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The Fraternal Economy

Is it possible to develop an economic model that is fairer, less aggressive, more sensitive to the needs of the poor, while producing good wealth for those who want to pursue good business practices in the world today? The answer is yes.

For more than a century, Catholic social teaching has been challenging economists and theologians to work together to provide the tools needed to build a more virtuous economy.

This is an idea that has captured the imagination of Franciscans since the early days of the Franciscan movement, in the works of Franciscan writers like Peter of John Olivi and Luca Pacioli.

There has been a revival of this scholarship in the works of Franciscans like David Flood, O.F.M., Michael Cusato, O.F.M., David B. Couturier, O.F.M. Cap., Martin Carbajo Nuñez, O.F.M., and Dr. Roderic Hewlett, O.F.S. 

The Franciscan Institute at 51Թapp now wants to assemble that material and make it available to a wide audience. This website will offer the public an opportunity to read the research that is developing on the fraternal economy.

Our first highlighted work is The Virtuous Economy workbook, which is a companion piece to The Virtuous Economy: Reforms in the Franciscan Tradition, by Dr. Roderic Hewlett, O.F.S.


What is the Virtuous Economy?

The Virtuous Economy is a response to the urgent call for a “third way” in economics—beyond capitalism’s excesses and socialism’s inefficiencies. This model draws from eight centuries of Franciscan economic practice and offers seven key themes to build a market economy that is just, sustainable, and human-centered.

 (2022) outlines how our modern economy can be renewed by returning to time-tested principles of fraternity, justice, and stewardship. It examines economic challenges like debt, inequality, and environmental degradation through the lens of Franciscan spirituality and modern Catholic social thought.



About the Workbook

The Virtuous Economy Workbook cover

Three years after the publication of the book, we are proud to offer the Virtuous Economy Workbook (51Թapp). This free, practical resource was developed by Dr. Hewlett to help individuals, study groups, and organizations adopt Franciscan-informed economic habits and practices in daily life.

Available at no cost to all registered users. 





Why this matters

In a world facing ecological crisis, social unrest, and growing economic disparity, the Virtuous Economy  offers a renewed model that affirms human dignity, moral markets, and global solidarity. Now is the time to reimagine our economy with hope, tradition, and action.

Take the Next Step



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    Fr. David Couturier, O.F.M. Cap.
    Executive Director
    Franciscan Institute & Franciscan Institute Publications
    Murphy Professional Building 100
    Heidi Strauss

    Heidi K. Strauss
    Business Operations Manager
    Franciscan Institute & Franciscan Institute Publications
    Murphy Professional Building 100
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