Towards 'companerismo'

In a society and culture slowly awakening to the impact of rampant individualism and self-serving action, the quest for “community” has become a central focus of life for many people here in these United States. I particular, the concept has been picked up by the Christian churches as they reflect on the “communal” foundation of their faith, as they understand it. It is the contention of this paper that much of what is sought and understood as “community” falls short of the commitment to relationships of solidarity and empowerment which are essential to the well-being not only of humankind, but of the earth itself and of the divine/human relationship. -- Abstract.