Putting people ahead of economic systems

Social justice news
September 2002

Churches issue call to stop the rush to war
Church calls for human dignity in sustainable development
Pax Christi USA calls for 'pledge of resistance' against attack on Iraq
Religious orders won't defrock abusive priests
USAID reports hunger stalks Palestinian children
U.S. women religious pass resolution for peace
VOTF meetings banned on church property

Church calls for human dignity in sustainable development
In a September 3 address to the World Summit on Sustainable Development, Archbishop Renato R. Martino, apostolic nuncio, reminded delegates that "the continued promotion of the centrality of the human being in the discussion of sustainable development is a core interest of the Holy See and the main reason of its presence at this important World Summit."

"It must be recognized," he continued, "that juridical, economic and technical measures are not sufficient to solve the problems that hamper sustainable development."

Referring to extreme poverty, the nuncio recalled that it continues to "plague too many of the world's people." In this sense, he said that there are too many people unemployed, many children, especially girls, who do not have the opportunity to receive an education, many adults, especially women, who are illiterate and many people who suffer from the effects of AIDS and malaria. "Extreme poverty is perhaps the most pervasive and paralyzing violation of human rights in our world."

"In the struggle to eradicate poverty, water plays a vital role, not only as pertains to health but also as an indispensable productive element. . . . Another high priority in sustainable development is rural development." The poor "often lack access to basic social services."

Archbishop Martino ended his speech by emphasizing that "in our interdependent and globalizing world," the spirit of "family" must be fostered to reach the goal of sustainable development.

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