GOSPEL VALUES REPORT CARD COMMENTS
For more than 200 years, the Sisters of Charity of New York, founded by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton-the first American-born saint-have taught, healed, sheltered, and served tens of thousands across this nation. Together we represent over 200,000 years of collective ministry and lived experience in classrooms, hospitals, parishes, and on city streets. From that vantage point, we believe we have seen what Gospel faith looks like-and what it does not.
Though 87% of our nation’s leaders claim the name Christian, the witness of their governance tells another story. They carry the title “Christian,” yet when measured by fidelity to the Gospel, the overall performance of Congress earns a failing grade in categories such as Faithfulness & Integrity, Dignity & Compassion, Truth & Justice, and Service & Sacrifice.
We remain hopeful that improvement is possible. We searched for an area of encouragement – some sign of consistent effort – but even attendance has fallen short. Once commendable, it has slipped so severely in recent weeks that the collective grade now stands at a D in Attendance. Showing up matters and so does showing up for the values of the Gospel. We pray that by year’s end, both may improve.
We submit this Gospel Values Report Card not as partisan commentary but as a solemn call to accountable discipleship.
The values we name-Faithfulness & Integrity; Dignity & Compassion; Humility & Gentleness; Truth & Justice; Forgiveness & Mercy; Purity & Holiness; Tolerance & Peace; Service & Sacrifice-recall the Beatitudes and reflect the enduring mission of the Sisters of Charity of New York.
Faithfulness and Integrity
Our leaders invoke God’s name but betray the Gospel through deceit, division, and self-interest. Faithfulness demands honesty, humility, and moral courage — not political gain. Integrity means keeping promises to the people, not to power.
Dignity and Compassion
We are called to comfort those who mourn, yet cruelty too often replaces compassion. Policies that neglect the suffering and exploit the poor contradict the heart of Christ. True leadership begins with empathy for every child of God.
Humility and Gentleness
“Blessed are the meek” — but arrogance reigns. Gentleness is mistaken for weakness while pride masquerades as strength. A humble nation leads by service, not by domination.
Truth and Justice
Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness must stand with the oppressed. Yet truth is twisted for votes, and justice delayed for profit. The Gospel demands more than slogans — it demands conversion.
Forgiveness and Mercy
Mercy has vanished from our rhetoric and our prisons. We forget that forgiveness is the measure by which we will be judged. A merciful society heals; a vengeful one destroys itself.
Purity and Holiness
Purity of heart does not mean moral posturing but single-hearted devotion to God’s will. Holiness cannot coexist with greed or corruption. We cannot serve both God and power.
Tolerance and Peace
“Blessed are the peacemakers” — yet we glorify violence and demonize difference. Tolerance is not weakness but wisdom; peace is not passive but prophetic. The children of God build bridges, not walls.
Service and Sacrifice
Those who serve for love, not status, reveal the Kingdom of God. But self-preservation has replaced sacrifice in our public life. The Gospel calls us to lay down privilege for the sake of the poor and persecuted.
RECOMMENDATIONS
We offer this report card not as condemnation but as a plea for conversion — a reminder that The Beatitudes remain the true measure of Christian discipleship. We encourage you to re-read and reflect on The Beatitudes located in Matthew 5:1-11.
Leadership Team, Sisters of Charity of New York
Sr. Donna Dodge, Sr. Margaret O’Brien, Sr. Mary Mc Cormick,
Sr. Mary Ann Daly, Sr. Sheila Brosnan, Sr. Margaret Egan
