The Archdiocese of Baltimore

"Catholics are, along with their fellow citizens, continually called upon to reflect on the circumstances of their particular region, city, nation, and world, and to ask the question whether justice and charity are being enhanced by or being diminished by public policies which are already in place or which may become the subject of the legislative process."
Bishop Gordon D. Benneft, SJ, Program Director, Beyond the Boundaries

Beyond the Boundaries is an Archdiocesan program that aims to raise awareness and facilitate advocacy for economic, ethnic, racial and social justice. Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, Beyond the Boundaries helps participants to discover and clarify their personal and collective responsibility to connect their values with the actions of their daily lives and to advocate for a more just society in which fair opportunities are offered to all.

Beyond the Boundaries uses a discussion series to guide participants in a process of consciousness-raising and reflection on various issues of social justice and their relationship to Catholic Social Teaching. Collaboration with representatives reflecting economic, ethnic, racial and social diversity is a key element in understanding the challenges at hand and developing appropriate, viable strategies to bring about equity.

Beyond the Boundaries links participants with opportunities to address systemic causes of inequities, to influence plans, and to advocate for equitable policies. Beyond the Boundaries works closely with the Maryland Catholic Conference in developing advocacy strategies and connects with other organizations to work together on shared interests. Key advocacy areas for Beyond the Boundaries include affordable, mixed-income housing; quality education; health care; just wage; job opportunities; addiction treatment; child care/youth programs; transportation; and sprawl.

Working together, Beyond the Boundaries participants are confronting societal injustices and developing strategies to bring about economic, ethnic, racial, and social equity.