Catholic Social Justice/Social Worker problems

[chin06]

Has anyone who ever got involved in social justice/social work often feel conflicted in the practice especially when we’re faced with issues that are counter to what we believe?

It’s just that there are so many times during my training and education as a social justice/social worker where I was presented with issues that I “should be” advocating for but I find that I can’t because of my beliefs.

I guess examples would be when topics like SSM, LGBTQ Pride, Abortion, Women’s rights, etc. As a social worker, I feel like it’s expected of me to be supportive of gay marriage, transgender operations, abortion, contraception, pro-choice, euthanasia etc. and it just bothers me so much because I feel like the Lord is calling me to service my brothers and sisters in this line of work… but in doing so, it’s almost like I have to do also do things that are counter to my faith.

I know we all have a choice in how we reconcile our beliefs with our work, but I just find that in social work/social justice positions, it’s so difficult particularly when you’re not working in a Catholic environment. I wish I could work in one of the Catholic social ministries in my diocese but currently, I’m working in a secular non-profit community centre.

I’m sorry for rambling and if this sounds pathetic/confusing/ was talked about before in another thread . I just wanted to know what tips or advice anyone who has been through these situations would have. Thank you and God bless you!

 

[nodito]

You’re not alone - this is a common problem in a variety of academic fields. My graduate degree is in public health (reproductive health no less!) and getting that degree was an incredibly stressful educational experience. I felt like I always had to be on my toes, because I never knew when a student or teacher would propose something that I’d find morally objectionable. It was just taken for granted by almost everyone that if you were getting a degree in public health then you must also be in favor of contraception - after all, how can you prevent AIDS in Africa if you’re opposed to condom distribution? From a secular perspective it seems completely absurd.

I think you need to figure out your own framework and approach every topic or issue from that perspective. A social worker is one who works for the good of the individuals and families. But you know that gay marriage isn’t good for individuals, even if they don’t see that themselves, and so it is perfectly consistent for you to be a social worker who opposes gay marriage.

Do not feel pressured to bow to our secular culture’s idea of what is good and what is not! We can’t just abandon entire job segments because most of the people employed in those sectors do not understand the truth of human sexuality and the sanctity of life. I would give the same advice to any pharmacists, doctors, public health professionals, lawyers, teachers, and just about anyone else facing job conflict. Though I will say, it becomes much less stressful working in a sector if you are surrounded by people who support your views, be that in a Catholic environment or not.

 

[Allegra]

Why does a social worker have to support deviant sexual behaviors and abortion in order to do their job? I know there are lots of kinds of social workers, but the ones I’ve spent the most time around either tend to families in their homes, in order to prevent violence and neglect of the children and elderly, or do the same in schools and nursing home systems. I can fabricate no situation where one would have to be in favor of SSM in order to do that job. Even if you encountered a same sex couple, you would judge them by the same criteria of any household or patient you were working with. Gay people and post-abortive women need and deserve social workers too.

 

[Auntie_A]

Yes. You are not alone. Many of us have had to wrestle with our consciences versus the status quo in our professions whether we are in business, healthcare, education, entertainment, you name it.

I have learned to state my opinions only when relevant, express my love of Gods creations blatantly, and help others who are going through similar reactions.

In working with older patients in skilled nursing I have been on the front lines, fighting for staff and family to treat patients with dementia with more awareness of their humanity and rights.

Whatever our social changes, whether you like them or not, you can make a difference wherever you are.

 

[mikekle]

Im not so sure about this…I have a feeling when God asks us what things we did in our daily lives to bring more people to the faith, or ‘spread the word’, or by testing us by putting us into certain situations, around certain people, if we consistently set aside or faith and beliefs, in the end, simply telling God ‘Im just doing my job’ wont suffice, historically, even in the secular world…we know for a fact, that NEVER justifies non-action.

My dad has this issue come up alot, he is the city manager for a large metro city around here, LGBT groups are plentiful here, he is catholic, yet he has to meet with them alot, do different things in the community, that if he were not in that position, being a catholic, he would NEVER take part in…so in a way, he is putting his faith/ beliefs, on the back burner for the sake of his job, income…something sells me God probably will look favorably upon such things.

My job, I am forced to deal with alot of people who are living without God in their lives, they are not ashamed to admit it either lol, some are homosexual, yet, I cannot say anything to them about it, when I really should be inviting these folks to my church, or giving them verses on how God feels about homosexuality, but it would likely cost me my job, as I am above them in the company, so Im sort of stuck too, this worries me because I know Im going to have to answer for it one day…

I dont think this is coincidence though, Satan is pretty sneaky, he knows most of us care about our jobs, so he ‘attacks’ us thru our jobs…it makes sense…he is doing a GREAT job!