Caring for Our Common Home: Understanding Francis’ Encyclical

A panel discussion on Laudato Si’, an encyclical by Pope Francis released on June 18th.

About the Speakers:

Dr. C.C. Pecknold is Associate Professor of Theology at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.  He is the author of “Christianity and Politics: A Brief Guide to the History” (2010), and is a frequent commentator on the relationship between the Catholic Church, society and politics. He’s appeared as an invited guest on such shows as NPR’s “All Things Considered,” BBC World News, FoxNews, and EWTN News Nightly.

Dr. Jay W. Richards is Assistant Research Professor in the School of Business and Economics at The Catholic University of America, a Senior Fellow at the Discovery Institute, and Executive Editor of The Stream. He has authored and co-authored many books, including the New York Times bestsellers Infiltrated and Indivisible, as well as Money, Greed, and God, The Privileged Planet and The Untamed God.

Mark Rohlena is the Director of the Office of Domestic Social Development in the Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. He serves as a resource to the bishops on domestic social policy, and works to advance Catholic social teaching in federal policymaking on a host of issues, including environmental stewardship. Before joining the USCCB, Rohlena served as the President and CEO of Catholic Charities of Central Colorado in the Diocese of Colorado Springs, CO. He is an attorney who previously practiced in the area of legal ethics. Rohlena lives in Virginia with his wife, Danielle, and five children.