Justice & Peace (JPIC)
The following quotation, from the 1982 General Assembly of the Columban Missionaries, strives to put into words the importance of work for justice in all our Columban apostolates: ‘Solidarity with the poor is an evangelical option taken because they are unjustly marginated. We cannot define solidarity exhaustively because it is a function of ongoing conversion under the Spirit. Solidarity means that, regardless of the particular context of our work, we recognise the moral challenge of worldwide and local poverty and be willing to allow this recognition to qualify all our thinking, i .e. to interpret, judge and evaluate our historical situation and what happens within it in terms of what effect it has on the poor. It means supporting the struggle of the poor for real participation and against injustice. Ultimately, it is to strive to be the poor in the Spirit, to be, like Jesus, thirsting for God’s justice; peacemakers enamoured of true God-given community.’
At the 1994 General Assembly the Columbans proclaimed: ‘In looking at the world and the missionary challenges it presents, we do so from the evangelical stand point of solidarity with the poor and the exploited Earth.
A passion for justice, a desire for peace, a concern for creation is essential to the living out of the Gospel. They are not optional extras but a way of life. Our Church’s Social Teaching on justice is rich in wisdom about building a just society. Here are several of the key themes: Life and dignity of the Human Person – Human life is sacred and the dignity of human life is the foundation of a moral vision for Society. Human life is also social, so how we organise our society directly affects human dignity. Human dignity must be protected and a healthy community can only be achieved if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. A basic moral test for society is how the most vulnerable members are faring.
Our tradition recalls the story of the last judgement (Mt. 25:31-46) and tells us to put the poor and vulnerable first. The economy must serve people, not the other way around, and so the dignity of workers must be protected – the right to fair wages, to the organisation and joining of unions. We must be peace makers and the Gospel calls us to this. We are our brother’s and sister’s keepers, and our love for all demands that we promote peace in a world mired in violence and conflict. We must care for God’s creation as a requirement to our faith. All these central themes of justice are mentioned in papal, conciliar and episcopal documents.In all their ministries the Columbans promote Justice, Peace and the integrity of Creation as a “constitutive element of preaching the Gospel” (Pope Paul IV)
Contact Columban JPIC:
St. Joseph’s,
Watford Way,
Hendon,
London,
NW4 4TY
020 8202 2555 –
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Climate Change
The Columbans regard climate change as a matter of life and death for millions of poor people, and a disaster for the natural world.
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Patenting life
Columbans contend that the rush to patent life will devalue all life and, instead of feeding the world, it will exacerbate hunger and malnutrition.
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Mining
The Columbans support local communities in their opposition to destructive large-scale mining, particularly in the Philippines.
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Migrants
The Columban Missionary Society believes in the human right to mobility and works to improve global conditions for migrant labourers.
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Vocation for Justice Magazine
Vocation for Justice is produced by the Columban Justice and Peace (JPIC) team in Britain covering a wide range of issues including Environmental Justice, Patenting Life, Migrants, Mining and UK Poverty.
