The Interchurch Center: A Symbol of Midcentury Liberal Christianity
In the heart of Morningside Heights, Manhattan, adjacent to the prestigious Columbia University, stands a striking 19-story limestone edifice affectionately referred to by some as the “God box.” Officially known as the Interchurch Center, this architectural landmark was inaugurated in 1960 and has since served as a testament to the once-dominant influence of midcentury American liberal Christianity. Today, it accommodates a blend of religious and secular offices, becoming a hub for various discussions and debates.
Recently, within its walls, a group gathered around a table to engage in a spirited conversation about a related midcentury phenomenon: the concept of the Commonweal Catholic. This term refers to a group of individuals who are educated, liberal-minded, and middle-class, aspiring to integrate into elite cultural circles while maintaining a deep connection to their Roman Catholic roots. They seek to weave their faith into the fabric of their intellectual pursuits.
Matthew Boudway, the senior editor of Commonweal magazine—the publication that popularized the term—reflected on its current relevance. “The term isn’t as clear-cut as it once was,” he noted. To him, being a Commonweal Catholic today entails embracing liberal views in both politics and theology, while also engaging in profound contemplation about the interplay between faith and intellectual endeavors.
Dominic Preziosi, the magazine’s editor, joined in the laughter, adding, “Sometimes it’s way too much thinking.” Their exchange highlights the evolving nature of this identity, once sharply defined but now more nebulous.
While the archetype of the old-style Commonweal Catholic may have faded, the spirit of Commonweal magazine endures. Celebrating its centennial this fall, the magazine proudly claims the title of the nation’s oldest independent lay-edited Catholic journal of opinion. To commemorate this significant milestone, it will host a gala, release an anthology featuring interviews with illustrious figures such as Jorge Luis Borges, Reinhold Niebuhr, and Martin Scorsese, and publish a special 100-page centennial issue, reflecting on its rich history and ongoing dialogue.
