Asia Pacific Catholic Social Teachings
Catholic Social Teaching in Asia Pacific Catholic Social Teaching principles may take root in and be expressed through every culture. Each particular experience can enhance humanity’s understanding both of reality, and of God’s call through it. By examining the local and particular, universal Catholic Social Teaching principles may be recognized and understood more deeply. Local Bishops share with the Popes in the task of teaching on issues of social justice. The international and local teachings inform one another. This website holds up the experiences of the people of the Asia Pacific region by making Asia Pacific Catholic Social Teaching more widely known. Find Asia Pacific Catholic Social Teachings
Don’t Give up Hope
In a statement of protest at the reinterpretation of Japan’s Peace Constitution, the Catholic Bishops of Japan plead with their Prime Minister not to give up hope of settling disputes through dialogue and negotiation. The full statement is available here. Can you think of any war that actually brought about lasting peace? Dialogue and negotiation are often needed to end wars. What elements do you think promote successful dialogue and negotiation?
War is a Mistake
How many wars are raging in the world right now? How do you think it is that so many human beings, groups and nations come to make this mistake so often?
Wars Threaten Peaceful Coexistence
In a statement for the annual observation of 10 Days for Peace, the Japanese Catholic Bishops say that peaceful coexistence cannot be protected by wars. Read the full statement here. Which situations in the world do you think the Japanese Bishops were thinking of when they said this? Where do you see these dynamics in your own country or region? In your own personal life, have you ever tried to achieve your own peace and security by victimising others? What was the outcome?
Abolish Nuclear Plants
In 2011 the Catholic Bishops Conference of Japan called for nuclear plants to be abolished. Read why here.