The impact of social injustice on the promotion of peace in Buhimba Parish Mbarara Archdiocese, in light of Pacem in terris

Abstract

The doctrines of the Catholic Church presuppose that each person is treated as a subject and not as an object for manipulation or exploitation. This demands that people be animated by God’s selfless and sacrificial love, and such love makes people have great concern for others’ needs and compels them to service thus feeling the needs of others as their own, and induce them to share their goods with others. On the contrary, this is not yet fully realized in Buhimba Parish area, instead several social injustices like; corruption, discrimination favoritism, abortion, sexual harassment, land theft, child labor, violence, mob- justice, tribalism, unfair distribution of jobs and benefits among others are the order of the day. Such injustices hinder the promotion of peace and justice. These injustices are a byproduct of a systematic lack of access to resources, lack of affordable health care, unequal pay for equal work, lack of access to job market, and integration opportunities for convicted persons upon release, lack of trust and social isolation plus institutions not accessible to disabled persons. Factors like disrespect of human right and duties, poverty, poor leadership skills, syncretism, cultural diversity, selfish attitudes, tribalism, nepotism, lack of patriotism, dictatorship, ethical difference, illiteracy and favoritism are responsible for such injustices. In such a social structure the Christians are indeed struggling to respond to the exhortation, “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed, take up the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow” (Is.1:17). As a means of reducing social injustice, campaigns for promotion of social justice are put forward through proper pastoral approach, integral and holistic education, on-going catechesis, evangelization, proper child upbringing, public debates on justice and human rights along the use of the media to sensitize the community about their rights and duties. The above endeavors are in line with Pacem in terris, no.167, whereby Pope John XXIII asserted that peace will only remain an empty-sounding word unless it is based on the order founded on truth, justice and charity. Therefore, the Pope encourages promotion and respect of human rights, proper relations and mutual trust between the authority and the people for the promotion of peace, justice and the common good especially for the vulnerable. Research findings and conclusion exhort leaders of the Catholic Church in the area of study and elsewhere to adhere to the Pope’s message about the promotion of peace and justice.