Ecumenical Co-Operation: A Search For A New Platform For Social Justice And Peace In The Arch-Diocese Of Lusaka In Zambia.
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Date
2016
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Publisher
Tangaza University College
Abstract
I chose this topic, ‘Ecumenical co-operation: A search for a new platform of
social justice and peace in the Archdiocese of Lusaka in Zambia, following an
experience I had. I happened to be at one of the ecumenical meetings in one of the
parishes in Lusaka. I was impressed with the discussions. It followed that among many
other things discussed under the health sector, representatives from different Churches
critically looked at the suffering of the sick people in clinics (Health Centers). The
situation actually affected the whole community. Most of the community clinics in the
peri-urban areas of Lusaka had very few toilets and no shelters for those accompanying
the sick, and very few mattresses in the wards. It became a felt need during the meeting
to work together as Christian Churches to address those problems. Consequently, each
denomination raised some funds, and cooperated towards the project. This showed how
the Churches embraced the common good of the people. The action demonstrated the
essence of equality among the people, which is a necessary element for social justice. I
thought that such initiatives could go even further by critically addressing the root
causes of such injustices and by creating some awareness. This personal motivation could also be likened with the biblical experience of
the people of Israel. Peace and justice runs through the proclamation of the word of God
as presented in the scriptures. This is portrayed in the history and life of the people of
Israel; the chosen people of God. These people had some binding rules of life.
Boundaries of their communities were not only maintained by some isolated
individuals, but were also observed by the entire community of the people of God.
Precisely, prophets like Amos show us that justice is a need in every society. It seems,
for Amos, that justice is linked inextricably with life. He does not mention the word
‘Justice’ but what he does and say show justice. He was against oppression, especially
that the rich were oppressing the poor (cf. Amos 5: 9-11). In fact, in the Bible, “justice
means treating everyone fairly and decently, the way, ourselves would like to be treated
(cf. Mark 12:29-31). It involves doing what is best for other people to the best of our
ability.”
1
There are acts and situations of social injustice in today’s world, such as:
corruption, poverty, political violence, lack of equitable land reforms, to mention but a
few. These invite a deep necessity for joint advocacy and action by Churches. Justice
must reign in society; each person’s right must be respected. Justice, like charity, begins
at home and Christians themselves must be the first to give witness to it. This calls for
continual self-examination and conversion. The followers of Christ must therefore, take
some necessary steps to disassociate themselves from the many unfair, unjust and
dehumanizing corrupt practices which are numerous in society today. All Christian denominations are affected by the plight of the poor and it does not suffice to work in
isolation. This signifies that Christians should work together in such a task. In fact, by
so doing, Christians will be obedient to the prayer of Jesus: “Father, I pray that they
may be one” (John 17: 21). In this context, the underlining principle is unity in
diversity. Jesus Christ is the center of all Christians and what he commands should be
obeyed. So Christians have to be one even as they evangelize. Otherwise, if they do not
work together, they will be contradicting the prayer of Jesus.
Therefore, I advocate that, ecumenism, being an existing framework for
cooperation, should be open to collaboration among different Churches to bring about
Social Justice and Peace in the Arch-Diocese of Lusaka in Zambia. Consequently,
ecumenical Churches should be open to work with other denominations in order to
alleviate the suffering of the people.
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Keywords
Justice and Peace, Social, Prophet, Church father, Poverty