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Justice and Peace Department

Introduction

After the second Vatican Council the Bishops of the world spoke about the grave injustices that were prevalent and which prevented people from living full human lives. In 1968 the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC) took up the challenge of Pope Paul VI, who stated IF YOU WANT PEACE WORK FOR JUSTICE, and set up a Justice & Peace Commission.

We are reminded of the need for such a Commission within the Church by the document Gaudium et Spes - "The Church in the Modern World" in par 90 where we read ... "In view of the immense hardships which still afflict the majority of people today, the (second Vatican) Council regards it as most opportune that some agency of the universal Church be set up for the world-wide promotion of justice for the poor and Christ’s love for them. The role of such an organisation will be to stimulate the Catholic community to foster progress in needy regions and social justice on the international scene."

What is Justice and Peace

The immense hardships which still afflict the majority of people today continue the call for all Christians to struggle against that which creates suffering for so many millions in South Africa, as well as in the world. Justice & Peace is therefore

The Spirit of the Lord has been given to me, and God has anointed me and sent me to bring the good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives, and to the blind new sight, to set the downtrodden free, and to proclaim the Lord's year of favour Luke 4 v 18-19, Is 61 v 1-2

For a Christian to remain silent and unmoved in the face of the tragedy of oppression, poverty and unjust suffering is a denial of the Gospel. Jesus gave guidelines for the role of the Christian in the above passage, and this is the basis of Justice & Peace ministry. The social teachings of the Church are based on these biblical principles and reinforce the call to Christians to be part of this ministry. It is a way of life that is rooted in scripture for the transformation of society by committed Christians.

What does Justice and Peace do

Members of the Justice & Peace team go to parishes to inform them of what Justice & Peace is all about. Those who are interested are invited to form a group within the parish. The Justice & Peace office staff provide formation and information to the new group. The new group decides on an issue particular to their area/parish which they perceive to be needing transformation. The Diocesan office focuses on education and raising awareness in the parishes and in people making up the Diocese of Johannesburg. These programmes are arranged to improve the knowledge of Catholics on the causes of suffering and poverty in our country and the world to-day. Once the formation has taken place it is hoped that people are motivated to work for a more just society where basic human rights of all people are guaranteed.

• Promotion of the Social Teachings of the Church
• Establishing and forming J/P groups
• Economic justice
• Gender equality
• Environmental justice
• Democracy education
• Human rights
• Local Government and how local groups/people can make an impact on ward councillors
• Relationships with the Police services to combat crime

Future of Justice and Peace

Like most South Africans Justice & Peace continues to celebrate democracy and the guarantee of civil, political and environmental rights. Justice & Peace commits itself to strengthening democratic institutions and supports efforts to create a new and better society for all. The Gospel demands that Christians remain vigilant for any injustices and so Justice & Peace calls for:

• A halt to unsafe practices destroying the enviroment and climate
• Provision of affordable care for people with HIV and/or Aids
• A Just international trade
• An Effective distribution of existing Social grants
• Effective comprehensive social security
• A reduction of arms spending and militarisation
• A effective and uncorrupt local service delivery

Human Rights must become a reality so that people may realise their Human Dignity, especially the poor and marginalised in society.

Grain of Wheat (GrOW) Articles

Diocesan Justice & Peace team

SheM

Like to see the other comments HOW ???

-- Shelagh Mary hf on March 14, 2007 12:40 PM (view details)

Monthly Updates

I was wondering if it is possible for fieldworkers to post a paragraph every months on what they are up too. As well as what are some of the challenges we are faced with in the Diocese. I think some of us would try to provide some ideas or solutions of dealing with some of the challenges.

-- Joseph Dube on March 29, 2007 01:52 PM (view details)

thankful

I am very glad that the church has finaly organised the j & p group.Everyday human rights are violated by people.lets continue working for justice & peace will come.

-- stephannie,joao jonas on October 15, 2007 12:06 PM (view details)