THY3 - Christian Vision of the Church in Society PDF

THY3 - CHRISTIAN VISION OF THE Gen 2 CHURCH IN SOCIETY - “The LORD God formed man out of the clay of the ground and blew into his nostrils the Human Dignit...

THY3 - CHRISTIAN VISION OF THE Gen 2 CHURCH IN SOCIETY - “The LORD God formed man out of the clay of the ground and blew into his nostrils the Human Dignity in the Story of Creation breath of life, and so man became a living - Then God said: "Let us make man in our being. The LORD God said: "It is not good image, after our likeness. Let them have for the man to be alone. I will make a dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of suitable partner for him." So the LORD God the air, and the cattle, and over all the wild formed out of the ground various wild animals and all the creatures that crawl on animals and various birds of the air, and he the ground." God created man in his image; brought them to the man to see what he in the divine image he created him; male and would call them; whatever the man called female he created them. (Genesis 1:26-27) each of them would be its name. The man - "God created man in his own image, in the gave names to all the cattle, all the birds of image of God he created him; male and the air, and all the wild animals; but none female he created them" (Gn 1: 27). This proved to be the suitable partner for the statement is the basis of Christian man. anthropology, because it identifies the - So the LORD God cast a deep sleep on the foundation of man's dignity as a person in his man, and while he was asleep, he took out creation "in the likeness" of God. At the one of his ribs and closed up its place with same time, the passage clearly says that flesh. The LORD God then built up into a neither man nor woman separately are the woman the rib that he had taken from the image of the Creator, but man and woman in man. When he brought her to the man, the their reciprocity. Both are equally God's man said: "This one, at last, is bone of my masterpiece. - St. John Paul II in his General bones and flesh of my flesh; This one shall Audience 1999 be called 'woman,' for out of 'her man' this Image of God (imago dei) one has been taken." That is why a man a. The divine image is present in every man. leaves his father and mother and clings to b. Endowed with "a spiritual and immortal" soul, his wife, and the two of them become one c. Intellect (knowledge) and body. The man and his wife were both d. Freewill (freedom) naked, yet they felt no shame." Freedom and Responsibility - man discovers woman as another "I", - God created man a rational being, conferring sharing the same humanity. on him the dignity of a person who can What are the views of the Church on initiate and control his own actions. Homosexuality? - but the exercise of freedom does not entail CBCP’s Pastoral Moral Guidance on the the putative right to say or do anything. - "The State values the dignity of every human Anti-Discrimination Bill, March 3, 2015 person guarantees full respect for human - to call on all pastors throughout the country rights." - Philippine Constitution, Article 2 to be as solicitous of the pastoral welfare of Section 11 all our brothers and sisters regardless sexual Being an image of God also implies our orientation and gender identity. - In Catholic institutions, there should be responsibility to His creation (Stewardship) zero-tolerance for the bullying and badgering - "In our day, there is a growing awareness of persons in such personal situations. that world peace is threatened not only by - If “gay rights” movements, for instance, the arms race, regional conflicts and encourage free and unbridled sexual continued injustices among peoples and relations between persons of the same sex, nations, but also by a lack of due respect for the Church cannot lend its support, for in its nature, by the plundering of natural view, they ultimately do a disservice to our resources and by a progressive decline in brothers and sisters. What gay rights can the quality of life."- St John Paul II during the legitimately champion is justice for all, Celebration of World Peace January 1, 1990 fairness that must extend to all persons regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.  - They must be accepted with respect, multitude of nations, opens the way for the compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of human family to make a return to the Father. unjust discrimination in their regard should b. Parable of the Prodigal Son by Pope Francis be avoided. These persons are called to - In the parable of the Prodigal Son, Pope fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they are Francis described the father, with patience, Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the love, hope, and mercy had never for a Lord's Cross the difficulties they may second stopped thinking about his lost. And encounter from their condition. as soon as he sees him still far off, he runs - Homosexual persons are called to chastity. out to meet him and embraces him with By the virtues of self-mastery that teach tenderness, the tenderness of God, without a them inner freedom, at times by the support word of reproach: his son has returned! and of disinterested friendship, by prayer and that causes the joy of the father. sacramental grace, they can and should - In that embrace for his son, the Pope gradually and resolutely approach Christian exclaimed, is all that joy. The Pope reminded perfection. us that God is always waiting for us; he - Thus, the Church teachings on sexuality, never grows tired. Jesus shows us this marriage and family promotes a concept of merciful patience of God so that we can human dignity grounded on the very principle regain confidence, https Q hope-always. ordered by God for the benefit of the society. God's patience has to call forth in us the Human Dignity in the Redemptive Act of courage to return to him, however many Christ and Introductory Concepts on Man mistakes and sins there may be in our life. For we are not numbers, we are the most and Society important thing to him. Some Old Testament events showing redemption Redemption of those who became slaves of sin finds through the intervention of God: its foundation to the dignity of human person and a. Protoevangelium redemption by Christ through the programs by the b. liberation of Israelites from Egyptian slavery Church, government and other groups. c. liberation of Israelites during the time of the Judges Example of Restorative Justice being done by the state: The promise of salvation brought about by sins of our - The Philippine government adheres and ancestors is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. He was believes that all persons have dignity Incarnated by obedience of Mary, preached the whether one is a criminal or not. Example of Gospel, suffered and died on the Cross for this manifestation is its rehabilitation redemption of all. This is a testament to the dignity of programs for those who are law offenders is human beings that despite of the Fall and sinful the Bureau of Corrections. nature, God affirms, transcends the elevated nature of - Its functions are to safe keep prisoners humanity. convicted by courts, prevent prisoners from committing crimes, provide inmates basic Christ continues to reveal Himself to us and needs, ensure rehabilitation programs are expressed in different ways particularly through our made available to the inmates for their conversion and redemption. physical, intellectual and spiritual The Ultimate Destination of our Human Pilgrimage: to development, and develop livelihood return to the Father programs to assist inmates earn a living and a. Israelites in the Promised Land develop their skills while in prison. In fact, - In the Old Testament, the Israelites one of its core values is “God centered” journeyed to the Promised Land led by where personnel realize themselves (and Moses and later on by Joshua. This inmates) as person of God. pilgrimage of faith from deliverance from - "Prison life can acquire human features and Egyptian slavery to the land given to them by be enriched by a spiritual dimension... God so that He can establish Himself a should be considered an essential element relationship that was lost due to sin of Adam. in a penal system that is more in conformity The covenant that God established with with human dignity. Abraham, chosen to be the father of a  - Punishment cannot be reduced to mere the image of God who is Trinity and who retribution, much less take the form of social combines both unity and relationship in self. retaliation or a sort of institutional The dignity of human person is: vengeance. Punishment and imprisonment a. innate: we were born with it have meaning if, while maintaining the b. inviolable: cannot be violated demands of justice and discouraging crime, c. inalienable: cannot be taken away from us they serve the rehabilitation of the individual d. universal: encompasses all humanity by offering those who have made a mistake Human Rights an opportunity to reflect and to change their - Claim we can make on other people and on lives in order to be fully reintegrated into society so we can live a full, human life. society." - St John Paul II Essential Characteristics Human Dignity as inviolable and inalienable “The human person possess dignity that has no price but value” Universal Inviolable Inalienable The rights are Right are Rights are - Immanuel Kant for every untouchable inherent and “The dignity of the person is manifested in all its human being because they beyond radiance when the person’s origin and destiny are come from challenge considered: created by God in His image and God likenessas well as redeemed by the most precious Human rights may be defined as those fundamental blood of Christ, the person is called to be a “child in rights of human beings which are essential to the the Son” and a living temple of the Spirit, destined for exercise of human dignity. These rights are eternal life of blessed communion with God. For this possessed by human beings by the mere fact of their very reason every violation of the personal dignity of being human. They are inherent in their nature, and the human being cries out in vengeance to God and is far from being privileges by society or by the state, an offense against the Creator of the individual. - instead society and the state have the duty to defend Pope John Paul II and promote them. Human Dignity related to Goodness, Excellence, and Self-worth A Brief Development of Human Dignity in Christian Perspective: Grounded on Three Relation to Human Rights Perspectives 1. dignitas by the early Romans & Cicero 2. imago dei by St Leo the Great Man Man (Child Man 3. Great Chain of Beings by St Thomas (Image of of God) (Destined for Eternal Life) Aquinas God) 4. Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations Human dignity is the foundation of Catholic Social 5. Pacem in Terris by St John XXIII & other Teaching Church documents on human rights - The permanent validity of the Catholic Early Romans used the term dignitas referring to Church's social teaching admits of no doubt. people appointed to public offices and with higher This teaching rests on one basic principle: status in the society. Then Cicero redefined dignitas individual human beings are the foundation, referring to all humans by making distinction against the cause and the end of every social animals where the former are governed by reason institution. That is necessarily so, for men while the latter by bodily pleasures and instinct. To are by nature social beings... On this basic him, dignity encompasses not only of those who were principle, which guarantees the sacred persons of authority and wealth but includes all dignity of the individual, the Church humanity. constructs her social teaching. St. Leo the Great and St. Thomas Aquinas also used - Being in the image of God the human the term dignitas referring to dignity of human person. individual possesses the dignity of a person, To St Leo, persons have dignity due to the fact that who is not just something, but someone. man is raised up among other beings and made in - Human life is seen to be essentially social God’s image (imago dei). St Thomas Aquinas because human beings have been created in adopted this elevated beings of St Leo to his concept of great chain of beings which means the higher the and among peoples are based on respect, status of a being, the more dignity one possesses. dialogue and solidarity." The United Nations was established (1945) on Since the Philippines is one of the signatories of the accounts of horrors experienced from World War 2 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, our 1987 particularly from Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. It Philippine Constitution adheres to these freedoms recognizes the dignity of every person in Universal through the creation of Commission of Human Rights Declaration of Human Rights (1948). The Preamble and by directing the government to value the dignity and first three articles of the declaration serve as its of all human persons through ensuring full respect for foundation of other rights. human rights such as: The United Nations was established (1945) on 1987 Philippine Constitution accounts of horrors experienced from World War 2 Article XIII: Social Justice and Human Rights Section particularly from Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. It 1. The Congress enactment all shall give highest recognizes the dignity of every person in Universal priority to the of measures that protect and enhance Declaration of Human Rights (1948). The Preamble the right of the people to human dignity, reduce social, and first three articles of the declaration serve as its economic, and political inequalities, and remove foundation of other rights. cultural inequities by equitably diffusing wealth and The Universal Declaration of Human Rights political power for the common good. identifies many rights. Here are some SECTION 17. (1) There is hereby created an examples: independent office called the Commission - life, liberty and security of person on Human Rights. - freedom from slavery and servitude SECTION 18. The Commissionon Human Rights - freedom from torture, or cruel, inhuman or shallhave the following powers andfunctions: degrading treatment or punishment (1) Investigate, on its own or on complaint by any - equality before the law (isonomia) party, all forms of human rights violations involving - not being subjected to arbitrary arrest, civil and political rights; detention or exile (2) Adopt its operational guidelines and rules of - freedom of movement and residence procedure, and cite for contempt for violations thereof - nationality in accordance with the Rules of Court; - the right to marriage and to found a family (3) Provide appropriate legal measures for the - freedom of thought, conscience and religion protection of human rights of all persons within the - peaceful assembly and association Philippines, as well as Filipinos residing abroad, and - work provide for preventive measures and legal aid - wealth services to the underprivileged whose human rights - education. have been violated or need protection; During the 60th anniversary of the (4) Exercise visitorial powers over jails, prisons, or Declaration, the Vatican reaffirmed its detention facilities; (5) Establish a continuing program of research, support to the goals of United Nations. education, and information to enhance respect for the - “The Holy See celebrates the 60th primacy of humanrights; (6) Recommend to the Anniversary of the UDHR, first, by recalling Congress effective measures to promote human the great sense of unity, solidarity and rights and to provide for compensation to victims of responsibility that led the United Nations to violations of human rights, or their families; proclaim universal human rights as a (7) Monitor the Philippine Government’s compliance response to all persons and peoples with international treaty obligations on humanrights; weighed down by the violation of their (8) Grant immunity from prosecution to any person dignity, a task that even today challenges us. whose testimony or whose possession of documents Then, it has promoted events, educational or other evidence is necessary or convenient to programs, assistance initiatives worldwide, in determine the truth in any investigation conducted by particular for children, women and vulnerable it or under its authority; groups, so that God, as His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI said on December 10, 2008, "may allow us to build a world where every human being will feel accepted in his/her full dignity, and where relations among persons  - Right to follow a vocation to the priesthood or to the religious life - Parents have a prior right in the support and education of their children Economic Rights - Opportunity to work and to go about his work without coercion. - Right to private property, even productive goods - Right to just wages Right of Meeting and Association St John XXIII's encyclical Pacem in Terris (1963) was - Human beings are by nature social, there a landmark in the acceptance by the Catholic arises the right of assembly and association Christian Church of the Universal Declaration of Right to Emigrate and Immigrate Human Rights. For the first time, the Papal - Right to freedom of movement and of magisterium presents a relatively complete and residence within confines of his own country; systematic catalogue of human rights, comparable to and when there are just reasons for it, the those in contemporary declarations of human rights right to emigrate to other countries and take promulgated by national or international entities. up residence there. Fundamental Human Rights - Pope John Political Rights XXIII - Right to take an active part in public affairs Right to Life and to contribute one’s part to the common good of citizens. - Every human has the right to bodily integrity, and to the means which are suitable for the The Social Mission of the Church proper development of life. The Church and the Questions of ‘Just - Food, clothing, shelter, rest, medical care, Relations’ among People and social services. - The Church as the forerunner of truth and - Right to security in cases of sickness, justice among the Filipinos regardless of inability to work, widowhood, old age, ethnicity, gender and religion. unemployment. - It is not to be identified with any political Moral and Cultural Rights partisan in order to become a credible herald - By the natural law every human being has of peace, justice and truth; and proponent of the right to respect for his person, to his unawa (understanding), awa (mercy) and good reputation; gawa (deeds) among people particularly the - The right to freedom in search for truth and marginalized. in expressing and communicating his a. Respect versus Discrimination opinions, and in pursuit of art, within the - The Church in the Philippines is expected to limits laid down by the moral order and the be the advocate of impartiality that shuns common good. any form of discrimination, conflict and - The right to be informed truthfully about political animosity. public events; - The Church is also called to promote respect - Right to share in the benefits of culture and for races, genders, religions and point of basic education. views so that national unity and healing are Right to worship attainable. - Right to honor God according to the sincere - Discrimination and neglect are obstacles to dictates of his own conscience, and the full development of persons and of therefore the right to practice his religion society as a whole. privately and publicly. - Everyone has a role and needs to have the Right to choose freely one’s state of life opportunity to improve themselves so that - Right to set up a family, with equal rights and they can take their place in society and duties for man and woman participate fully in the community they find themselves in.  - This aspiration can only be achieved through c. Fidelity to Proclaim the Kingdom of God the recognition of people’s capacities, - The Church, endowed with the gifts of her potentials, and rights as well as in ensuring founder and faithfully observing his precepts that the structures in the communities and in of charity, humility and self-denial, received society as a whole support this goal. the mission of proclaiming and establishing b. As Agent of Hope and among all peoples the Kingdom of Christ and Transformation of God, and she is, on earth, the seed and the beginning of that Kingdom.” - It is through baptism that members of the - The Church’s mission is the same as it was Christian community “are called to a holiness yesterday, today, and tomorrow: to of life in the world befitting disciples of evangelize the whole world. “It is the duty of Jesus.” the Church, therefore, in her preaching to - “Discipleship is the fundamental vocation in proclaim the Cross of Christ as the sign of which the Church's mission and ministry find God’s universal love and the source of all full meaning.” grace - As disciples of Jesus, we are called into communion with both God and others and Building Christian Communities through are sent in mission to proclaim the Good Renewed Integral Evangelization News of the Kingdom. The Vision-Mission of the 2nd Plenary Council of the - As disciples, all members of the Church Philippines “should everywhere on earth bear witness to - “We, as church in the Philippines, with total Christ and give an answer to everyone who trust in God’s love, envision ourselves as the asks a reason for hope. community of disciples, who firmly believe in Responding to the Demands of our the Lord Jesus and joyfully live in harmony Contemporary Communities and solidarity with one another, with creation, and with God. a. The Fact of Religious Pluralism - Following the way of our Lord, we opt to be a - The Church recognizes and defends the Church of the Poor, which demands fundamental dignity of man to be free from evangelical poverty of us all coercion in matters of religious. - we shall embark on a renewed integral - “All men are called in freedom to Jesus evangelization and witness to Jesus Christ’s Christ and to his Church, which has a divine Gospel of salvation and liberation through mission…to evangelize the whole world… so our words, deeds and lives. that at the name of Jesus every knee should - As bishops, priests, religious and laity, we bend…and every tongue confess that Jesus together commit ourselves to implement the Christ is Lord…” (Phil 2:10–11) spirit and decrees of the second plenary b. Truthful Tolerance council of the Philippines in order to - Dignitatis Humanae states: “… the human inculturate gospel values in our milieu by this person has a right to religious freedom. This shall kaayusan (order in harmony) be freedom means that achieved through persons who are - all men are to be immune from maka-Diyos, maka-tao, makabayan and coercion on the part of individuals maka-buhay.” or social groups and of any human a. Community of Disciples power - whose faith in Jesus is expressed in a - no one is to be forced to act in a Church in mission that includes Asia and the manner contrary to his own beliefs whole creation. - Not to be restrained from acting in - patterned after the Holy Trinity where the accordance with his own beliefs, three divine Persons: unique, equal and whether privately or publicly, united are in constant sharing and in whether alone or in association with mission. others, within due limits. - it also approximates the early apostolic - The right to religious freedom has its Christian communities foundation in the very dignity of the human person, as this dignity is known through the revealed word of God and by reason itself.” b. The Church of the Poor g. Journeying with the Youth h. Ecumenism and - Our priority must be programs for the Inter-religious Dialogue conscientization, evangelization and h. Animation and Formation for “Missio Ad organization of the marginalized poor. Gentes” - First, into small communities of faith and discernment. - Second, into sectoral groups to attend to specific needs in cultural, political, economic and religious institutions - This is empowerment of the laity especially the poor for active participation and leadership in the Church’s life and mission. c. Basic Ecclesial Communities or (BECs) as Community of Disciples - BECs are small communities whose members are in unity and solidarity with one another and with their pastors. - Patterned after the Domus Ecclesia or House Church which was the Church known to the early Christians. - - The members have a strong sense of belongingness and responsibility for one another. - They share the Word of God and are guided by regular catechesis. They gather around the Eucharist and have a vibrant celebration of life in the liturgy. - They share not only their spiritual concerns but also the material concerns. - Their poverty and their faith lead them to involvement in action for justice and social transformation. d. Renewed Integral Evangelization - New vigor, new methods, and new expression no longer in the area of religion alone, but for total human liberation and development in socio economic and political areas of life with the participation of the poor as active agents of social change. The Nine (9) Pastoral Priorities of the Catholic Church in the Philippines a. Integral Faith Formation b. Empowerment of the Laity toward Social Transformation c. Active Presence and Participation of the Poor in the Church d. The Family as the Focal Point of Evangelization e. Building and strengthening of Participatory Communities that make up the Parish as a Community of Communities f. Integral Renewal of the Clergy LESSON 5: NATURE OF THE SOCIAL economic vision inspired by moral values TEACHING OF THE CHURCH that permit people not to lose sight of the origin or purpose of these goods, so as to A. The Truth of Faith bring about fairness and solidarity. - The First Christians as true followers of - Pope Pius XI: 'the distribution of created Christ. goods, which, as every discerning person - Decisions in their communities are done “in knows, is labouring today under the gravest remembrance” of the memory of Christ. evils due to the huge disparity between the - Important thinkers in the Middle Ages few exceedingly rich and the unnumbered especially Thomas Aquinas who continued property less, must be effectively called back to talk about justice and charity for the poor. to and brought into conformity with the norms of the common good, that is, social justice. This then prompts the church to call for a more just distribution of the world’s wealth (CSDC 171). B. The Paradigm of Love and Justice versus a. The Truth of Faith (The Human the Way of Violence Person as the Image of God) - Love is the most identifying value of the - Human dignity is a core-concept in the social Church's social teaching. It is what makes us teaching of the Church. The Church believes uniquely Christians. It is, in fact, that the human dignity is a concept that is unachievable without grace, but the grace is both inviolable and inalienable, that is, it can freely supplied to the willing, which is grace never be compromised regardless of the itself. circumstances and consequences of the a. The Paradigm of Love and Justice action. versus the Way of Violence (The Way - The centrality of the dignity of the human of Love and Justice) person is even highlighted more with the - In the Church’s perspective, love as a value Paschal Mystery of Christ. He showed us is “the highest and universal criterion of the that the cross is not a meaningless symbol, whole of social ethics.” (CSDC, 171) but is rather a testimony of God’s love. - “From the inner wellspring of love the values b. The Truth of Faith (Celebrating our of truth, freedom, and justice are born and Shared Humanity, Our Human grow. Love is what makes us able to see the Interconnectedness other as a friend, as another self, so that the - The covenant is an expression of Yahweh’s needs and requirements of others seem as willingness to reach out to His people. In one's own.” (CSDC,205) fact, by the covenant, Yahweh makes himself - Love presupposes and transcends justice. bound to fulfil his promises to His people This means that love builds upon justice just - Decalogue is a commitment that concerns like grace builds upon nature. not only fidelity to the one true God, but also - For what happens when love meets justice, the social relations among the people of look at the cross of Christ, the cross of Christ the Covenant… which is our law. Without justice, there is no - In the diversity of cultures, the natural law love. Without justice, love does not survive. unites peoples, enjoining common principles. Justice is the prerequisite of love. Justice is Since something of the glory of God shines fulfilled by love. on the face of every person, the dignity of - Summum ius, summa iniuria was a Roman every person before God is the basis of the maxim mentioned by Cicero. It is a brilliant, dignity of man before other men. ambiguous saying which can be translated, c. The Truth of Faith (Toward a Just “extreme justice is the greatest injustice,” or an "extreme justice is an extreme wrong. and Humane Society according to God’s Plan) - The principle of the Universal Destination of Goods is an invitation to develop an Justice As A Virtue 3. the Church should not control or dominate 1. Commutative Justice any religious group, the police or armed unit - The justice of exchange. of the State. - Calls for fairness in agreements and - In order to respect the autonomy of the exchanges between individuals or private Church, the State shall not establish one social groups. religion as the religion of the State. - Equality based on what is given and what is - In order to respect the autonomy of the received. State, the Church prohibits its ministers and 2. Distributive Justice priests to run for public office or, if they do, - Justice that guarantees the common welfare. they should resign from their ministry as - Involves sharing. priests. - Just distribution of the goods of creation that C. Understanding ‘critical collaboration’ with God intends all of us to use and share. the State (To Cooperation) - Concerns the obligation of the government to - Using a bicycle, one can surely reach his or its citizens. her destination if the two wheels are 3. Legal Justice consistent in moving to the same direction. - Citizens’ obligations toward the larger The same is true with the relationship society and government. between the Church and realizing the - Requires a citizen to obey the laws of society Kingdom of God. and possibly serve the government. - The Church has the right and the duty “to 4. Social Justice teach her social doctrine, to exercise her role - Applies the Gospel message of Jesus Christ freely among men, and also to pass moral to the structures, systems, and laws of judgment in those matters which regard society in order to guarantee the rights of public order when the fundamental rights of individuals. the human personor the salvation of souls B. The Paradigm of Love and Justice versus require it.” (Gaudium et Spes, 76) the Way of Violence (Versus the Way of - Both the Church and those who govern Violence) society are seeking to serve mankind (although under different titles), and they “will - Violence is never a proper response. The carry out this service with greater efficacy, for Church proclaims that violence is evil, that the good of all, the healthier and better is the violence is unacceptable as a solution to cooperation between them.”(CSDC, 425) problems, that violence is unworthy of man. - Violence is a lie, for it goes against the truth, the truth of our humanity. Violence destroys what it claims to defend: the dignity, the life, the freedom of human beings. C. Understanding ‘critical collaboration’ with the State - The Church recognizes its autonomy from the State. However, many understand this to mean that the Church should not be involved in political issues, or with politicians and public policies. This is not the meaning of the separation of Church and State. C. Understanding ‘critical collaboration’ with the State (From Seperation) What really is the meaning of this separation? There are three main ideas: 1. the state has no official religion, 2. the state should not discriminate any religion; and LESSON 6: THE RESPONSE OF THE - Each person is a unique part of the tapestry of creation, of the mosaic of the human CATHOLIC CHURCH family. A. Rationalizing the Church’s - Only through dialogue can new level of Involvement understanding and appreciation be achieved - The Church is called to be involved in in the human community. responding and eradicating those social C. Translating Faith into our Thoughts, Words and concerns in order to become effective Actions herald of the Gospel. a. From Curiosity to Advocacy B. Global Realities of the Church’s - As Catholics, we need to witness our faith not only by word of mouth Involvement but by concrete actions. Thus, we - The Church is called to be involved in need to walk our talk. responding to those issues. - The first step in translating faith into C. Local Realities of the Church’s Involvement action is by being aware of existing - The Church is also called to be involved social problems and concerns in promoting justice, solidarity and the through series of exposures and common good through active participation immersions. and cooperation in community development, - Followed by personal expression of promotion of human dignity, justice, peace, commitment in initiating and and environmental education. organizing advocacy projects DUTY OF THE LAY FAITHFUL TO THE related to human promotion and SOCIETY development. A. As One Church b. Salamanca Congress: Dominicans in - It is the proper duty of the lay faithful to the Promotion and Defense of proclaim the Gospel with an exemplary witness of life rooted in Christ and lived in Human Rights (continuation) temporal realities: the family; in the world of - This congress is an integral part of this work, culture, science, and research; the “Salamanca Process” in bringing leaders of exercise of social, economic and political Dominican intellectual institutions together responsibilities. for the promotion and defense of human - The role of the laity is in a special way to rights. “seek the Kingdom of God by engaging in - Hopefully it will result in a deeper integration temporal affairs and ordering them according of the intellectual and apostolic life of the to the plan of God. As such, lay men and Dominican Family through concrete projects women are in a unique position to bring their of collaboration with the following objectives: faith into all areas of society. - Recover the history of the involvement of - In their own way, the laity participate in the Dominicans in the promotion and defense of priestly, prophetic and kingly mission of human rights; (see continuation) the Church by virtue of their Baptism and - identify and evaluate the current Confirmation. engagement of Dominicans in the promotion B. Promoting the Culture of Dialogue and defense of human rights at the - The sacred dignity of each person and the academic level and at a practical level on the call to love one’s neighbor as an essential ground; element of one’s love of God combine to - develop networks and policies that will demand that all differences be explored and enable the promotion and defense of human all conflicts be addressed through respectful rights to be integral to Dominican preaching dialogue. of intellectual and apostolic life; and - Only through patient, respectful dialogue do - promote networks of collaboration at the people grow beyond the limitations of their zonal, regional and international levels experience, perceptions, opinions and through concrete projects in defense of values. groups whose rights are violated. c. UST-OCD-Simbahayanan (TOMAS) Experience - The University of Santo Tomas, through the Office of Community Development– Simbahayan has conducted community organizing through their partner communities. - UST has been successful in utilizing TOMAS experience in implementing its projects and programs. - UST offers training in organizing, management, program and project analysis to become systematic in the field of community engagement. - UST IR offers training and community building through CREED, Aral, Asal at Dasal, among others.