This is the third a series of articles covering the origin and development of the Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission since its inception
HONG KONG (SE): “The work of the Justice and Peace Commission of the Diocese of Hong Kong has adopted different approaches in recent years as a consequence of social changes in Hong Kong. In the past, the focus was to some extent on the local democratic system, while over the past two years the focus has shifted to people’s livelihood, involving such issues as caring for low-income families with housing problems (for example, by publishing a booklet exploring subdivided flats), and carrying out new environmental projects to raise ecological awareness among the laity.” This was an overview offered by Father William Yip Hing-wah, who was appointed ecclesiastical adviser to the commission in January 2021.
In the various endeavours of the commission, Father Yip recognised the contribution of its staff to social concern and to the formation of the laity.
Father Yip emphasised that “environmental projects are the first step in showing our concern for integral human development, in response to the teaching of Pope Francis in his Encyclical, Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home, which advocates the need to restore the harmony between humankind and the environment.”
He added, “Environmental protection is surely a global trend, but the Catholic Church looks at it from the perspective of integral human development, bringing home to the global community that we human beings are stewards of the Earth and are supposed to take good care of it. Therefore, we must refrain from exploiting and abusing earthly resources. This vision of the pope shows that the definition of the Church’s work of justice and peace is broader today than ever before.”
No one is an outsider to the Kingdom of God, and even in the face of those who disagree with us, the Church community must be tolerant, treat others with love, keep the door to dialogue open and try to win over everyone for the Kingdom of God
In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, the commission stepped up its online formation activities, replacing physical gatherings with lively online programmes and talks in order to introduce the social teachings of the Church. Father Yip was pleased to see the large number of participants and considered those online activities worth supporting.
One of the aims of the commission over the years has been to contribute towards the building up of the Kingdom of God through social concern efforts.
Father Yip expects that the commission, to be renamed the Diocesan Commission for Integral Human Development at the end of the year, will be able to further motivate the faithful to care about the wellbeing of society and, at the same time, through love and dialogue, to play an active part in building up the Kingdom of God, which embraces all nations and people from all walks of life.
“No one is an outsider to the Kingdom of God, and even in the face of those who disagree with us, the Church community must be tolerant, treat others with love, keep the door to dialogue open and try to win over everyone for the Kingdom of God,” he said.
Father Yip said that the commission would continue working with other organisations in undertaking projects in aid of low-income families and those for the promotion of environmental protection. He emphasised that the concept of integral human development has relevance for all aspects of human nature and interpersonal relationships. This concept takes into account “the goodness and weaknesses of human nature, appreciating the merits of different people while pointing out their shortcomings, and inspiring us to hold discussions on public policies in a balanced manner. The commission shares such an open-minded stance and has therefore been able to cooperate with other groups in society and to exchange ideas with them.”
Father Yip further pointed out that promoting institutions and public policies that safeguard equity and social justice is one of the ways to build up the Kingdom of God. “A just and equitable social setting gives everyone an equal opportunity for personal development, so that those in need can receive proper care.” He commended the commission for its ongoing efforts in pursuing this goal.
However, Father Yip believes that at a time of social change in Hong Kong, and with the universal Church advocating integral human development in recent years and currently celebrating the 60th anniversary of Vatican II, it is time for the commission to review its past experiences and, in particular, to reflect on how it has engaged in social concern over the years.
We have peace because Jesus has chosen us and commissioned us. Whether our effort be a success or failure at the present moment, there will be a bright future for us in accordance with God’s providence
“The establishment of a diocesan body that specifically deals with issues of justice and peace is an initiative without precedent. The way in which the commission speaks out is inevitably influenced by other civic groups. But today should we still hold on to the commonly adopted approach of simply reviewing and analysing government policies and social trends? Should we not rather have a more comprehensive, faith-based approach in line with solid social teachings of the Church?” Father Yip asked.
He believes that the approach of integral human development is a better alternative. It is a biblically based approach for the uplifting of society, with the core message that God is Love.
Such an approach is not only related to institutional reforms, pursuing just and equitable policies as an expression of fraternal love at the social level. The approach of integral human development also allows love to find expression in the family, in the workplace, among young people and, of course, in the relationship between humankind and God, and in the relationship between humankind and environment.
Since its inception in 1977, one of the important tasks of the commission every year is to help the diocese to organise the Mass celebrating the World Day of Peace on January 1, the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, and to bring out the message of the pope on this occasion.
Although the road to peacemaking may seem arduous, Father Yip stressed that Christian faith assures us that peace is not unattainable, even in the midst of turmoil.
“When Jesus sent his disciples out to preach the gospel, he commanded them to wish peace to every house they visited, saying that if there was a peaceful person there, peace would rest on them; but if not, it would return to the disciples [Luke 10:6],” Father Yip said.
“We have peace because Jesus has chosen us and commissioned us. Whether our effort be a success or failure at the present moment, there will be a bright future for us in accordance with God’s providence,” he added.
