Solidarity in the
service of humanity
43.
It happens more and more often that the leaders of Christian Communities join
together in taking a stand in the name of Christ on important problems
concerning man's calling and on freedom, justice, peace, and the future of the
world. In this way they "communicate" in one of the tasks which
constitutes the mission of Christians: that of reminding society of God's will
in a realistic manner, warning the authorities and their fellow-citizens
against taking steps which would lead to the trampling of human rights. It is
clear, as experience shows, that in some circumstances the united voice of
Christians has more impact than any one isolated voice.
Nor are the leaders of
Communities the only ones joined in the work for unity. Many Christians from
all Communities, by reason of their faith, are jointly involved in bold
projects aimed at changing the world by inculcating respect for the rights and
needs of everyone, especially the poor, the lowly and the defenceless. In my Encyclical
Letter Sollicitudo Rei
Socialis, I was pleased to note this cooperation,
stressing that the Catholic Church cannot fail to take part in these
efforts.72 In effect, Christians who once acted independently are now
engaged together in the service of this cause, so that God's mercy may triumph.
This way of thinking and
acting is already that of the Gospel. Hence, reaffirming what I wrote in my
first Encyclical Letter Redemptor Hominis, I have had occasion "to insist on this
point and to encourage every effort made in this direction, at all levels where
we meet our other brother Christians".73 I have thanked God
"for what he has already accomplished in the other Churches and Ecclesial
Communities and through them", as well as through the Catholic
Church.74 Today I see with satisfaction that the already vast network
of ecumenical cooperation is constantly growing. Thanks also to the influence
of the World Council of Churches, much is being accomplished in this field.
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