ORCIE recently welcomed more than 97 registered participants from across Canada for an online conversation with Dean Dettloff on Enough Is Enough: Degrowth, Capitalism, and Liberation Theology. The discussion explored the connections between liberation theology, capitalism, and degrowth.
Drawing on themes from his book, Dean Dettloff challenged the capitalist assumption that endless economic growth is either desirable or sustainable. He explored how liberation theology’s analysis of poverty and inequality can enrich the degrowth movement and help us imagine economies rooted in human dignity, solidarity, and ecological responsibility.
Dean invited us to:
- Examine the roots of poverty by looking at the economic and political structures that create and sustain inequality.
- Rethink endless growth and its social and ecological impacts, particularly in wealthier nations.
- Imagine an Economy of Life, where well-being, dignity, solidarity, and care for creation take precedence over economic expansion.
In her response, Sue Wilson, CSJ, reflected on the role of public policy in shaping social and ecological well-being. She encouraged participants to consider how decisions affecting Indigenous rights, environmental protection, labour rights, and climate justice reflect our values and responsibilities toward one another and the Earth.
For faith communities, the conversation offered an invitation to deepen our commitment to justice, solidarity, and care for creation while working toward an economy that respects both people and the planet.