Bending the Arc references a quote by Rev. Dr. King who said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” The newsletter showcases the work of changemakers, opportunities to learn, and opportunities for you to help “bend the arc” toward justice. Sign up below to receive this twice-monthly digital newsletter from the CSA Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation office.
CSA JPIC Library
The items below are available from the Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Lending Library. To check out any of these resources, please contact tabler@csasisters.org. Use the links listed here to jump down the page to your topic of interest.
Biographical Education Resources
Last updated 07/06/2022
Born on the Border
by Ray Ybarra Maldonado, Esq.
Minutemen Vigilantes, origins of Arizona's anti-immigrant movement, a call for civil disobedience
Dreams From My Father
by Barack Obama
Memoir; a story of race and inheritance
Fluent in Faith: The Gift of Mary McCormick
by Donald J. Mueller & Jacq. Hansen Maggiore
Lay missionary from Wisconsin to Columbia; co-founder of religious communities
Freedom's Daughters: The Unsung Heroines of the Civil Rights Movement
by Lynne Olson
Portraits of more than 60 women; women's role in the struggle for racial equality from 1830-1970
Footsoldier for Peace and Justice: the Story of John Gilman
by John Gilman
World War II soldier; progressive; defender of those unjustly persecuted
Invisible Hands: Voices from the Global Economy
by Corrinne Goria, ed.
The human rights crises occurring behind the scenes of the global economy
Love is the Measure
by Jim Forest
Biography of Dorothy Day, founder of The Catholic Worker
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Companion
by Coretta Scott King
Compilation from MLK's essays, lectures, and speeches
Mychal Judge: Take Me Where You Want Me to Go
by Francis DeBernardo
A biography on the extraordinary life of Franciscan priest, Mychal Judge.
My Bondage and My Freedom
by Frederick Douglass
Frederick Douglass' autobiography.
My Journey from Silence to Solidarity: Roy Bourgeois, M.M.
by ed. Margaret Knapke
Roy Bourgeois becoming an activist for women's ordination
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave
introduction and notes by Robert G. O'Meally
The book calmly but dramatically recounts the horrors and the accomplishments of Douglass' early years.
Narrative of Sojourner Truth
introduction and notes by Imani Perry
Sojourner Truth transformed herself from a runaway slave to a well-known campaigner for abolition and women's rights.
Vessel of Clay: The Inspiration Journey of Sister Carla
by Jacqueline Hansen Maggiore
Maryknoll Sister; worked with the 4 church women killed in El Salvador -- she died before them
To check out any of these resources, please contact tabler@csasisters.org
Cosmological Education Resources
Last updated 01/25/2022
Born With a Bang: The Universe Tells Our Cosmic Story
by Jennifer Morgan; illus. by Dana Lynne Anderson
The universe and the young Earth
Born From Lava to Life: The Universe Tells Our Earth Story
by Jennifer Morgan; illus. by Dana Lynne Anderson
The beginning of life on Earth
The Cosmic Dance: An Invitation to Experience Our Oneness
by Joyce Rupp; Art -- Mary Southard
Prose and poetry; oneness with each other and all of life
The Great Work: Our Way Into the Future
by Thomas Berry
Transitioning from a disrupting force on the Earth to a benign presence
The Journey of the Universe
by Brian Thomas Swimme & Mary Evelyn Tucker
Readable account of the history of the universe from the Big Band to the present
Mammals Who Morph: the Universe Tells Our Evolution Story
by Jennifer Morgan; illus. by Dana Lynne Anderson
The rise of mammals and humans on planet Earth
Radical Amazement
by Judy Cannato
Contemplative lessons from black; holes supernovas and other wonders of the universe
The Universe Story: From the Primordial Flaring Forth of the Ecozoic Era
by Brian Swimme & Thomas Berry
Unites science and the humanities in a coherent story of the evolution of Earth
What Does God Look Like in an Expanding Universe?
by Jim Schenk, ed.
A variety of thinkers, activists, and artists grapple with the questions of God
To check out any of these resources, please contact tabler@csasisters.org
Criminal Justice Education Resources
Last updated 01/25/2022
Conscience and Consequence: A prison Memoir
by Clare Hanrahan
A political prisoner's six month stay in federal prison
Dead Man Walking
by Sister Helen Prejean
Helen accompanies a man on death row; comes to know the executioners & families of the victims
Just Mercy
by Bryan Stepheson
Justice and redemption for one man on death row
Let None Walk Alone: A guide for family and friends of incarcerated people
by Sister Juanita Ujcik, OSF
Real-life stories; information, strategies, resources and common sense
Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Women's Prison
by Piper Kerman
A memoir of one woman's year in a federal correctional facility
When We Visit Jesus in Prison
by Dale S. Recinella
Reflections and stories about a man's prison ministry; sociological and psychological thinking on incarceration
Where Justice and Mercy Meet
by Donald J. Mueller & Jacq. Hansen Maggiore
The Catholic stance against capital punishment intertwined with racism and mental health
The Women in Block 12: Voices from a Jail Ministry
by Linda Pischke
Insights into the journeys of incarcerated women; stories of courage, resilience, and hope
To check out any of these resources, please contact tabler@csasisters.org
Ecology Education Resources
Last updated 8/30/2021
Eaarth: Making Life on a Tough New Planet
by Bill McKibben
McKibben shows that we’re living on a fundamentally altered planet – and opens our eyes to the kind of change we’ll need to order to make our civilization endure.
Environmental Stewardship in the Judeo-Christian Tradition
by the Action Institute
This collection of essays seeks to articulate the broad Judeo-Christian theological principles concerning the environment, and to distinguish those principles from contrary ideas popular in the environmental movement.
The Great Work: Our Way Into the Future
by Thomas Berry
We stand at a defining moment in history, one in which the Earth itself calls out to us to embark upon a resacralization of nature, a new ecological beginning (1990).
Green Sisters: A Spiritual Ecology
by Sarah McFarland Taylor
How can we as human beings find ethical and sustainable ways to live with one another and with other living beings on this planet? This book provides compelling answers from a variety of religious communities.
Hydrofracking: What Everyone Needs to Know
by Alex Prud’homme
Prud’homme explains the basics of hydraulic fracturing, considers the economic and political benefits and explores concerns about health dangers and damage to the environment.
Kiss the Ground
narrated by Woody Harrelson and directed by Josh Tickell and Rebecca Harrel
An 85-minute long feature film which unveils a game-changer: We can reverse global warming and the Earth’s soil is the solution. Available on disc.
Listening to Nature: How to Deepen Your Awareness of Nature
by Joseph Cornell
A guidebook to a deeper awareness of nature. You will learn, not mere facts about nature but how to get the feel of nature, through inspiring quotations from famous naturalists, stunning photography, and Cornell’s ever-popular nature awareness activities.
The Good Food Revolution: Growing Healthy Food, People, and Communities
by Will Allen, CEO of Growing Power
From the plots of his Milwaukee, WI urban farm to low-income communities across America, Will Allen shows us a new type of heroism.”
The Story of Stuff: How our obsession with stuff is trashing the planet, our communities, and our health – and a vision for change
by Annie Leonard
We have a problem with Stuff. With just 3% of the world’s population, the U.S. consumes 30% of the world’s resources and creates 30% of the world’s waste.
This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate
by Naomi Klein
Author Naomi Klein tackles the most profound threat humanity has ever faced: The war our economic model is waging against life on earth.
Under the Sky We Make: How to Be Human in a Warming World
by Dr. Kimberly Nicholas
A book not about facts, but feelings, and the actions that only the people and places we love can inspire.
Whole Earth Discipline: An Ecopragmatist Manifesto
by Steward Brand
Brand shows us exactly where the sources of our dilemmas lie and offers a bold and inventive set of policies and design-based solutions for shaping a more sustainable society.
To check out any of these resources, please contact tabler@csasisters.org
Gender Equality Resources
Last updated 007/06/2022
The Caged Virgin: An Emancipation Proclamation for Women and Islam
by Ayaan Hirsi Ali
Reflection on Islam and the role of women
A Home for ALL: A Catholic Call for LGBTQ Non-Discrimination
by Francis DeBernardo and Robert Shine
A brief 60-page book created for Catholics in the pews, pastoral ministers, and educators to understand why their Catholic faith promotes equality for LGBTQ people, despite some church leaders' opposition. (2 copies)
Narrative of Sojourner Truth
introduction and notes by Imani Perry
Sojourner Truth transformed herself from a runaway slave to a well-known campaigner for abolition and women's rights.
Prophetic Women of Bold Love: Spiritualities of Non-Violence
by Shawn Madigan, PhD, CSJ
Women from various parts of the world who have experienced violence and used it to foster peace
To check out any of these resources, please contact tabler@csasisters.org
Immigration Education Resources
Last updated 01/25/2022
Are We There Yet: Stories From the Border
by Paula Schwendinger PBVM
(2 copies available)
Individual accounts of crossing the border into the US
Individual accounts of crossing the border into the US
Blessed Are the Refugees: Beatitudes of Immigrant Children
by S. Rose, L. O'Donovan, stafff and volunteers
Stories of immigrant children who are fled Central America
Crossing with the Virgin
by Ferguson, Norma A. Price, Ted Parks
Stories of the journeys of people crossing the US-Mexico borders; help from local people
Illegal: Nafta Refugees Forced to Flee
by Peter A. Geniesse
The role of U.S. politics and trade policies in producing the immigration crisis
International Migration: A Very Short Introduction
by Khalid Koser
Migration's fundamental links with globalization, development, poverty, and human rights.
Jesus was a Migrant
by Deirdre Cornell
Biblical stories of migrants; suffering and blessing that accompanies the migrant journey
Living in the Shadows: A primer on the human rights of migrants
by Amnesty International
An overview of the rights of migrants; an agenda for migrants' rights
Moving Millions: How Coyote Capitalism Fuels Global Immigration
by Jeffery Kaye
The phenomena of immigration; how it impacts all of us
A Nation of Nations
by Tom Gjelten
US immigration since the passage of the 1965 Immigration Act
A Promised Land, A Perilous Journey: Theological Perspectives on Migration
by ed. Daniel G. Groody, Gioacchino Campese
A compilation of essays taking a theological and rights-based approach to the issue of migration
Rescuing Regina: the Battle to Save a Friend from Deportation and Death
by Sr. Josephe Marie Flynn
Sister Josephe's efforts on behalf of Regina reveal the complexity of the US immigration system
To check out any of these resources, please contact tabler@csasisters.org
Justice Education Resources
Last updated 07/06/2022
The Gospel of Peace and Justice
by Joseph Gremillion
Catholic social teaching since Pope John XXIII
Hunger for Hope
by Sr. Simone Campbell
(2 copies available)
Prophetic Communities, Contemplation and the Common Good
Prophetic Communities, Contemplation and the Common Good
NAFTA from Below
by Martha A. Ojeda and Rosemary Ennesy, Eds.
Maquiladora workers, farmers, and Indigenous Communities speak out about Free Trade in Mexico
Saints and Social Justice: A Guide to Changing the World
by Brandon Vogt
Social justice as lived by 14 different saints
The Little Book of Restorative Justice
by Howard Zehr
Workable principles and practices for making restorative justice both possible and useful.
Voice of the Voiceless
by Archbishop Oscar Romero
Romero's Four Pastoral Letters and Other Statements
We Cry Justice
by Liz Theoharis
Reading the Bible with the Poor People's Campaign
To check out any of these resources, please contact tabler@csasisters.org
Non-Violence Education Resources
Last updated 08/31/2022
The End of War
by Captain Paul K. Chappell
A unique perspective on war and peace from the perspective of a soldier
Hanged on a Twisted Cross: The Life, Convictions and Martydom of Dietrich Bonhoeffer (DVD)
A film by T. N. Mohan
This gripping documentary captures the life, times, and thought of Bonhoeffer.
In the Spirit of St. Francis and the Sultan
by George Ardess and Marvin L. Erier Mich
Catholics and Muslims Working Together for the Common Good
Islam and the Future of Tolerance
by Sam Harris and Maajid Hawaz
Addresses the question, "Is Islam a religion of peace or war?"
Jesus and Nonviolence: A Third Way
by Walter Wink
The relation of Jesus and his message to politics and nonviolence.
The Paradox of Power: Moving from Control to Compassion in a Violent World
by Michael Crosby
The creative energy of power can heal
The Risk of the Cross
by Arthur Laffin
Living Gospel non-violence in the nuclear age
The Twelve Steps to Peace
by Johnny F
The use of the twelve step process to bring about peace
Why Civil Resistance Works: The Strategic Logic of Nonviolent Conflict
by Erica Chenoweth & Maria J. Stephan
Study of countries and territories and their non-violent resistance campaigns
To check out any of these resources, please contact tabler@csasisters.org
Politics & Economics Resources
Last updated 07/06/2022
Abuse of Discretion
by Clarke D. Forsythe
Inside story of Roe v. Wade
The Audacity of Hope
by Barack Obama
Thoughts on reclaiming the American Dream
Blue Jeans In High
by Mike McCabe
The makeover of American politics.
Cathonomics: How Catholic Tradition Can Create a More Just Economy
by Anthony Annett
An ethical and practical guide for readers of all faiths and backgrounds seeking to create a world economy that is more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable for all.
Dollarocracy
by John Nichols; Robert McChesney
Money-media and the election process
God's Politics
by Jim Wallis
Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get It
Hostile Takeover
by David Sirota
Big money and corruption conquered our government-- how we take it back
A Nun on the Bus
by Sr. Simone Campbell
In 2012, Simone and other sisters rally against Paul Ryan's budget.
People Get Ready
by Robert W. McChesney; John Nichols
The Fight Against a Jobless Economy and a Citizenless Democracy
The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together
by Heather McGhee
One of today's most insightful and influential thinkers offers a powerful exploration of inequality and the lesson that generations of Americans have failed to learn: Racism has a cost for everyone, not just people of color.
Think and Act Anew
by Larry Snyder
How Poverty in America Affects Us all and What We Can Do about It
$200 a Day
by Kathryn J. Edin, Luke Shaefer
Living on Almost Nothing in America
Unstoppable
by Ralph Nader
Left-right alliance to dismantle the corporate state
What We Say Goes: Conversations on U.S. Power in a Changing World.
by Noam Chomsky
A collection of conversations conducted in 2006 and 2007, which explore the most urgent U. S. issues of that time.
Winner-Take-All Politics
by Jacob Hacker; Paul Pierson
How Washington Made the Rich Richer--and Turned Its Back on the Middle Class
To check out any of these resources, please contact tabler@csasisters.org
Race Education Resources
Last updated 011/29/2022
America's Original Sin
by Jim Wallis
Racial justice, redemption, reconciliation
The Beloved Community:
How Faith Shapes Social Justice, From the Civil Rights Movement to Today
by Charles Marsh
Marsh traces the history of the radical idea of Christian love over the past five decades.
My Bondage and My Freedom
by Frederick douglass
Douglass' second autobiography released during the tense and politically charged years preceding the Civil War.
My Bondage and My Freedom
by Frederick douglass
Douglass' second autobiography released during the tense and politically charged years preceding the Civil War.
The Conversation: How Talking about Racism Can Transform Individuals and Organizations
by Robert Livingston
Livingston's books aims to combat the discomfort and uncertainty that accompany racial conversations by increasing confidence, capacity, and commitment to engaging in racial dialogue.
The Gift of Black Folk: The Negroes in the Making of America
by W.E. DuBois
The Heart of Racial Justice: How Soul Change Leads to Social Change
by Brenda Salter McNeil & Rick Richardson
Racism as a spiritual battle
Interrupting White Privilege
by Laurie M Cassidy & Alex Mikulich, Eds.
White theologians address colleagues and readers on our complicity in the social sin of racism
Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself
by U.S Catholic Bishops
Articles on racism written by US bishops
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave
introduction and notes by Robert G. O'Meally
The book calmly but dramatically recounts the horrors and the accomplishments of Douglass' early years.
Narrative of Sojourner Truth
introduction and notes by Imani Perry
Sojourner Truth transformed herself from a runaway slave to a well-known campaigner for abolition and women's rights.
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness
by Michelle Alexander
The US criminal justice system functions as a contemporary system of racial control
Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis
by Robert D. Putnam
How growing income gaps have shaped our children
Racism Without Racists
by Eduardo Bonilla-Silva
Color-blind racism and racial inequality in contemporary America
The Sin of White Supremacy: Christianity, Racism, & Religious Diversity in America
by Jeanine Hill Fletcher
The theology of Christian supremacy gave birth to the ideology of White supremacy
The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together
by Heather McGhee
One of today's most insightful and influential thinkers offers a powerful exploration of inequality and the lesson that generations of Americans have failed to learn: Racism has a cost for everyone, not just people of color.
The Speeches of Frederick Douglass
Slavery by Another Name (Book & DVD)
by douglas a blackmon
Blackmon unearths the lost stories of slaves and their descendants who journeyed into freedom after the Emancipation Proclamation and then back into the show of involuntary servitude shortly thereafter.
DVD - narrated by Laurence Fishburne
A 90-minute documentary that challenges one of American's most cherished assumptions: That slavery in this country ended with the Emancipation Proclamation
Strength for the Struggle
by Joseph Ellwanger
Ellwanger's insights from the Civil Rights Movement and urban ministry
Uprooting Racism: How White People Can Work for Racial Justice
by Paul Kivel
Tools for helping white people work for equal opportunity, democracy and justice
Waking Up White
by Debby Irving
Irving's story of waking up to the reality of racism
White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism
by Robin Diangelo
A look at "whiteness" for what it is; how to make things better
To check out any of these resources, please contact tabler@csasisters.org
Theology & Spirituality Education Resources
Last updated 07/06/2022
Catholic Social Teaching
by Edward P. DeBerri and James E. Hug
Overview of the history of the Catholic Church's social teaching
The Challenge and Spirituality of Catholic Social Teaching
by Marvin L. Krier Mich
Overview Catholic Church's social teaching; biographical stories and ethical analysis
Compassion: A Reflection on the Christian Life
by Henri J. M.Nouwen, Donald P. McNeill. and Douglas A. Morrison
Where do we place compassion in our lives?
The Cultural Dictionary of the Bible
by John J. Pilch
100 distinctive, Middle-Eastern notions found fin the Bible
Dorothy Day -- Selected Writings
by Robert Ellsberg, Ed.
Reflects that faith and work of Dorothy Day
Dorothy Day -- Writings from Commonweal
by Patrick Jordan, Ed.
Articles, reviews, and published letters-to-the editor
Heart of Flesh: A Feminist Spirituality for Women and Men
by Joan D Chittister
Feminist spirituality - shaped by compassion, humility, nonviolence, respect
A History of God
by Karen Armstrong
Concept of God shaped and altered by Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
Jesus Today
by Albert Nolan
The spiritually of Jesus and its relevance for us today
A New Heaven, A New Earth: The Bible and Catholicity
by Dianne Bergant
The biblical notion of the relationship between human beings and the created world.
The Prophetic Imagination Second Edition
by Walter Brueggemann
Old Testament Scripture as it relates to contemporary issues
Redeeming Administration: 12 Spiritual Habits for Catholic Leaders
by Ann M. Gararido
Stories of Catholic Saints depicting the 12 habits
A Sacred Voice is Calling
by John Neafsey
A personal story of vocation and social conscience
Transfiguration
by John Dear
Finding peace and harmony within in a world torn by violence and hatred through following Jesus
Traveling with the Turtle
by Cindy Preston-Pile and Irene Woodward
A Small Group Process in Women's Spirituality and Peacemaking
We Hold These Truths
by Richard W. Miller, Ed.
Catholicism and American Political Life
We Make the Road by Walking: A Year-Long Quest for Spiritual Formation, Reorientation, and Activation
by Brian D. McLaren
This book's 50+ readings offer everything you need to explore what a difference an honest, living, growing faith can make in our world today.
To check out any of these resources, please contact tabler@csasisters.org
Human Trafficking Education Resources
Last updated 01/25/2022
Enslaved
by Jesse Sage and Liora Kasten, Eds.
Stories of human trafficking, especially of women and children is a thriving industry
Girls Like Us
by Rachel Lloyd
Rachel's memoir of being trafficked for sex
Human Trafficking Around the World
by Stephanie Hepburn and Rita J. Simon
Economics, geography, civil unrest, societal inequality, gender disparities -- role in trafficking
How You Can Fight Human Trafficking
by Through God's Grace Ministry
Ideas and resources about how once individual can make a difference.
Justice Awakening: Hou You and Your Church Can Help End Human Trafficking
by Eddie Byun
Biblical and practical perspective on addressing human trafficking
The Johns: Sex for Sale and the Men who Buy It
by Victor Malarek
A portrait of the men and organizations that foster and drive the sex trade
Life Interrupted: Trafficking into Forced Labor in the United States
by Denise Brennan
Personal stories of people who escaped forced labor in the US
Not a Choice, Not a Job
by Janice G. Raymond
Exposing the myths about prostitution and the global sex trade
Not for Sale
by David Batstone
The global slave trade and how to fight it
Pornland: How Porn Has Hijacked Our Sexuality
by Gail Dines
The economics and cultural power of the pornography industry
Walking Prey: How America's Youth are Vulnerable to Sex Slavery
by Holly Austin Smith
Smith's personal story; how to help, not hurt child sex trafficking victims.
To check out any of these resources, please contact tabler@csasisters.org
Prayer Resources
Last updated 01/25/2022
Gift of Many Cultures: Worship Resources for the Global Economy
by Maren C. Tirabassi and Kathy Wonson Eddy
The New American Bible
Living God's Justice: Reflections and Prayers
by Diocesan Social Action Directors
Novena for Justice and Peace
by United States Conference of Bishops
Praying for Peace Around the Globe
by James McGinnis
The Poverty and Justice Bible
by Bible Society
Contemporary English Version of the Bible
Stations of the Cross With All of Creation
by Intercommunity Peace & Justice Center
7 copies
To check out any of these resources, please contact tabler@csasisters.org
Church Documents
Last updated 01/25/2022
Catechism of the Catholic Church
by The Holy See
Official Catholic Church teachings
The Challenge of Peace: God's Promise and Our Response
by National Conference of Catholic Bishops
A pastoral letter on war and peace
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship
by U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
A call to political responsibility--revised and published every four years.
Gaudete Et Exsultate: On the Call to Holiness in Today's World
by Pope Francis
An Apostolic Exhortation from the Pope
Fratelli Tutti: On Fraternity and Social Friendship
by Pope Francis
Encyclical Letter from the Pope
The Joy of the Gospel
by Pope Francis
An Apostolic Exhortation from the Pope
Laudato Si: On Care for Our Common Home
by Pope Francis
Encyclical Letter from the Pope
To check out any of these resources, please contact tabler@csasisters.org
Other Education Resources
Last updated 01/25/2022
Can Religious Life Be Prophetic
by Michael H. Crosby, OFM Cap.
Prophets in Scripture and Christian tradition to show the way to renewal
A Guide to Religious Ministries for Catholic Men and Women
by ReligiousMinistries.com
Annual edition: religious communities of priests, brothers and sisters active in the U.S
Witness to Integrity
by Anita M Caspary
Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters in conflict with Cardinal James McIntyre of Los Angeles
To check out any of these resources, please contact tabler@csasisters.org
