Knowing that the promotion of justice is integral to the preaching of
the Gospel, the Commission exists to further the work of Justice and
Peace in the Diocese. The Commission operates within the context of the
Diocesan Pastoral Plan and in collaboration with all other Commissions
in the Diocese and the National Justice and Peace Network.
The work of the Commission is characterised by an active spirit of
inclusivity in the interfaith and ecumenical spheres, and seeks
participation with people of all ethnic backgrounds.
The framework plan is structured so that the light of the Gospel and
the insights of Catholic Social Teaching illuminate and direct our faith
response to contemporary issues of justice and peace.
Education. Deepening the Church’s knowledge of key contemporary
issues of justice and peace.
Spirituality. Encouraging and developing processes of reflection
on these issues.
Action. Encouraging authentic and considered Christian responses.
Enabling. Developing and strengthening the Commission’s structure
and processes to meet new demands emerging from the Diocesan Pastoral
Plan and major organisations such as CAFOD, Pax Christi etc.
2. Education
2.1 Maintain a readiness to respond in specific ways
to ongoing issues of justice and peace, both globally and nationally, as
they arise during the three years.
2.2 Develop a sensitivity and a readiness to respond
positively to new issues.
2.3 Promote particular awareness of issues which will
have been identified annually at a Commission Policy Meeting and
encourage participation throughout the Diocese.
2.4 Liaise and work effectively and collaboratively
with CAFOD, Pax Christi and other organisations that work for justice
and peace.
2.5 Work within Diocesan structures as they develop.
3.
Spirituality
3.1. Promote the use of liturgical and other materials for annual
awareness Sundays, e.g. Peace Sunday, Racial Justice Sunday.
3.2. Promote a justice and peace context for celebrations throughout
the liturgical year – Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, Harvest, etc.
3.3. Promote reflective engagement with current issues of justice and
peace whether local, national or international, e.g. military
intervention, nuclear weapons replacement, employment, migrant workers,
climate change etc.
3.4. Encourage an alertness in faith to new issues as they arise so
that the work of justice is a timely and authentic response to the signs
of the times.
4. Action
4.1. Promote and engage in campaigns, vigils, advocacy and lifestyle
actions that relate to Catholic Social Teaching.
4.2. Encourage a positive response and appropriate actions
related to local, national and global justice and peace concerns.
4.3. Be a ready resource for the Bishop on matters of social justice
and be prepared to raise the profile of Catholic Social Teaching in the
wider community by engaging with the media and decision makers at local
and national level.
4.4. Produce and distribute a newsletter and calendar that highlights
contemporary issues of justice and peace and publicises relevant actions
and events.
4.5. Maintain and regularly update a website that gives access to the
newsletter and acts as a resource on issues of justice and peace.
4.6. Arrange activities such as an Annual Assembly and Speaker
Meetings, ensuring that these are accessible on a rota basis across the
four counties of the Diocese.
5. Enabling
5.1. Keep effectiveness of working arrangements under continuous
review and provide adequate training, supervision and management for the
paid workers. Develop and strengthen the structures of the Commission,
in particular the role of County representatives
5.2. Support and strengthen Justice and Peace and similar groups in
parishes, schools and youth networks. Encourage the growth of new groups
where possible, and particularly seek to work more closely with like
minded organisations in the spirit of ecumenical collaboration and
interfaith cooperation.
5.3. Develop the communications strategy to meet the evolving needs
of the Commission. Make fuller use of electronic methods and the mass
media as tools to promote the objectives of the Commission.
5.4. Work within the developing structures of the Diocese.
5.5. Organise reflection and formation opportunities for Commission
members, parish contacts and others who are interested.
6. Summary
The Commission will take forward its programmes of education,
reflection and action over the next three years with openness to
emerging issues. We will strive to broaden our reach within the Diocese
and engage more people in reflection and action so that the social
justice mission of the Church is more authentically discerned and lived.
In December a detailed action plan for the following year will be
produced and progress reviewed at the Commission Policy meetings during
the year. This is set out below:
