April 13, 2004 - Church in Americas Urged to Counter Negative in Globalization

On March 30, 2004, in Mexico City, Cardinal Renato Martino, President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace at the Vatican, called the Church in the Americas "to collaborate with the legitimate means to reduce the negative effects of globalization."

Among the negative effects of globalization are the "dominion of the stronger over the weaker, especially in the economic realm, and the loss of the values of local cultures in favor of a misunderstood homogenization."

The Church must "promote a greater integration among nations, contributing to the creation of a truly globalized culture of solidarity,"

In the context of his pastoral visit to Mexico, the Cardinal was speaking on the topic of the Church's commitment to the poor in a globalized world. He referred to the biblical foundations of the Church's preferential option for the poor. Such an option, never exclusive or discriminatory in regard to other groups, "tends to do everything possible so that entire peoples, who are excluded or marginalized, may enter the circle of economic and human development," Cardinal Martino said.

He also said that it is necessary "to change lifestyles, models of production and consumption, and consolidated power structures that rule societies today."

Highlighting the contribution of the Church's social doctrine in the solution of the problems of the globalized economy, Cardinal Martino pointed out that its moral view on this matter "is based on the three cornerstones of human dignity, solidarity and subsidiarity."

Source: Zenit News Agency

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Discussion Questions
Why does the Church promote an Option For the Poor? If we are concerned about following our Faith's direction to be concerned about those in poverty, what are we directed to change? Why is this kind of change more difficult than giving alms to the poor? How can we help each other in responding to the Church's challenge to be a part of those working to counteract the negative forces of globalization?

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Prayer
Christ, who showed great compassion to the poor,
give us compassion toward those in poverty.
Your wish is for all of your children to live with dignity,
with adequate food, shelter, health care and education.
Help us take up your work as a global community of faith
and guide us as we seek just solutions to the poverty in our midst.
Amen.