Dear Friends,
In my Christmas message, I wrote about some paradoxes in our society: treatment of asylum seekers, peace issues, the arms trade, sanctity of human life, marriage and the family. Today, Peace Sunday, I would like to touch on some further issues relating to Faith, Justice and Peace. These, of course, are central to Christian living and can never be seen as optional extras!
For me the charter for Justice and Peace is all there in the Beatitudes (Matt 5):
“ Blessed [are] the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed [are] the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed [are] they who hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed [are] the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed [are] the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God.
With such Christian commitment firmly in mind, back in November 2004 I commissioned a Diocesan Review on how we could better respond to Christ’s teaching on these most urgent questions. The Review – in a nutshell - revealed a strong sense of solidarity and practical action for justice in some areas and not in others.
Organisations such as Catholic Caring Services and CAFOD, have for many years been actively promoting issues of Justice and Peace through prayerful reflection and practical work. Parishes, schools, and individuals, up and down the Diocese, are involved in visiting the sick, assisting the homeless, supporting Life issues and campaigns (Make Poverty History, Fairtrade, Cancelling Debt), and opposing the Arms Trade. These are but a few examples of the steadfast work in our communities. At times these dedicated people feel isolated and beg for our help and support, reminding each and everyone of us that we are called to be ‘lights to the world’.
While we talk about global injustices, we sometimes fail to see these on our own doorstep. God’s family is demeaned by poor wages - particularly in the case of unskilled workers and immigrants, sub-standard housing, denigration of immigrants and asylum seekers. Violence at home and abroad, is often a symptom of poverty, deprivation and greed.
One suggestion in the Review, and it seems a good one, is to divide the Diocese into seven geographical areas; (Preston, Blackpool and the Fylde, Lancaster & Morecambe, Furness, West Cumbria, Carlisle, The Lakes). Each area, with its own core group working for Justice and Peace, would seek to:
- Identify Faith, Justice and Peace activities already existing in the area;
- Determine issues that need addressing locally;
- Encourage communities to develop their own Faith, Justice and Peace projects.
To facilitate the implementation of the Review, the Faith & Justice Commission has nominated individuals (names with local priests) to help in this work and I would ask you to be in contact with them.
Faith and Justice work is never easy. The injustices in our society need to be identified if we are to eradicate them; insight and courage are the tools given to us to combat these. We all need reminding from time to time that these are gifts of the Holy Spirit. We must pray for them everyday.
As ever in Christ our Lord,
May God bless you all,
Patrick O’Donoghue, Bishop of Lancaster