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Justicia in Mundo

Justicia in Mundo is one of the Major Documents of Catholic Social Teaching, even
though it is not a social encyclical or a Papal document. Bishops gathered all around the world
gathered in Rome in 1971the 1971 Synod of Bishops in order to discuss amongst one
another the different issues present and discern how the Catholic Church should react to the
same. Said to be the first Catholic Social Teaching document to acknowledge that the Church
must witness to justice in its own life in order to be credible when calling for justice in the world,
it is also the shortest of the Major documents but holds the strongest influence on social
involvement among Catholics, as expressly stated in its Introduction, Action on behalf of justice
and participation in the transformation of the world fully appear to us as a constitutive
dimension of the preaching of the Gospel, or in other words, of the Churchs mission for the
redemption of the human race and its liberation from every oppressive situation.
The document has five sections, an Introduction, Justice and World Society, Gospel
Message and Mission of Christ, Practice of Justice and the Word of Hope.
Justice and the World Society introduced the modern paradox where while never before
the forces working for bringing about a unified world society appeared so powerful and
dynamic, at the same time, the same unity brought the forces of division and antagonism
increasing in strength. It cited the arms race as a threat to life, the highest good; the economic
injustices where the rich become richer and the poorer become poorer; and the lack of social
participation. However, it is also in this same chapter which affirmed the right to development as
a basic social life and calls for a culturally-sensitive modernization. It called out for the Church
to speak on behalf of the voicelessthe persons who have been committed injustice against but
feel that they cannot do anything about the same, like migrants, refugees, victims of torture and
other human rights violations, among others. The section also emphasized the need to
communicate with the youth, in order for these injustices to be corrected.

At times like these, the Synod need not look far in order for Justice to be achieved, the
next section, Gospel Message and Mission of Christ looked into the scriptures for the solutions.
It noted that the people needed to listen to the word of God in order for them to know the proper
response when Injustice has been committed against them. The God of the Old Testament was
the liberator of the oppressed and the defender of the poor; and Jesus gave himself of salvation
and liberation of all whilst associating himself with the least ones. The preaching of the Gospel
requires liberation of humanity in this world and that it is the Churchs duty to proclaim justice
on all levels and promote dignity and rights of each human being.
The Practice of Justice, according to the document, is called upon by the Church to many
Christians that they may give authentic witness on behalf of justice by various modes of the
same, with action inspired by love in accordance with the grace the received from God. Not only
that, the Church must also give witness to justice as anyone who ventures to speak to people
about justice must first be just in their eyes. Rights within the Church must be respected for all,
especially women and the lay people, and these rights include a decent wage, security, promotion
and freedom of thought and expression, judicial procedures, etc.
In order for the Practice of Justice to come into fruition, there must be education in
justice for all. Developing countries must aim to aim is to awaken awareness of the concrete
situation and strategies and alternatives for change, and families must be the principal agent of
this education. There must be an emphasis in the cooperation between churches in rich and poor
nations is essential for economic and spiritual progress.
The United Nations too, is called upon in order for Justice in the World to happen, and
the document emphasized on the ratification on the Declaration of Human Rights. It also
expressed the Churchs support in the UNs efforts to halt arms race, weapons trade, and reach
peaceful conflict resolution.
The other International Actions includes the Churchs call for the more participation in
the concentration of power, the funding of reasonable document, the demand the wealthy nations
be less materialistic, and that they cooperate with the developing ones.
Finally, the Word of Hope speaks that Christians will find the Kingdom as the fruit of
their nature and efforts; God is now preparing the Kingdom.

References:
Justicia in Mundo, Justice in the World, World Synod of Catholic Bishops 1971.
Accessed: https://www.cctwincities.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Justicia-inMundo.pdf . 05 September 2016
https://educationforjustice.org/system/files/justiciainmundo.pdf .Accessed 05 September
2016