The role of the church in the implementation of the social justice in Nyarushanje Parish in Light of Pacem in Terris

Abstract

Social Justice remains a deep yearning for humanity in the world today. The Pope states that, “the turmoil of individual persons and peoples contrast with the perfect order of the universe a great barrier to Social Justice” Pope John XXIII Pacem in Terris, (1963, n.4). This is true in Uganda and Nyarushanje Parish; it has created tense situations of hostility and violence among the people. Despite the existence of civic and legal frameworks dealing with social injustices and their resolutions, there still exists unresolved tendencies in matters of Social Justice characterized by; high rate of corruption, income inequality and money-mindedness, poor leadership, loss of lives and property. In this situation of crisis, the role of Church remains timely and very urgent, that is, if Nyarushanje parish is to be transformed and deeply rooted in Christ’s message of peace, harmony and prosperity. The Church through preaching and teaching of the gospel about love, unity, tolerance and respect of human life, emphasizing the spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness, among others best assists in such a situation. There is need to emphasize truth in reconciliation and forgiveness, especially in Nyarushanje parish and outline ways through which harmony and peace are promoted for the good of the human society. The involvement of the Church in the implementation of social justice will help to prompt leaders to find lasting solutions, to help persons clarify their positions, articulate their views and provide supportive arguments. The whole Church is the agent of reconciliation and peace. Even though the task of building a just social order lies within the competence of the political sphere, the Church, having no technical solutions to offer, uses the word of God and her social doctrine to form consciences of men and women so that they can assume their civic responsibility. That is why the laity, given the important role they play in the church and society, need to be Biblically, spiritually, liturgically and pastorally formed. The challenges affecting the Church in implementing social justice include; low level of participation of the clergy and religious, favoritism and material greed by leaders, lack of neutrality by Church leaders, lack of deep teaching of the word of God among others. The ways towards implementation of social justice among the people included: proper use of the law, reconciliation with one another, encouraging the spirit of co-existence and respect of life and property. The Church having been entrusted with the prophetic role, mission and mandate of Jesus, to be “salt of the earth…and light of the world” (Mt. 5:13-14), in as far as the internal organization, social and pastoral responsibilities are concerned, can have a lot of impact in the implementation of social justice.