We Hold These Truths to be Self-Evident… As we mark the 250th anniversary of the United States we offer these reflections as part of a broader 250th Anniversary initiative—inviting reflection on key national moments through the lens of Dominican values, especially Veritas, Truth rooted in lived experience, and asking what that calls us to today.
Constitution Day is a time for us to mark the 239th anniversary of the signing of the US Constitution. In doing so, we can strengthen our resolve to safeguard the integrity of its provisions by recalling the thought of John Courtney Murray, SJ (1904-1967). Murray was a theologian committed to reconciling Catholicism with religious pluralism. He characterized the non-establishment clause of the First Amendment as an “article of peace” adopted by the colonists out of a necessity born of religious pluralism.
On this Constitution Day, may our work for justice and our prayers promote peace among all the many different faith traditions who call this nation home.
