The next General Conference, the sixth, will treat as its principal theme, the Economy and the Kingdom of God. The preparatory committee has sent round to all provinces a main study document and questions for reflection. We are asked to return our responses to Rome before 30th September.

We are asked to reflect on our own reality, that of neo-liberal capitalism, which drives our economy, and to respond to the following:

• what does it feel like to live in the most privileged part of the globe?
• what do our communities do to question/challenge the system which keeps so many people in poverty and destitution?
• how does your vow of poverty call in question your standard of living as well as issues such as: solidarity, detachment, option for the poor?
• what is being done in our province to challenge the neo-liberal economic system?
• what could you do to change things for yourself - the community - the Province - the Congregation - local, national and international politics?
• what groups should be supported to create a better society?
• do you have any other suggestions for the next General Conference on the economy and the kingdom of God?

1) There was little reaction to the document in the Province. Only one area group met to discuss the issue and no-one wrote any personal reflections or comments. 

2) Is it the case that this matter seemed to be beyond our competence or in some way irrelevant to us?

3) Is it that we are simply ignorant of socio-economic structures in the light of the social doctrine of Fr Dehon and the Church? Could it be that we do not want to look at how our spirituality and the Church's teaching might cause us to question or even challenge the way we live our SCJ lives?

4) There are many inequalities in our own society cause, among other things, by poor housing, unemployment and access to health care provision. As SCJs we are not the victims of this inequality, we have a very good standard of living which can cushion us, or even separate us, from a necessary attention to the reality of the poor in our midst.

5) As a Province we have always had excellent projects which answer specific local needs. These however do not necessarily cause us to question our lifestyle or inspire us to become involved in challenging the systems which create and maintain social inequality and injustice in our countries. Should they?

6) Does the invitation to make a preferential option for the poor have any meaning for us as a Province? Could we do more - could we stand alongside the poor - sharing directly in their plight? This would mean a radical step in a new direction - more specifically we would need to do more than pay lip-service to the concept. Can we respond positively to those people who wish to move forward? Can we overcome our instinct to preserve all our comforts and make some real sacrifices to witness to the continuing validity of our vow of poverty according to our charism and the teaching of the Church?

 

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