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	The Church and Social Justice By Bill Halligan Albany Times Union March 6, 2010 http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=908395&category=REGION In recent years the Vatican and papacy have encountered some legitimate criticism. There have been several recent faux pas regarding the Muslim and Jewish communities as well as tardiness on the part of John Paul II to react to the sexual abuse tragedy. We have heard much less, however, about the important instruction on social justice promulgated in Pope Benedict XVI's encyclical, Caritas in Veritate (Charity in Truth), which was issued in June 2009. While concern for a just society and care for those who are poor and disadvantaged are important elements in all religions, and indeed for all people of good will, and are certainly hallmarks of Jesus' teaching and actions, Catholics began to hear a more urgent codification of our responsibilities when in 1891 Leo XIII issued his historic encyclical, Rerum Novarum (Regarding New Matters). In the 118 intervening years the popes have made numerous statements to urge greater pursuit of social justice. Last year Benedict added his voice and teaching to this distinguished series of documents that seek to press forward the need for ethical and just practices in our personal, family and community lives. So what does Charity in Truth tell us? How is it different? First of all, it addresses situations and concepts in cultural sociology and economics that we didn't think about 100, 50 or even 30 years ago. Today's new conditions include a globalized economy, free trade, national subsidization of industry, environmental threats, advanced technology, the human right to clean water and air, and the extreme disparity between rich and poor nations. Because all human persons have a transcendent future, an eternal destiny of sharing God's life, they must be treated with utmost care and concern for all the dimensions of their lives. We are not commodities. We do not exist merely to enhance the lives or wealth of other individuals or nations. We are the very image of God. This reality, found in the teachings of Jesus as we know them through the Scriptures and the consistent teaching of the People of God, is the foundation for the principles set forth in Charity in Truth. The encyclical addresses many timely issues. Workers have a right to employment that allows for full human development, and even a right to reasonably consistent employment. Humanity has rights and duties with respect to the environment. Developing technology must assist not diminish the development of persons. Residents of the Third World have the right to participate in global economic development. Nations must achieve a reasonably just and equitable distribution of wealth and resources nationally and internationally. Nations should strive to reform the United Nations into a truer and more just political authority. Five years ago my wife, Ellen, and I accepted an invitation to join the work of the Diocesan Commission on Peace and Justice. It seemed like a good fit with our concerns about the growing inequities we witnessed locally, nationally and around the world. From Rio de Janeiro's sprawling slums and the townships of South Africa to our local food pantry and soup-kitchen communities, there is evidence of the disconnect between the creation of wealth and its fair distribution. The Second Vatican Council taught that the Church is the People of God. Therefore, responsibility and authority rest with both the hierarchy and laity. It is incumbent on us to work together to effect systemic changes needed to achieve greater social and economic justice. Working toward the goals set forth in Charity in Truth is an excellent starting point. Bill Halligan is a chaplain's aide for Northeast Health. He can be reached by e-mail at whalligan@earthlink.net. Charity in Truth What: Panel discussion of the papal encyclical, Caritas in Veritate When: 7 p.m. Thursday Where: Hubbard Interfaith Sanctuary, The College of Saint Rose, Albany Who: Bishop Howard Hubbard; Rev. Kevin Mullen, president of Siena College; Sister Patricia Schoelles, president of St. Bernard's School of Theology; and Barbara DiTommaso, director of Albany Diocesan Commission on Peace and Justice, the event's sponsor.
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