The annual meeting of leaders in the social and ecological justice sector was held in Rome between 25 and 30 June. The meeting was an opportunity for the six social delegates from each of the six conferences across the world and the four leaders of the Global Ignatian Advocacy Networks (Ecology, Justice in Mining, Migrants and Refugees, Right to Education) to meet with the Social Justice and Ecology Secretariat Director and staff and the secretariat’s Advisory Council.
I was struck by the strong sense of companionship amongst the group. This was a highlight of the meeting for me and was all the more significant given that our operating contexts are so different. I valued the opportunity to learn more about the various situations each participant was facing, and the particular challenges and responses being developed to address them. But, significantly, what stood out was that regardless of location, we shared much in common in our approach. This includes our desire to accompany people and communities in their quest to thrive, attending to people’s deepest desires, undertaking social analysis and finding solutions to problems, and being prepared to advocate for change. This shared approach underlines the reality that we are one body with a universal mission of reconciliation and justice.
The meeting was characterised by the features that are present in our daily practice and in our organisations–prayer and reflection, conversation, informed input, discernment, and time to get to know each other and enjoy our time together.
Julie Edwards, JCAP Secretary for Social Ministries, presents to Social Justice and Ecology regional delegates and network leaders from around the world about challenges and opportunities in Asia Pacific. Sue Martin, JCAP Reconciliation with Creation Assistant Coordinator (pictured right) moderates the second day of the meeting.
Once again, it was brought home to me that the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific is the most diverse conference– including economically, politically, culturally, and religiously. This presents challenges; even the numerous languages spoken in our region can be a barrier to our working collaboratively. But our situation in JCAP is also quite extraordinary – it gives us a ready-made opportunity to extend beyond each of our individual situations, to form authentic relationships as a basis for practical partnerships and active participation in networks that work for the common good. Our Conference invites us each day to practise peace-building, hospitality to each other, and being good neighbours. If we practise this in our own context, and learn what is required to make it work, we can then share what we’ve learnt with others beyond our region, contributing to global efforts for peace.
I left the meeting with a few questions: will we do it? Will we contribute to this shared effort if it means we have to renew ourselves and our institutions? if it means letting go of some of our familiar practices and ways of being if they no longer serve the mission? Can we be “indifferent” and have the inner freedom required to change in order to more fully love and serve? This is the challenge each of us must face and respond to. I believe how we answer these questions matters – to our region, to our world, and also to the health and vibrancy of the Society of Jesus.
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