Just a heads up that Father Michael Place will be taking readers’ questions this week about his article, “A Time for Reform: How the Catholic Tradition Can Shape the Health Care Debate,” which appears in the current issue. So you haven’t already, read the article and send in your comments. The article is free to all. Here’s a snippet:

How do we proceed? We should avoid the pitfall of some who seem to refuse to engage in reasoned dialogue. Our position is nuanced and complex. Many Catholics, including Catholics in public office, do not appreciate the threefold distinction: private practice, public voice and social institutional presence. We need to educate and inform our leaders about these and other Catholic principles. We must translate our faith commitments into language that can be understood in the public square. In a society increasingly influenced by 24-hour news cycles and shrill sound bites, we ought to provide a counterpoint of reasoned, respectful dialogue. A commitment to life does not replace the virtue of charity. The moment might come when moral outrage and prophetic witness are necessary. Until then, strength of conviction and participation in a political process that builds coalitions of support for the right cause are the preferred route.

Father Place is past president and chief executive officer of the Catholic Health Association and current chair of the International Federation of Catholic Health Institutions. To respond to his article, simply fill in the comments box, and check back Friday for Father Place’s response.

Tim Reidy

Tim Reidy is the deputy editor in chief of America Media.