Scrutinizing the Signs of the Times

Transcription

1 Scrutinizing the Signs of the Times Prepared by the Sisters of Mercy Extended Justice Team November 2016 The joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the men (and women) of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these too are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ (Gaudium et Spes, #1). These opening words from the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World situate the work of justice firmly within the framework of Catholic Social Teaching. As we continue to address our Critical Concerns (the way in which we currently live our fourth Mercy vow and our commitment to serve those who are poor, sick and ignorant) we have the duty to scrutinize the signs of the times and interpret them in the light of the gospel (Gaudium et Spes, #4). The following document looks at some of the signs of our times. It is not meant to be comprehensive. This is the context in which we work to bring Mercy to the world. All of our Critical Concerns are impacted by global trends, positive and negative. Some significant ones include: Movements of hope in the U.S. and around the world Worship of markets/capitalism and the dominance of financial systems The teachings and example of Pope Francis Loss of a sense of citizenship and concern for the common good - we need to reclaim these Lack of access to health care for millions

2 Loss of a sense of community, including within the Church Rise of social media and technology, which has both positive and negative aspects Lack of critical thinking skills Attempts by conservative sectors to silence or thwart positive change Small actions and responses to counter negative situations Impact of U.S. elections Earth, Economy and Poverty Climate change continues: 15 out of the 17 hottest years on record have taken place since the year The Climate Change Conference held in Paris resulted in an inadequate agreement (allowing up to 2ºC warming) that has now gone into effect. Transnational corporations in the agricultural and extractive industries continue to contaminate the environment and destroy biodiversity. The encyclical Laudato Si on integral ecology has been the most anticipated and discussed papal document in the past 40 years. The Pope calls for systematic change. The use of alternative energy sources (solar, wind and biomass) continues to increase. Social and environmental activists throughout the world continue to be persecuted and face martyrdom. Examples include Berta Caceres in Honduras, workers in the Philippines and the indigenous people at Standing Rock, ND. Repression and silencing of journalists reporting environmental issues

3 Growing active opposition to fracking, construction of oil and gas pipelines, mining operations, hydro-electric dams, power plants, agroindustries and systemic injustice Dominance of the neoliberal (market) economic model which is generating ever greater inequality and a decline of social ecology. The richest 62 people on Earth have as much as the bottom half of humanity (3.5 billion people) (Oxfam Report). The global neoliberal economy focuses on the maximization of profit (for the few) above all other goods, which leads to the impoverishment of many. Need to challenge the profit motive as the highest goal of human activity Increasing consumerism (There are 6.8 billion cell phone subscriptions worldwide.) The growing power of mass media which focuses on disinformation, colonization and manipulation Role of information technology across the planet to report on corruption and systemic violence, and for fostering the free movement of information suppressed by governments Privatization of public goods (water, education, healthcare) Role of multilateral banks (and United Nations forums) in defining development as privatization, mega-projects, etc. Nonviolence Multiple, ongoing wars (Middle East -5, Africa -7) leading to social and economic chaos. These wars seek to take control of the water, land and natural resources present in those areas

4 Growing influence of the arms industry and the diversion of money for arms purchases rather than for food, education and health. High rates of gun ownership in the U.S. Growing incidence of politically motivated violence against civilians, including attacks by unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and missiles that have killed many innocent civilians throughout the Middle East. Drones can also be used for good (deliver food, medicine and other supplies in remote areas) Emergence of blocs of countries seeking hegemony: U.S., Europe and Japan against China and Russia. There is a strain in Asia between Korea, China and the U.S. The large number of U.S bases ensures a U.S. military presence on every continent. Lack alternatives to war and military intervention to deal with conflict In Latin America, powerful sectors (economic, media, legislative) supported by the U.S., initiate coup d etats against popular governments to exert stronger control over economies and resources and to destroy regional integration Growing efforts to seek nonviolent solutions to conflict - Sisters and other activists of CCASA promote training in non-violent practice, growth of organizations and movements for justice and peace Failure of significant efforts to stem human and drug trafficking due to growing organized crime in Latin America and the Caribbean. Resurgence of the nuclear threat nuclear proliferation and modernization of nuclear arsenals efforts to move Vatican to expand Catholic Social Teaching on nonviolence. Rejection of the peace agreement in Colombia Diminishing rights of workers, rising unemployment and slave labor Rise in hate groups

5 Growing corruption in some states and countries Systemic racism of media which normalizes white culture Immigration Mexican and Central American immigrants and refugees fleeing violence and misery and seeking asylum in the U.S. are arrested, detained and deported. Europe is experiencing a refugee crisis as tens of thousands of people flee war and violence in the Middle East and Africa. Many have drowned in the Mediterranean Sea or become victims of mafias and traffickers. They suffer in internment camps while many wealthy countries in Europe treat them as criminals and refuse to accept them. Pope Francis is calling the Church to engage with and welcome refugees. The United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union in a decision that many saw as a referendum on immigration. The President-Elect of the United States is on record calling for the construction of a wall along the U.S. Mexico border, to be paid for by Mexico. Women and Children (Church) One of the major political parties in the U.S. nominated a woman for president

6 Pope Francis has appointed a committee to discuss women and the diaconate. He is also working to deal with corruption inside the Church. Women and children are the main victims of poverty, pollution, human trafficking, worker exploitation and violence. Islamic countries are witnessing the emergence of movements calling for female liberation and women s rights to education, participation and work. Consciousness about women s rights and the fight against patriarchy are growing around the world. In Latin America and the Caribbean, many people leave the Catholic Church to join sects and other Christian religions guided by male and female pastors. Against Racism The first African-American U.S. president is finishing his second and final term. Police violence against people of color is increasing. The Black Lives Matter movement is growing and generating controversy. The President-Elect of the U.S. has suggested denying Muslims entry into the country. In Europe, racist politics and behaviors are on the rise. Extractive industries criminalize indigenous people and peasants, destroying their cultures with the complicity of governments and the police. Globally, mass media impose a capitalist, white culture