Strangers in a Foreign Land: The Organizing of Catholic Latinos in the United States

(Paperback)

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Description

The Roman Catholic Church and the U.S. labor movement are missing an opportunity to work together to promote the well-being of Latino immigrants, the majority of whom are Catholic. The relationship between the Church and labor has stagnated because the U.S. labor movement (not unlike the Democrat Party) is taking political and social positions on abortion, same sex marriage, and school vouchers that are inimical to Catholic thinking despite the fact that the Church and Latinos immigrants are culturally conservative.

Strangers in a Foriegn Land: The Organizing of Catholic Latinos in the U.S. argues that labor groups would enjoy a better relationship with a natural institutional ally by taking no position on these culture war positions. Author George Schultze also takes the position that the Catholic Church should should be taking steps to promote worker-owned cooperatives in the Mondragn Cooperative Corporation tradition, which recognizes the beneficial role of free market economies.

Reviews

Fr. George Schultze, SJ finds a discordant note in the labor movement's approach to today's Mexican-Americans and other immigrants. He augments his thesis with a thorough history of the positive relationship between U.S. Catholicism and organized labor, particularly in California. This book is sure to stir the pot. -- William Droel, National Center for the Laity, Chicago, Illinois
As a Jesuit and former employee of the National Labor Relations Board, George Schultze brings a powerful perspective to his book on union organizing among Latino immigrants....Schultze understands contemporary Mexican-American life and labor quite well. -- . * American Catholic Studies *
Provides a useful overview of an important and frequently overlooked aspect of the US Hispanic community. * Religious Studies Review *
For those interested in re-invigorating the labor movement, Fr. Schultze provides a blueprint for mobilizing the rapidly expanding population of Hispanic workers. He follows a long and noble tradition of hard-working and sometimes heroic Catholic priests who have supported workers in their legitimate desire to for a living wage and decent working conditions. Strangers presents a concise history of the labor movement in the U.S. and the Catholic Churchs role in it. While recognizing the decline in membership of organized labor, Fr. Schultze does more than lament the problem: he proposes a viable solution. This book could be a turning point if it is heeded. -- Joseph Fessio S.J., Provost of Ave Maria University; Editor at Ignatius Press

Author Bio

Reverend George E. Schultze, SJ is Spiritual Director, Field Education Director, and Lecturer in Social Ethics at St. Patrick's Seminary in Menlo Park, California.