Saturday, July 11, 2026
My Return to Kinship Kampmeeting
10 July2026
By Loren Seibold | 10 July 2026 |
Back in the late 1980s, I was a new pastor in the San Francisco Bay Area. At a church event I met sociologist Ron Lawson, who was researching a book on Seventh-day Adventists. Ron told us of a still relatively new organization called Kinship, a gathering for gay and lesbian Seventh-day Adventists. (Bisexual, transexual, and intersex people weren’t yet on the category list, though they were surely present in the church.) Kinship’s Kampmeeting (always spelled with a K) was at the Monte Toyon Retreat Center in the Santa Cruz Mountains the next week, Ron said, and would I come and speak to the group?
I did—and I should admit that I was well out of my depth. I tried. But I had just come from being a pastor in rural South Dakota, and though I was liberal in my beliefs, I was inexperienced and unconfident. I wasn’t fully comfortable in my own pastoral role. I was addressing a group of people who I sympathized with, but didn’t really understand.
Although everyone was kind to me, I do remember it as a tense and occasionally angry gathering—and for good reason. Back then, most were young. (The group is older now.) Then there was little Christian fellowship for people who openly identified as L, G, B, T, I, or otherwise Q. Some hoped that they could “come out” and still be Seventh-day Adventists. But most had, by that time, realized that wasn’t going to happen quickly—or possibly ever. A few were church workers who desperately needed reassurance, but were terrified they might be exposed.
The Colin Cook affair—denominational leaders’ continuing support of a gay ex-pastor who sexually abused young men under the cover of changing them into straight people—was very much on their minds. AIDS had emerged just a few years earlier; there had already been fatalities, and everyone knew there were going to be more.
Blakeman accuses Hochul of anti-Catholic bigotry over LBGTQ law that would force hospice nuns to violate their beliefs
By Carl Campanile
Published July 8, 2026, 5:08 p.m. ET
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman is accusing Democratic incumbent Kathy Hochul of religious bigotry for enforcing a transgender rights law she approved that is forcing Catholic nuns who run a hospice program to choose between their beliefs or caring for indigent, terminally ill patients.
The controversy concerns the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne in Westchester County who run Rosary Hill Home — a Catholic hospice for the poor.
The order filed a federal lawsuit accusing the state of violating their constitutional rights with a 2024 law that requires the facility to affirm patients’ gender identity in regard to pronouns, room assignments and restroom usage.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman accused Gov. Kathy Hochul of anti-Catholic bigotry over a state law that forces Catholic nuns to affirm patients gender identity at their hospice pogram.Dennis A. Clark for NY Post
A nun with the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne feeding a patient at Rosary Hill Home in Westchester County.Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne
The law bars nursing or long-term care facilities from discriminating against any resident based on the resident’s actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or HIV status.
But the Trump Justice Department recently intervened in the case on behalf of the Dominican Sisters, claiming New York is engaged in religious discrimination at the 42-bed hospice care facility.
“What Kathy Hochul is doing to the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne is an absolute disgrace. For over 120 years, these incredible women have done God’s work, providing unconditional love, comfort, and dignity to people in their final days,” Blakeman told The Post.
“They are saints walking among us, and they represent the absolute best of New York. Yet, Kathy Hochul is actually willing to shut them down, strip away their license, and throw terminal cancer patients out on the street—all to enforce her woke garbage.”
The law bars nursing or long-term care facilities from discriminating against any resident based on the resident’s actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or HIV status.
But the Trump Justice Department recently intervened in the case on behalf of the Dominican Sisters, claiming New York is engaged in religious discrimination at the 42-bed hospice care facility.
“What Kathy Hochul is doing to the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne is an absolute disgrace. For over 120 years, these incredible women have done God’s work, providing unconditional love, comfort, and dignity to people in their final days,” Blakeman told The Post.
“They are saints walking among us, and they represent the absolute best of New York. Yet, Kathy Hochul is actually willing to shut them down, strip away their license, and throw terminal cancer patients out on the street—all to enforce her woke garbage.”
Friday, July 10, 2026
Rubio speaks with Vatican secretary of state about escalation of Russia-Ukraine war, peacemaking efforts
The conversation comes days after Russia launched one of its largest combined missile and drone attacks since the start of the war.
The Vatican's Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin attends a plenary session at the Summit on peace in Ukraine, at the luxury Burgenstock resort, near Lucerne, on June 16, 2024. The two-day gathering brings together Ukrainian President and more than 50 other heads of state and government, to try to work out a way towards a peace process for Ukraine -- albeit without Russia. (Photo by ALESSANDRO DELLA VALLE / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ALESSANDRO DELLA VALLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
July 9, 2026
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had a conversation July 9 with the Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin regarding the war between Ukraine and Russia and efforts to achieve peace.
“The two leaders discussed efforts to achieve a negotiated end to the Russia-Ukraine war,” U.S. Secretary of State spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a July 9 statement.
No additional details were provided.
The war in Ukraine saw a dramatic surge of violence earlier this month when Russia launched a missile and drone attack overnight, killing at least 21 people and injuring more than 80 in Kyiv, according to Ukrainian officials, as Zeale News reported. This attack marked one of Russia’s largest combined missile and drone attacks since the war began, according to the report. More than 52,000 people sheltered overnight in Kyiv’s metro system the night of July 1 following a warning from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to seek shelter ahead of impending Russian strikes.
Reuters reported July 9 that Russian military experts have also been discussing escalation of the conflict, including potentially striking European targets “such as NATO bases in Baltic countries.”
“Such a step would risk drawing Russia into direct confrontation with the U.S.-led alliance, testing the NATO commitment that an attack on one member nation constitutes an attack on all,” Reuters added.
However, Ukraine has recently carried out strikes on oil refineries, storage depots and ports in Russia and Russian-occupied Ukraine, causing Russian civilians to bear stark fuel shortages, according to Reuters. A source that regularly meets with President Vladimir Putin told Reuters that “Ukraine's recent successes, however, have made Putin more angry and more determined to give a tough response,” the outlet reported.
Two sources close to the Kremlin told Reuters on the condition of anonymity that Putin was more likely to escalate the war in the upcoming months rather than negotiate peace. President Donald Trump has had separate phone calls with Putin and Zelenskyy within the past week. Trump also met with Zelenskyy in person July 8 in Turkey during the NATO summit.
Rubio met Cardinal Parolin at the Vatican in May 2025 and communicated with him earlier this year about international situations. In January, the two had a conversation about promoting peace and religious freedom around the globe and efforts to improve humanitarian situations particularly in Venezuela. Pigott said at the time that during that conversation, the two leaders also “reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation between the United States and the Holy See in addressing shared priorities around the world.”
July 9, 2026
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had a conversation July 9 with the Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin regarding the war between Ukraine and Russia and efforts to achieve peace.
“The two leaders discussed efforts to achieve a negotiated end to the Russia-Ukraine war,” U.S. Secretary of State spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a July 9 statement.
No additional details were provided.
The war in Ukraine saw a dramatic surge of violence earlier this month when Russia launched a missile and drone attack overnight, killing at least 21 people and injuring more than 80 in Kyiv, according to Ukrainian officials, as Zeale News reported. This attack marked one of Russia’s largest combined missile and drone attacks since the war began, according to the report. More than 52,000 people sheltered overnight in Kyiv’s metro system the night of July 1 following a warning from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to seek shelter ahead of impending Russian strikes.
Reuters reported July 9 that Russian military experts have also been discussing escalation of the conflict, including potentially striking European targets “such as NATO bases in Baltic countries.”
“Such a step would risk drawing Russia into direct confrontation with the U.S.-led alliance, testing the NATO commitment that an attack on one member nation constitutes an attack on all,” Reuters added.
However, Ukraine has recently carried out strikes on oil refineries, storage depots and ports in Russia and Russian-occupied Ukraine, causing Russian civilians to bear stark fuel shortages, according to Reuters. A source that regularly meets with President Vladimir Putin told Reuters that “Ukraine's recent successes, however, have made Putin more angry and more determined to give a tough response,” the outlet reported.
Two sources close to the Kremlin told Reuters on the condition of anonymity that Putin was more likely to escalate the war in the upcoming months rather than negotiate peace. President Donald Trump has had separate phone calls with Putin and Zelenskyy within the past week. Trump also met with Zelenskyy in person July 8 in Turkey during the NATO summit.
Rubio met Cardinal Parolin at the Vatican in May 2025 and communicated with him earlier this year about international situations. In January, the two had a conversation about promoting peace and religious freedom around the globe and efforts to improve humanitarian situations particularly in Venezuela. Pigott said at the time that during that conversation, the two leaders also “reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation between the United States and the Holy See in addressing shared priorities around the world.”
Cynthia Nixon’s "wife" gets $200k city gig after ‘Sex and the City’ star’s Mamdani endorsement
Cynthia Nixon’s wife gets $200k city gig after ‘Sex and the City’ star’s Mamdani endorsement
Story by David Spector
The Mamdani patronage machine has hired the wife of lefty actress Cynthia Nixon as an educrat making $203,500 a year, The Post has learned.
Christine Marinoni is working as the chief of mass engagement at the Family and Community Empowerment (FACE) office at the Department of Education, according to a well-placed DOE source.
The DOE source said this was Mamdani’s reward to the former “Sex and the City” star after she endorsed him during the mayoral primary.
Cynthia Nixon’s wife Christine Marinoni is working at the DOE, The Post has learned. Getty Images
Nixon held a fundraiser for Mamdani in March 2025 and raised over $200,000 for the socialist mayoral upstart.
“So thrilled to host a fundraiser for the incredible Zohran Mamdani whose clear message & ambitious plan for a more affordable NYC is exactly what we need right now,” she posted on Instagram at the time beside a picture of her and Mamdani standing together grinning ear to ear.
The hire is already drawing sharp comparisons to New York’s most notorious political machine.
“It’s painfully fitting that inside Tweed Courthouse, a DSA machine reminiscent of Tammany Hall is handing taxpayer-funded jobs to the well-connected spouses of multimillionaire celebrities,” another source, a City Hall insider, said.
When reached for comment, Nixon denied that her wife was rehired by the DOE for political reasons, and declined to speak further. Marinoni could not be reached for comment.
Marinoni previously worked as special assistant to the chancellor during the de Blasio administration and made $131,708, according to public data.
Crack, Cocaine, Corruption and Conspiracy
Crack, Cocaine, Corruption and Conspiracy
MediaGiant
Sensitivity - Normal (BBFC 12)
The War on Drugs was a U.S. government campaign launched in 1971 by President Richard Nixon. It aimed to reduce drug use through aggressive law enforcement, mandatory sentencing, and increased funding for interdiction efforts. Despite costing taxpayers over $1 trillion in federal, state, and local spending over five decades, drug use rates remained stable while incarceration rates soared. This massive investment without a corresponding public health return highlights the campaign’s fundamental policy failures.
MediaGiant
Sensitivity - Normal (BBFC 12)
The War on Drugs was a U.S. government campaign launched in 1971 by President Richard Nixon. It aimed to reduce drug use through aggressive law enforcement, mandatory sentencing, and increased funding for interdiction efforts. Despite costing taxpayers over $1 trillion in federal, state, and local spending over five decades, drug use rates remained stable while incarceration rates soared. This massive investment without a corresponding public health return highlights the campaign’s fundamental policy failures.
A Good American - Documentary
A Good American (1080p) FULL MOVIE - Documentary
Gravitas Documentaries
Nov 1, 2022
"A Good American“ is a gripping docu-thriller about a groundbreaking surveillance program, the brilliant mastermind behind it and how a perfect alternative to mass surveillance was killed by NSA-management for money – three weeks prior to 9/11. Bill Binney was a brilliant cryptologist and long-time National Security Agency (NSA) analyst, since 1997 serving as Technical Director. Binney developed a sophisticated program named ThinThread for gathering data capable of providing clues, in real-time, of potential terrorist threats.Built-in safeguards would have prevented the massive surveillance methods later exposed by Edward Snowden. Why was this program killed off? And who was behind that? Friedrich Moser’s eye-opening and deeply disturbing documentary tells the complete story of Bill Binney and those, both inside the NSA and out, who backed ThinThread.
Directed by: Friedrich Moser
Starring:
Jesselyn Radack
William Binney
Diane Roarkas
Kirk Wiebe
Thomas Drake
Edward Loomis
Religion’s Longstanding Gender Gap Is Narrowing Among Gen Z. But Which Gender Is Narrowing It—and Why?
by Chantelle Lee
Reporter
Jul 9, 2026 6:00 AM ET
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Photo-Illustration by Chloe Dowling for TIME (Source Images: Fabrice Lerouge—Getty Images; Weiquan Lin—Getty Images; Hiroshi Higuchi—Getty Images; Syuzanna Guseynova—Getty Images; SivStockMedia via Canva)
A gender gap has long persisted in religious identity. Historically, data has widely, and with remarkable consistency, shown women being more religious than men. But that appears to be changing when it comes to Gen Z.
Recent surveys indicate the longstanding gap is now closing among young men and women—and one even suggests that it might be beginning to open in the opposite direction.
Which gender is driving the shift, and why, is a matter of some contention, however.
Recent Gallup polling attributed the narrowing gender gap among Gen Zers primarily to a rise in religiosity—meaning the depth of religious belief—among young men. But other surveys have found no such change in young men’s religious identities, and have instead shown that the change is being caused by more young women turning away from religion—a trend that some attribute to young women’s frustration with the sexism that persists in some places of worship.
TIME spoke to pollsters, political scientists, religious leaders, and others about the data and what they make of it.
Are young men becoming more religious?
Gallup polling released in April found that in 2024-2025, 42% of men between the ages of 18 and 29 said religion was “very important” to them. That figure marks a jump of 14 percentage points from just two years before, when 28% of young men said this. It also shows a reversal of past gender dynamics: in previous years, women surpassed men in saying that religion is important to them. In 2012-2013, for instance, 51% of women between the ages of 18 and 29 said so, compared to just 41% of men in that same age group. In 2024-2025, meanwhile, just 29% of young women said religion is very important in their lives, notably lower than the 42% of young men who said the same.
“Historically, there has been a gender gap in religiosity in this country as long as we’ve had survey research,” says Frank Newport, a senior scientist at Gallup who worked on the poll. “What I think is important in our findings so far is that the gender gap among young Americans—18 to 29—has basically disappeared across several measures of religiosity. Men and women are either statistically the same or, in one measure, men are more religious, among 18 to 29 year olds.”
A gender gap has long persisted in religious identity. Historically, data has widely, and with remarkable consistency, shown women being more religious than men. But that appears to be changing when it comes to Gen Z.
Recent surveys indicate the longstanding gap is now closing among young men and women—and one even suggests that it might be beginning to open in the opposite direction.
Which gender is driving the shift, and why, is a matter of some contention, however.
Recent Gallup polling attributed the narrowing gender gap among Gen Zers primarily to a rise in religiosity—meaning the depth of religious belief—among young men. But other surveys have found no such change in young men’s religious identities, and have instead shown that the change is being caused by more young women turning away from religion—a trend that some attribute to young women’s frustration with the sexism that persists in some places of worship.
TIME spoke to pollsters, political scientists, religious leaders, and others about the data and what they make of it.
Are young men becoming more religious?
Gallup polling released in April found that in 2024-2025, 42% of men between the ages of 18 and 29 said religion was “very important” to them. That figure marks a jump of 14 percentage points from just two years before, when 28% of young men said this. It also shows a reversal of past gender dynamics: in previous years, women surpassed men in saying that religion is important to them. In 2012-2013, for instance, 51% of women between the ages of 18 and 29 said so, compared to just 41% of men in that same age group. In 2024-2025, meanwhile, just 29% of young women said religion is very important in their lives, notably lower than the 42% of young men who said the same.
“Historically, there has been a gender gap in religiosity in this country as long as we’ve had survey research,” says Frank Newport, a senior scientist at Gallup who worked on the poll. “What I think is important in our findings so far is that the gender gap among young Americans—18 to 29—has basically disappeared across several measures of religiosity. Men and women are either statistically the same or, in one measure, men are more religious, among 18 to 29 year olds.”
Thursday, July 09, 2026
Wednesday, July 08, 2026
Ancestry Discovers Pope Leo XIV’s Sicilian Roots
Ancestry Discovers Pope Leo XIV’s Sicilian Roots
Kelly Barbano-Bodami - Research Manager, Ancestry ProGenealogists | Kyle J. Betit - Sr. Genealogist, Ancestry ProGenealogists | Lisa Elzey - Sr. Story Producer, Ancestry
15 May 2025
Key Takeaways
Finding the True Origins of the Pope’s Grandfather, John R. Prevost
With the announcement of the first-ever United States-born Pope, professional genealogists at Ancestry began the search that included a path of twists and turns, unexpected name changes, and, ultimately, the answers. We started with the 1950 United States Census, the most recent census record collection available and identified John R. Prevost, the grandfather of Pope Leo XIV, listed as a “Romance Language Teacher” in Chicago, Illinois, living at 5465 Ellis Ave., (remember this clue) with his wife, Suzanne L. Prevost, and his son, John C. Prevost.
Kelly Barbano-Bodami - Research Manager, Ancestry ProGenealogists | Kyle J. Betit - Sr. Genealogist, Ancestry ProGenealogists | Lisa Elzey - Sr. Story Producer, Ancestry
15 May 2025
Key Takeaways
- Pope Leo XIV’s paternal line traces to Milazzo, Sicily, where his grandfather was born Salvatore Giovanni Gaetano Riggitano.
- An Alien Registration record revealed his grandfather’s original name, birthplace, and that he never naturalized as a U.S. citizen.
- His Sicilian ancestors were lower-middle to middle-class, holding respected community positions like `Usciere comunale` and `trafficante` (merchant).
As the white smoke cleared and a new Pontiff emerged, questions about his family history echoed across the globe. Where did his ancestors walk? What stories shaped his lineage? Now, through meticulous research, Ancestry has uncovered compelling documents that trace the paternal line of Robert Prevost, now known to the world as Pope Leo XIV.
Finding the True Origins of the Pope’s Grandfather, John R. Prevost
With the announcement of the first-ever United States-born Pope, professional genealogists at Ancestry began the search that included a path of twists and turns, unexpected name changes, and, ultimately, the answers. We started with the 1950 United States Census, the most recent census record collection available and identified John R. Prevost, the grandfather of Pope Leo XIV, listed as a “Romance Language Teacher” in Chicago, Illinois, living at 5465 Ellis Ave., (remember this clue) with his wife, Suzanne L. Prevost, and his son, John C. Prevost.
1950 United States Federal Census - John R. Prevost
We were unable to locate many records in the United States before 1950 for John Prevost, outside of some city directories. A prominent clue was that John Prevost’s death certificate stated that he was a citizen of Italy – indicating that he never naturalized as a United States citizen. Through the National Archives Flexoline Database, we located an Alien Registration record, under the name John R. Prevost, born 1876 in Italy, residing in Chicago in 1940. Alien Registration began in 1940 for anyone who was a foreign national and had not naturalized as a United States citizen.
According to the Alien Registration, dated 24 September 1940, John Riggitano Prevost arrived in the United States at New York in May 1905 on the SS Perugia. Surprisingly, John gave his name on his alien registration at arrival as Salvatore Giovanni Riggitano Alioto (Giovanni is the Italian equivalent of the English name John). His birthplace was listed as Milazzo, Province of Messina, Italy, and he was born on 24 June 1876 – an exact match to the date of birth listed on John R. Prevost’s death certificate.
We were unable to locate many records in the United States before 1950 for John Prevost, outside of some city directories. A prominent clue was that John Prevost’s death certificate stated that he was a citizen of Italy – indicating that he never naturalized as a United States citizen. Through the National Archives Flexoline Database, we located an Alien Registration record, under the name John R. Prevost, born 1876 in Italy, residing in Chicago in 1940. Alien Registration began in 1940 for anyone who was a foreign national and had not naturalized as a United States citizen.
According to the Alien Registration, dated 24 September 1940, John Riggitano Prevost arrived in the United States at New York in May 1905 on the SS Perugia. Surprisingly, John gave his name on his alien registration at arrival as Salvatore Giovanni Riggitano Alioto (Giovanni is the Italian equivalent of the English name John). His birthplace was listed as Milazzo, Province of Messina, Italy, and he was born on 24 June 1876 – an exact match to the date of birth listed on John R. Prevost’s death certificate.
Alien Registration Form (AR-2) for John Riggitano Prevost; National Archives
The address on the Alien Registration—5465 Ellis Avenue, Chicago, Illinois—also matches the address on the 1950 census (did you remember this clue?) and the address on the World War II Draft Card for Pope Leo XIV’s father, Louis Marius Prevost.
The address on the Alien Registration—5465 Ellis Avenue, Chicago, Illinois—also matches the address on the 1950 census (did you remember this clue?) and the address on the World War II Draft Card for Pope Leo XIV’s father, Louis Marius Prevost.
United States World War II Draft Registration Card - Louis M. Prevost
Fit for a pontiff: How the US Embassy to the Holy See prepared to host Pope Leo for a special July 4 celebration
The evening marked a historic visit to the U.S. ambassador’s residence as the country celebrates its 250th anniversary.
When Pope Leo XIV accepted an invitation from the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See to celebrate the Fourth of July with a special dinner, a significant amount of effort went into making the occasion impeccable and memorable.
The U.S. Embassy to the Holy See posted a video to social media this week offering a behind-the-scenes look at the preparations that took place ahead of the July 4 occasion, saying dedicated teamwork was required.
“Hosting a July 4th dinner for the Holy Father doesn't happen by accident,” the embassy stated. “Behind every perfectly set table, every carefully prepared dish, and every seamless moment of the evening stood a dedicated team at Villa Richardson who spent weeks planning, preparing, and perfecting every detail. A huge thanks to our wonderful team!”
U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch and his family welcomed Pope Leo the afternoon of July 4 at the ambassador’s residence in Rome, as Zeale News reported that day with exclusive comments from Burch.
>> Exclusive | Pope Leo XIV marks Fourth of July with historic visit to US ambassador’s residence in Rome <<
When Pope Leo XIV accepted an invitation from the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See to celebrate the Fourth of July with a special dinner, a significant amount of effort went into making the occasion impeccable and memorable.
The U.S. Embassy to the Holy See posted a video to social media this week offering a behind-the-scenes look at the preparations that took place ahead of the July 4 occasion, saying dedicated teamwork was required.
“Hosting a July 4th dinner for the Holy Father doesn't happen by accident,” the embassy stated. “Behind every perfectly set table, every carefully prepared dish, and every seamless moment of the evening stood a dedicated team at Villa Richardson who spent weeks planning, preparing, and perfecting every detail. A huge thanks to our wonderful team!”
U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch and his family welcomed Pope Leo the afternoon of July 4 at the ambassador’s residence in Rome, as Zeale News reported that day with exclusive comments from Burch.
>> Exclusive | Pope Leo XIV marks Fourth of July with historic visit to US ambassador’s residence in Rome <<
Tuesday, July 07, 2026
The Essence of Inclusive Capitalism with Lynn Forester de Rothschild
What is it? Why does it matter? And could it really be the answer to the problems we face on our planet today?
Ms. Rothschild is the founder of the Coalition for Inclusive Capitalism, which seeks to address growing wealth inequality
As part of our upcoming film, The Purpose of Capitalism: Lessons from Japan, we spoke to Ms. Rothschild about what inclusive capitalism is, why it matters, and whether it could really be the answer to the problems we face on our planet today.
This interview was condensed and edited for clarity.
TBT: What is inclusive capitalism?
Lynn Rothschild: Given what capitalism has done to workers, society, and the planet in the last 30 or 40 years, inclusive capitalism might sound like an oxymoron.
But inclusive capitalism is an aspiration; an aspiration to reform the capital markets so that our economic system becomes inclusive, sustainable, dynamic, and trusted. It’s about creating what I call the virtuous cycle, where companies that are doing the best with respect to their people, society, and planet are rewarded.
“It’s about creating what I call the virtuous cycle, where companies that are doing the best with respect to their people, society, and planet are rewarded.”
As Colin Meyer—the academic lead for the Future of the Corporation puts it—the purpose of business is to profitably solve the problems of people and the planet. We, as investors, need to stand behind the companies that are doing that work. This is the essence of inclusive capitalism.
TBT: When did you first start thinking about inclusive capitalism?
Lynn Rothschild: It was around 2007 and 2008, when the underpinnings of the financial system started collapsing. On a day that I will never forget, the market froze altogether.
There was a lot of despair and anger at the time—the feeling of not being included, that the system was rigged against the ordinary person—only good for those who have capital. The government stepped in, but their programs left many feeling desperate. People were losing their homes because they had been given a mortgage beyond their means, putting debt on people who never should have had it.
Around this time, I was asked to co-chair a task force with Dominic Barton [then Chairman of McKinsey in Asia], to look at capitalism under siege. We produced a report, ‘The Journey Toward Inclusive Capitalism’, and after holding several conferences, we set up the Coalition for Inclusive Capitalism.
TBT: What is the coalition? What does it do?
Lynn Rothschild: The coalition is a group of asset owners, asset managers, alongside leaders in philanthropy, academia, policy, and business that is dedicated to making capitalism work for everyone.
One initiative was the Embankment Project for Inclusive Capitalism. We had the CEOs of $32 trillion of assets put together metrics that companies could use on a standardised basis to tell investors, employees, and customers what they were doing to create more inclusive and sustainable capitalism.
As part of our upcoming film, The Purpose of Capitalism: Lessons from Japan, we spoke to Ms. Rothschild about what inclusive capitalism is, why it matters, and whether it could really be the answer to the problems we face on our planet today.
This interview was condensed and edited for clarity.
TBT: What is inclusive capitalism?
Lynn Rothschild: Given what capitalism has done to workers, society, and the planet in the last 30 or 40 years, inclusive capitalism might sound like an oxymoron.
But inclusive capitalism is an aspiration; an aspiration to reform the capital markets so that our economic system becomes inclusive, sustainable, dynamic, and trusted. It’s about creating what I call the virtuous cycle, where companies that are doing the best with respect to their people, society, and planet are rewarded.
“It’s about creating what I call the virtuous cycle, where companies that are doing the best with respect to their people, society, and planet are rewarded.”
As Colin Meyer—the academic lead for the Future of the Corporation puts it—the purpose of business is to profitably solve the problems of people and the planet. We, as investors, need to stand behind the companies that are doing that work. This is the essence of inclusive capitalism.
TBT: When did you first start thinking about inclusive capitalism?
Lynn Rothschild: It was around 2007 and 2008, when the underpinnings of the financial system started collapsing. On a day that I will never forget, the market froze altogether.
There was a lot of despair and anger at the time—the feeling of not being included, that the system was rigged against the ordinary person—only good for those who have capital. The government stepped in, but their programs left many feeling desperate. People were losing their homes because they had been given a mortgage beyond their means, putting debt on people who never should have had it.
Around this time, I was asked to co-chair a task force with Dominic Barton [then Chairman of McKinsey in Asia], to look at capitalism under siege. We produced a report, ‘The Journey Toward Inclusive Capitalism’, and after holding several conferences, we set up the Coalition for Inclusive Capitalism.
TBT: What is the coalition? What does it do?
Lynn Rothschild: The coalition is a group of asset owners, asset managers, alongside leaders in philanthropy, academia, policy, and business that is dedicated to making capitalism work for everyone.
One initiative was the Embankment Project for Inclusive Capitalism. We had the CEOs of $32 trillion of assets put together metrics that companies could use on a standardised basis to tell investors, employees, and customers what they were doing to create more inclusive and sustainable capitalism.
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