Objectives

By the end of the module you will be able to:

Introduction to Module 9

We have seen how the church has many facets to its being. One of the gifts or charisms of the church is to be prophetic, which means the gift of speaking out on issues that need addressing considering the large picture of humankind’s happiness and salvation. Thus all Christian churches speak out from time to time regarding issues of the day like corruption, abuse of power, breaches of human rights, bioethical issues, etc. The frequent response to this from politicians and others is for the churches to mind their own business and stick to matters spiritual.

The churches refuse, however, to be confined to the so-called "spiritual matters". The basis on which they feel compelled to speak out is what we are going to examine in our readings. In what way does preaching the gospel message include justice and moral issues? Issues not only of private ethics but of public ethics as well?

We will now move on to the three readings.

Introduction to Reading 9.1

Synod of Bishops, Justice in the World, (Sydney: National Commission for Justice and Peace, 1971).

The first document comes from Catholic Bishops meeting in a synod in Rome. It is the whole document which although rather brief, is of great importance. They addressed the issue of justice in the world. Bear in mind that this was the era when liberation theology in Latin America was growing rapidly under right-wing regimes. It was also an era when many millions of people suffered under the communist states as well as people in the first world feeling exploited by capitalism. It was a time when the gap between first world and so-called third world nations was growing apace. This short but all important document sets out clearly why Christians feel they must be involved in justice issues throughout the world.

Exercise 9.1

9.1.1 What does the document mean by "universal solidarity" and the phrase " the right of development"?

9.1.2 What according to the document is the biblical basis for the church to be concerned about justice issues?

9.1.3 Name the rights within the church referred to by the document.

9.1.4 How does one educate for justice?

9.1.5 What does it say about ecumenical collaboration?

Introduction to Reading 9.2

WCC, Justice for Aboriginal Australians: Report of the World Council of Churches team visit to the Aborigines June 15 to July 3, 1981, Sydney: Australian Council of Churches, 1981.

The second reading takes one into the realm of one’s own backyard, that is, the issue of justice to Aboriginal people. One could take any issue in Australia - there are many such as corruption in public institutions, gambling, taxation evasion, etc, - but this one serves as a good example of applying the gospel criteria to a local issue.

This reading speaks of the indigenous people of Australia and the document comes from the World Council of Churches after their visit to Australia in 1981 at the invitation of the Australian Council of Churches (since 1996, the National Council of Churches of Australia, NCCA). The reading is only a small section of a much larger document.

It is always easier to speak and become involved with issues of justice in faraway places; it is more of a challenge to do something about domestic justice issues.

Exercise 9.2

9.2.1 How was the mission of the team sent by the WCC to Australia linked to the 1980 Melbourne Conference on World Mission and Evangelism?

9.2.2 In what way is racism a betrayal of the gospel?

9.2.3 In note form, outline what the land means to Aboriginal people.

9.2.4 Are the recommendations directed at the churches realistic?

Introduction to Reading 9.3

Flannery, A. ed. "Gaudium et spes, Chapters III, IV, V" in Vatican II : Constitutions Decrees Declarations, New York: Costello Publishing Company, 1996.

The third reading is taken from the Vatican II documents. It comes from Gaudium et Spes (The Church in the Modern World) , Part II, Chapters III to V and covers the economic and social life, the political community and the promotion of peace and avoidance of war. These are all topics of great significance to modern humankind. But it is only a small fraction of the whole conciliar document. It shows us how the church is concerned and does become involved in matters like the economic and social life of the nation. As the same document says: nothing to too exotic for the church’s concern. All aspects of life are important to it because people’s lives encompass all such aspects.

The language of church documents is not easy to read so patience must be exercised. It tries to make statements that will be universally valid while leaving the applications of the principles to each individual country and its unique set of circumstances and history.

Note the last section, "Conclusion" because it speaks of the local churches and how they can become involved. Wringing one’s hands at the huge justice issues of the world only leads to frustration and a feeling of helplessness unless one can translate the feelings into some practical local action. One cannot solve the refugee problems of the world (40 million) but perhaps one can help settle a refugee family in the local area.

It is also worth mentioning that this last section contains Vatican II’s only use of the word "condemned" refering to the arms race.

Exercise 9.3

9.3.1 In broad outline, what does this chapter say about economic development?

9.3.2 Paraphrase what #67 says about the theology of work.

9.3.3 What is the fundamental principle of # 69?

9.3.4 How does Chapter IV provide a basis for political involvement?

9.3.5 What does the document say about warfare and nuclear warfare in particular?

9.3.6 What could your local church do in the light of the ideas in these chapters?

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