“A Well-Ordered Society”: Archbishop Etienne’s New Pastoral Letter

Archbishop Paul D. Etienne has released a new pastoral letter, A Well-Ordered Society Rooted in Truth, Justice, and Peace, offering guidance to Catholics navigating a time of deep social division, moral uncertainty, and political polarization.

Drawing from Sacred Scripture, Catholic Social Teaching, and the wisdom of St. Augustine, the Archbishop reflects on what it means to build a society grounded in human dignity, charity, and respect for the rule of law. He emphasizes that authentic peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of right order—where justice, truth, and love of neighbor work together for the common good.

Throughout the letter, Archbishop Etienne highlights key principles essential to Christian engagement in public life, including the dignity of every human person, solidarity with the vulnerable, subsidiarity, and the moral responsibility shared by individuals and communities alike. He calls the faithful to resist division, reject violence and coercion, and recommit to living the Gospel through acts of charity, justice, and faithful citizenship.

The pastoral letter concludes with an invitation to deepen faith, practice intentional charity, honor just laws, strengthen families and local communities, and pray and work for peace—reminding Catholics that Christ remains our sure foundation amid the challenges of our time.

Readers are encouraged to reflect prayerfully on this pastoral letter and consider how its teachings can be lived out in their daily lives and in service to the common good.

Read the full pastoral letter, A Well-Ordered Society Rooted in Truth, Justice, and Peace