clark, J.D., of Brigham Young University. Then, we revisit the takeaways of our fact-finding trip to the border of Ukraine in Poland and discuss the ongoing conflict with Michael La Civita, Director of Communications of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) – which continues to aid Ukrainians displaced by the war. Professor Elizabeth Clark, J.D., is the Associate Director of the International Center for Law and Religion Studies at the J. Reuben Clark Law School of Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Michael La Civita is the Director of…

On today’s recording of JustLove, we reflect on the tragic events in Uvalde, Texas, with two community members, Dr. Hector and Jaclyn Gonzales. They and fellow parishioners of Sacred Heart Church in Uvalde are planning healing events and activities for those impacted in the community to heal. Afterward, our very own Corporate Secretary and Chief of Staff for Catholic Charities New York, Marion Boteju, to discuss the economic and political turmoil that has been roiling the South Asian nation of Sri Lanka. Dr. Hector Gonzales, Ph.D., is the President of Southwest Texas Junior College. He is joined by his Wife, Jaclyn Gonzales, who is a licensed professional counselor. Marion Boteju…