THEOLOGY 3. UNIT IV: The Mission of the Church in the Contemporary World

University of Santo Tomas

Political Interference

The Church being true to her mission

Pastoral prudence and the Law
of the Church

‘Forbidding clerics to assume public offices which entails participation in the exercise of civil power (Can. 285 no. 1)

Critical collaboration or
solidarity ’ with the State

Relationship of church and state not as a separation but as mutual autonomy and cooperation

Mutual Autonomy

Critical collaboration or solidarity ’ with the State -

Relationship of church and state not as a separation but as _____ and cooperation

CBCP 130-134

The Church is called to proclaim, above all, the salvation from sin; the liberation
from everything oppressive to man; the development of man in all his dimensions,
personal and communitarian; and ultimately, the renewal of society, in all its strata
through the interplay of the gospel truths and man‘s concrete total life

Apostolicam Actuositatem 15 & Catechism of the Catholic Church 2246

“The Church, in carrying out Christ’s redemptive work is convinced that to penetrate and perfect the temporal sphere, including the realm of politics, with the spirit of the Gospel” is essential to her mission. This includes " passing moral judgments even in matters related to politics, whenever the fundamental rights of man or the salvation of souls requires it.”

Principle of Human Dignity

“It is noted that the sufferings and demoralization of Filipinos are due to the lack of respect accorded to the human person as the center of all social activities. Individual and group self-interests have rendered the moral principles of justice, truth, charity, and concern for the poor and the weak ineffective. “

Integral Evangelization

The Filipino faithful needs to reflect on the dichotomy of faith and individual and social life (Orthodoxy over Orthopraxy)

Politics has a Moral and Religious dimension

Politics is a divine trust for service and that all authority and power come from God

Salvation of the human person is not only from Personal but also from Social sin

“Personal sins like pride, selfishness, greed, and hatred come to infect habitual patterns of human interaction and produce institutionalized “sinful social structures.”

Sinful social structures

“Personal sins like pride, selfishness, greed, and hatred come to infect habitual patterns of human interaction and produce institutionalized _____

Option for the Poor

“Politics in the Philippines has played a significant role in keeping most of the population in poverty. Unless the Church pursues this urgent task of evangelizing politics, it will continue to militate against the poor. “

Catechism for Filipino Catholics 732

“ The present Filipino political environment, characterized by its continuous and relentless corruption of values, is still perceived as the ‘biggest bane in the Philippine society as a nation and the most serious obstacle in achieving full development.”

Political Peddling

The practice of using political influence in government or connections with persons in authority to obtain favors or preferential treatment for another to get something in return

Political Culture

Refers to the usual ways of thinking and the corresponding behavior, the value system, and the resulting way of life.

Patronage Politics

A system based on a feudal master and servant relationship where the relationship between a public official and the ordinary citizen is that of a patron and client

Political Dynasty

A succession of political power by individuals belonging to the same heritage or multiple members of the same family occupying different positions in the governing sector of a province or city

Politics of Personalities

A system where popularity count more than the knowledge and competence of political candidates

Pay-off Politics

A system where a political stand depends on what the supporters or funders can get in return for supporting a candidate

Before Elections

Philippine Electoral Process

Diverse electoral maneuvers

Before Elections

Philippine Electoral Process

Trivialization of campaign period

Before Elections

Philippine Electoral Process

Lies and deception

During Elections

Philippine Electoral Process

Threatening cultural elements of Philippine Elections

During Elections

Philippine Electoral Process

Corruption of various forms

After Elections

Philippine Electoral Process

Politics debased and prostituted to the low level

Sound Individual Filipino Values

Moral outrage in the face of violence, injustice, untruth
Formation of circles of discernment

Catechism for Filipino Catholics 1139

These people, united by a vision of heroic citizenship, are reasons for hope amidst the creeping cynicism and apathy toward the political system of the country

Civilization of Love

CBCP, Building A “_____”: A Pastoral Exhortation for the Year of Social Concerns, May 11, 2006

Character, Capability, and Community

As the shepherd and teacher of the flock , the Church, vows to continue building the three (3) C’s among the faithful.

What are the 3 C’s?

Character

To deepen the Filipino sense of honesty and integrity, service and responsibility, stewardship and solidarity

Capability

Individuals and groups should continuously grow in their capacity to govern themselves, the capacity to develop their abilities, and the capacity to make leadership accountable.

Community

The need to promote a spirituality of citizenship, which is a concrete way of living out the social virtue of solidarity

CBCP, Building A “Civilization of Love”: A Pastoral Exhortation for the Year of Social Concerns, May 11, 2006

As the shepherd and teacher of the flock , the Church, vows to continue building the three (3) C’s among the faithful : Character, Capability, and Community

CBCP, Pastoral Statement on Lay Participation in Politics and Peace , July 12, 2009.

“The Church calls upon those who are competent, persons of integrity, and committed to change to get involved directly in principled partisan politics, and even become candidates for political election and be a leaven of social transformation for the country.”

CBCP, Man, Our Way: The Human Person In Philippine Society : Pastoral Letter On Social Transformation, 1985

“There is a need for a change of attitudes, the need for belief and real acceptance that public service is a sacred trust. Dishonesty and corruption must be eradicated and avoided from every level of social life.“

CBCP, Statement On The Coming National And Local Elections Transforming Election Through A Solidarity Of Conscience, May 4,2010

“This sacred right must be exercised according to the dictates of informed , enlightened and politically mature social conscience for it is the starting point for infusing Christian morality and spirituality into the electoral process. “

Competence, Pro-God, Pro-Poor, Pro-Country, Pro-Environment

The common qualifications of a candidate issued by the Church in its exhortations and statements ever since the Marcos era up to the present are, by and large, similar in content. They are summed up into five (5) categories:

What are the 5 categories

May Kakahayan, Maka-Diyos, Maka-Tao, Maka-Bayan, Maka-Kalikasan

Competence, Pro-God, Pro-Poor, Pro-Country, Pro-Environment

in Tagalog

F. Sionil José, Ben Singkol

“You will find that our enemies are our kin. It is they who betray us. So learn this most important lesson in the end, our worst enemy is ourselves

CBCP : 1998 Exhortation on Philippine Economy : A Revisit

Trickle down economics’ : ‘ a faceless development’

Jobless Growth

Without new opportunities for employment.

Ruthless Growth

Benefiting mainly the wealthy.

Voiceless Growth

Without extension of democracy or empowerment.

Rootless Growth

Causes cultural identities to wither.

Futureless Growth

Destroys the environment.

Compendium on the Social Doctrines of the Church, 326

“ The intimate relationship of economics with the moral and spiritual life urges all the faithful ‘to renew economic life with the values of the Gospel so that even ‘economy and progress can be transformed into places of salvation and sanctification.”

Gainful Livelihood

Kinds of dehumanizing ‘ poverty of economic
exclusion’ in the Philippines ( CBCP)

Exclusion from _____ : unemployment and underemployment, contractual labor

Sufficient Shelter

Kinds of dehumanizing ‘ poverty of economic
exclusion’ in the Philippines ( CBCP)

Exclusion from _____ : Informal settlers and homeless either by natural and man- made calamities

Rural Development

Kinds of dehumanizing ‘ poverty of economic
exclusion’ in the Philippines ( CBCP)

Exclusion from _____ : Rural poverty

Adequate Health Care

Kinds of dehumanizing ‘ poverty of economic
exclusion’ in the Philippines ( CBCP)

Exclusion from _____ : Privatization of public hospitals and rising population of the elderly

Quality Education

Kinds of dehumanizing ‘ poverty of economic
exclusion’ in the Philippines ( CBCP)

Exclusion from _____ : out-of –school youths and overcrowded schools

Gainful Livelihood, Sufficient Shelter, Rural Development, Adequate Health Care, Quality Education

Kinds of dehumanizing ‘ poverty of economic
exclusion’ in the Philippines ( CBCP)

What are the 5 Exclusions?

Pope Francis, World Youth Day Rio, 2013.

In a world where there is so much wealth, so many resources to feed everyone, it is unfathomable that there are so many hungry children, so many without an education, so many are poor. It is , indeed, a scandal.’

Centrality of the Human Person and Solidarity

Filipino as a society’s right to participate or at least to be consulted in decisions that affect their lives

Centrality of the Human Person and Solidarity

Calls for the authorities to evaluate the possible negative impacts of projects in the name of progress, industrialization and development

Preferential Option for the Poor

Poverty, misery, and social injustice are still widespread and the normal standing phenomena in the country.

Universal Purpose of Created Goods

The richest ten percent of the Philippine population is earning ten times more than the poorest ten percent, with the richest families soaring way beyond the income of the poorest

Universal Purpose of Created Goods

The bottom line is basically the refusal of the more privileged of the “ universal destination of goods that ultimately brings about this social disorder, unrest, dissent, and even violence in society

Objective Sense

Includes the acts done, the resources utilized, the instruments used, and technology adopted to produce something for temporal advantages

Subjective Sense

Refers to the human person engaged in or attending to a job. It is the activity of a worker capable of undertaking a variety of actions necessary for his/her self-realization in accordance with his/her role or mandate.

Recognition of the Meaning and Dignity of Work

Objective Sense: Includes the acts done, the resources utilized, the instruments used, and technology adopted to produce something for temporal advantages.
Subjective Sense: refers to the human person engaged in or attending to a job. It is the activity of a worker capable of undertaking a
variety of actions necessary for his/her self-realization in accordance with his/her role or mandate

Pope John Paul II, Laborem Exercens
(“On Human Work), #6

Work is for the worker’ and not ‘ the worker for work.

Personal, Familial, and Societal

What is the threefold significance of Work?

Personal

Threefold significance of Work

for the good of the worker. Work is a ‘fundamental right’ of man. It is necessary for man’s self-expression and transformation by ‘becoming more of a human being.

Familial

Threefold significance of Work

a worker becomes accountable to himself and others, especially to his wife and children. They are precisely dependent on him for their well-being

Societal

Threefold significance of Work

for the welfare of society and building communion’. Work is a builder of social relations because it occurs within social relations and leads to social relations

Participation of Christ’s Redemptive Act

Spirituality of Work

Work should make one closer to God: participation in God's creative power through changing, developing, ennobling and beautifying things on earth.

Vocation

Spirituality of Work

An expression of man’s true nature as being made in the image and likeness of God through working creatively and responsibly using one’s talents and abilities to the fullest.

Not a necessary evil nor a curse

Personal and Social Sins in Work

Spirituality of Work

It becomes a source of social sin when accompanied by anxiety concerning competition for social status, fame, and power

Personal and Social Sins in Work

Spirituality of Work

When it leads to alienation of the worker person from their identity: used when profitable and discarded when no longer needed or made to work with no consideration for his intellectual and moral perfection.

Personal and Social Sins in Work

Spirituality of Work

When it becomes a compulsion because of the social tendency to judge persons in terms of work they do, wage, and economic success

Labor

refers to the personal element of the worker or strength of the human resources: knowledge, creativity, and capacity.

Capital

refers to all material resources, such as money and tools or instruments for production or manufacturing

Intrinsic priority

Labor has _____ over capital

Right to Decent Work

Rights of Workers

Freely chosen and effectively associating workers with the development of their community

Right to Decent Work

Rights of Workers

Enables the worker to be respected and free from any form of discrimination

Right to Decent Work

Rights of Workers

It makes it possible for families to meet their needs and provide schooling for their children without the latter being forced into labor;

Right to Decent Work

Rights of Workers

Permits the workers to organize themselves freely and to make their voices heard;

Right to Decent Work

Rights of Workers

Leaves enough room for rediscovering one’s roots at a personal, familial and spiritual level

Right to Decent Work

Rights of Workers

Guarantees those who have retired a decent standard of living.

Right to Just Wage

Rights of Workers

Should be a ‘family wage’ : a salary given to the head of the family sufficient enough for the needs of the family without the other spouse taking gainful employment outside of the home.

Right to Just Wage

Rights of Workers

Contribution of the worker to the economic effort.

Right to Just Wage

Rights of Workers

National common good: state of the enterprise and country.

Right to Just Wage

Rights of Workers

Universal common good

Healthy Working Environment

Rights of Workers

The working environment must ensure that physical health is not endangered and morals are safeguarded.

Healthy Working Environment

Rights of Workers

Right to security in cases of sickness, inability to work, old age, and unemployment

Healthy Working Environment

Rights of Workers

Right to sufficient rest and leisure.

Healthy Working Environment

Rights of Workers

The Issue of Contractualization and Outsourcing of labor.

Worker’s Associations, Assembly and Unionism Importance of Unionism (Compendium, 307.)

Rights of Workers

It serves as a weapon of self-defense against the injustices of employers

Worker’s Associations, Assembly and Unionism Importance of Unionism (Compendium, 307.)

Rights of Workers

It serves as an instrument of education for members.

Worker’s Associations, Assembly and Unionism Importance of Unionism (Compendium, 307.)

Rights of Workers

It promotes the interests of the workers in attaining better working conditions.

Worker’s Associations, Assembly and Unionism Importance of Unionism (Compendium, 307.)

Rights of Workers

It helps the worker develop a sense of loyalty to and identity with the enterprise

Worker’s Associations, Assembly and Unionism Importance of Unionism (Compendium, 307.)

Rights of Workers

It helps in the implementation of labor and social laws

Worker’s Associations, Assembly and Unionism Importance of Unionism (Compendium, 307.)

Rights of Workers

It enables the state by relieving it of many burdens that it has to attend to

Limitations of Unionism

Rights of Workers

Limited by the higher and more fundamental rights of religious, moral, and political freedom

Limitations of Unionism

Rights of Workers

Guard against abusing their strength in an exploitative manner by using force to impose conditions that are so burdensome for the overall economy and the entire community or society.

Limitations of Unionism

Rights of Workers

Policies of the union should not become the affair of an oligarchy within the union

Collective Bargaining

A mode of settling labor disputes and a just means of compromise between the employer and the laborers. It is always directed to some issues and conditions of employment that are over and above those mandated by law

Compendium, 309; U.S. Catholic Bishops, Economic Justice for All, 106.

Both the union and management negotiate a compromise on issues of wages and benefits on principle of parity of strength

It is unfair to expect unions to make concessions to the management if managers and shareholders do not make at least equal sacrifices

Right to Stage a Strike

Rights of Workers

There are instances, however, that despite the time and effort spent in dialogue, labor and management do not come to terms. In these circumstances, unions may tend to resort to more forceful measures to settle the issue through the strike.