The Seamless Garment: Writings on the Consistent Ethic of Life

Cardinal Joseph Bernardin is widely remembered for his leadership in the church and for the inspiring example he left in the manner of his death. But among his most impressive and lasting contributions was the simple formula he proposed the “seamless garment” to link the churchs “consistent ethic of life” in response to a range of social and moral issues.This volume, The Seamless Garment: Writings on the Consistent Ethic of Life, edited by Thomas Nairn and the Bernardin Center at Catholic Theological Union (Chicago), collects all thirty-five of Bernardins addresses and writings on this theme from his first speech at Fordham University in 1983 until his last address at Georgetown University in 1996. With a comprehensive introduction by Thomas A. Shannon, this work reveals the depths and nuances of Bernardins thought as he applied the “seamless garment” approach to such questions as capital punishment, war, abortion, birth control, and poverty.

Thomas A.Nairn,O.F.M., is Erica and Harry John Family Professor of Catholic Ethics and Director of Health Care Mission Leadership at Catholic Theological Union.