Where is your brother? - MBIT Catholic Social Teaching online course

Dr Frances Image, Visiting Lecture at Margaret Beaufort Institute writes:

Fifty years ago, at its 32nd General Congregation, the Society of Jesus committed itself to 'the service of faith, of which the promotion of justice is an absolute requirement.' (GC 32, 4) This radical formulation of its mission echoed the words of the 1971 Synod of Bishop which, in the heady days of liberation theology, had affirmed that 'action on behalf of justice and participation in the transformation of the world fully appear to us a constitutive dimension of the preaching of the Gospel.' (JM 6).

Returning to this theme in Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis focuses on the foundation of human relationships. God asks: 'Where is your brother Abel?' and Cain answers: 'Am I my brother's keeper?' (Gen 4:9).

This question, says Pope Francis, does not give us the choice to remain indifferent. It is an appeal to each one of us to participate in creating a culture of mutual care and solidarity, in imitation of the Good Samaritan; for we are all neighbours, brothers and sisters. We are all jointly responsible for bringing about a society that promotes the 'integral development of the whole person and of all the peoples.' (PP 46), a society that respects and integrates everyone, including the broken, the vulnerable and the suffering.

The Church's social message, faithful to the Gospel but mindful of the signs of the time, provides us with the principles and tools for building such a society. Denouncing all threats to human life and dignity, condemning all types of injustice and violence, it is most of all a call to action. It expects 'a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good (SRS 38). This means advocating for social justice; denouncing violated rights, especially those of the weakest; making ourselves heard on issues such as inequality, sustainable development, the impact of climate change on the poorest, colonialism and slavery, war and peace. In this way we take part in building a world of peace and justice where all can flourish as God intends them to.

MBIT has its own tradition of striving to make a contribution to Catholic social thought and praxis - be it through writing and academic work or practical involvement in education, chaplaincy, prison or hospital work, inter-religious dialogue, climate advocacy and justice and peace issues. Humble as any individual contribution may seem at times, together we help trace those paths of hope and peace leading to a society of fraternity and social friendship.

Join to our event and discover How does Catholic Social Teaching impact chaplaincy? Find out in our course with Dr Frances Image on 17 Feb 2025. Key themes:

Human dignity & rights
Solidarity & the common good
Faith in action

Online - join from anywhere here: Resources for Prison Chaplaincy from Catholic Social Teaching Tickets, Mon, Feb 17, 2025 at 4pm Eventbrite