The Common Good: What does it mean for society?

The Benedict XVI Centre at St Mary's University, with Together for the Common Good, The Centre for Social Justice and Caritas Social Action Network, invites you to an evening discussion on ‘The Common Good: What does it mean for society?’ with Tim Montgomerie, Julia Unwin, David Goodhart, Trevor Phillips, and chaired by Richard Harries.

It is sometimes thought that responsibility for the common good falls only upon the state. In fact, the common good also depends on each individual, family and civil society institutions working in harmony, each taking responsibility at the appropriate level. Each has a role, contributing to fraternity and the spiritual and social capital necessary for a healthy society.

At their best, associations, businesses, clubs, churches and other faith groups, charities and other local institutions all play a vital part in promoting the common good, enabling people to find fulfilment together. Looking beyond the Covid crisis, this event will assess the capacity of our institutions to fulfil their responsibilities as we work towards civic renewal. Examining its strengths and weaknesses across 21st Century Britain, our panel will consider what steps each of us can take, and how public policy can assist, to enable civil society to fulfil its vital role.

This is the third event in the four-part series. For the recordings of the previous events, please see:

• The Common Good: What does it mean?
• The Common Good: What does it mean for the family?