Why should faith promote justice?
A catholic response to national pursuit of accountability By Rev. Dr. Rashmi M.Fernando, S.J. Sri Lanka appears to be entering a decisive chapter in its ongoing investigations regarding the Easter Sunday bombings, in 2019, and other accountability issues. For decades, our nation has carried the heavy burden of unresolved wounds: corruption, enforced disappearances, political assassinations, […]
The investigation of the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka, along with other accountability issues, signifies a pivotal moment for the nation's pursuit of justice. For decades, the country has grappled with various forms of violence, corruption, and power abuses that have left deep scars on individuals, families, and communities, seeking closure and truth.
Despite citizens' hopes for new political administrations to pursue accountability, another familiar phenomenon has emerged. Those who fear accountability or perceive themselves or their political allies as threatened by investigations increasingly appeal to religion, particularly the Catholic Church, to argue that Christians should simply "forgive and forget."
However, this argument is incomplete and raises a fundamental question for Christians, especially Catholics: Does forgiveness require abandoning the pursuit of justice? If not, why? The Catholic tradition unequivocally asserts that forgiveness does not necessitate abandoning justice. In fact, authentic Christian faith calls for holding forgiveness and justice together.
According to Catholic Social Teaching, every human being possesses an inviolable dignity as created in the image and likeness of God. Any act of violence is not merely a violation of a rule; it is a violation of God's image and likeness, and, consequently, the dignity and nature of all humanity. This understanding forms the foundation of the Church's preferential option for the poor and vulnerable, who are often the most affected by injustice.
The Church cannot remain indifferent when victims are silenced due to their lack of political power. Silence can be a moral decision, and the Church must speak out for truth, dignity, responsibility, the common good, solidarity, and restoration. The promotion of justice is an absolute requirement of authentic faith. The Society of Jesus, for instance, emphasizes that the service of faith includes the promotion of justice as an essential requirement.
This principle is rooted in the conviction that the Church, like Christ, must move towards those pushed to the margins by society. Justice and forgiveness are not opposing forces but interconnected aspects of Christian faith, promoting reconciliation and addressing the needs of the oppressed.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
