Outreach
peace and justice commission
Mission Statement
Rooted in Christ, the Commission advises and collaborates with the Bishop of Arlington in promoting evangelization, formation and advocacy in the Diocese for true justice and peace by fostering resolute dedication to the sanctity of life and the dignity of every human person, as expounded by the principles of Catholic social teaching.
Preamble
Peace and Justice are fruits of authentic Gospel living. Therefore, to promote peace and justice, we should promote authentic Gospel living. Peace and Justice are inseparable from genuine spirituality. Therefore, genuine spirituality must not be a mere component of peace and justice, but its core and source. True prayer bears fruit, peace and justice.
There is one true love, which is God. Responding to the love of God is the one human act from which all goodness flows. Because God's image exists in each human person, true love for the human person is inseparable from true love of God. In fact, one is only capable of truly loving another person to the extent that he first truly loves God. This is why Christ referred to "love of God" and "love of neighbor" two inextricably connected commandments.
The seeking of peace or justice should be rooted in love of Christ to be effective. Seeking of peace or justice, which is rooted in Christ, will bring peace and justice for all, because it will be universal in scope. Apart from the full truth of Christ, one man's "justice" is an injustice to someone else. One person's "peace" causes hardship to another.
"Peace is the tranquility of order," wrote St. Augustine , based on Plato's Republic. The truth of this statement is self-evident. Therefore, true peace is based on true order. When God is sought above all else in the world, priorities will be ordered, and there will be peace and justice. The peace and justice commission should find its mission and identity within the context of prayer, both liturgical and personal.
The Church's teaching on peace and justice is ordered towards respect and responsibility towards all creation. A profound respect for the dignity of the human person is the basis for all charitable works, all pro-life efforts, and all economic and social teaching. A person is not a means to an end, but a fundamental good towards which the only authentic disposition is one of love and service.
Therefore the peace and justice commission, if it is to be effective, should be rooted in the promotion of authentic spirituality and respect for human dignity which is its fruit.