Following the establishment of the Dicastery for the Service of Integral Human Development (cf. Motu Proprio "Humanam Progressionem" of 17 August 2016), the need has emerged for a dialogue with ecclesial bodies working for justice and peace, especially in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, in the light of the Encyclicals Laudato Si' and Fratelli tutti. This initiative aims to
- take stock of the new situation;
- identify the current challenges facing the Justice and Peace Commissions;
- re-launch the collaboration between them and the Dicastery;
- encourage the creation of a network of these Commissions, also through the exchange of experiences and good practices.
The online event will bring together representatives of the national and regional Justice and Peace Commissions of Episcopal Conferences and experts who will help participants to identify the challenges facing the Commissions today. This will allow the different national and regional priorities to come into focus.
The days of the world meeting of the Justice and Peace Commissions will be the morning of Wednesday, 17 November 2021, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Europe, Oceania, Africa and Asia; and the afternoon of Thursday, 18 November 2021, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., for Latin America and the Caribbean, Canada and the United States.
It is expected to have approximately 2 to 3 participants from each Justice and Peace Commission (national and regional). A specific link will allow the Justice and Peace Commissions to follow the meeting on the day they are not involved as a continent.
Representatives of the Justice and Peace Commissions, those of the Commissions for Integral Human Development, as well as those of the Social Pastoral Care will participate in the meeting. In addition, delegates from the Justice and Peace Commissions of the International Union of Superiors General and the regional coordination of Caritas will also be invited.
Simultaneous translation will be provided into French, English, Italian and Spanish.