The world's resources were meant for all to share equitably, so that each individual has a sufficient share. This means that “One of the fundamental tasks of those actively involved in international economic matters is to achieve for mankind an integral development in solidarity, that is to say, ‘it has to promote the good of every person and of the whole person’.” God gave the earth to the whole human race for the sustenance of all its members, without excluding or favouring anyone. (Centesimus Annus)

In this era of globalisation, this becomes particularly important as no man is an island and no country is unaffected by others or global trends.  Therefore to ensure that all ethnicities, genders, countries etc have sufficient resources “requires a vision of the economy that, on the international level, guarantees an equitable distribution of resources and that is responsive to awareness of the interdependence — economic, political and cultural — that today unites people definitively among themselves and makes them feel linked by a sole destiny”.

Social problems increasingly take on a global dimension. In our local news we have examples of this; for example the deportation from the United States back to the Caribbean, for various reasons, of persons born in the Caribbean but resident in the United States. This is a cause of concern in the region, but is as a result of the policies of another country.

Another real example is the revision of global trade policies which has resulted in the loss of preferential treatment of products from the region, mainly bananas and sugar. “No State can face these alone and find a solution.”

On a deeper level, this need for solidarity goes beyond simply ensuring that everyone has adequate financial and material resources, but also allows everyone to follow their own vocation, use their creativity and experience and be happy with their own unique gifts and individuality.

The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church reiterates this: “There is an ever wider awareness of the need for models of development that seek to take on the task not only of raising all peoples to the level currently enjoyed by the richest countries, but rather of building up a more decent life through united labour, of concretely enhancing every individual's dignity and creativity, as well as his capacity to respond tohis personal vocation, and thus to God's call”. 

Fulfilling God’s purpose is essential. 
A life devoted to things is a dead life, a stump; a God-shaped life is a flourishing tree. Proverbs 11: 28

The Compendium notes “A more human development in solidarity will also bring benefit to the richer countries themselves. In these countries one frequently observes a sort of existential confusion, an inability to live and to experience properly the meaning of life, even though surrounded by an abundance of material possessions.

A sense of alienation and loss of their own humanity has made people feel reduced to the role of cogs in the machinery of production and consumption and they find no way to affirm their own dignity as persons made in the image and likeness of God”.

In looking at the global picture regarding solidarity, it is clear that some countries have more than others; comparisons of the 2004 Gross Domestic Product between countries reveal this:

1. Norway - US$38,454
2. Japan - US$29,251
3. Trinidad and Tobago - US$12,182
4. Dominica  - US $5,643
5. Vietnam  - US$2,745
6. Burundi - US $677

Source Human Development Report 2006

However, within developed countries or countries with high national incomes, there still exists extreme poverty in parts of those countries.  “Rich countries have shown the ability to create material well-being, but often at the expense of man and the weaker social classes. One cannot ignore the fact that the frontiers of wealth and poverty intersect within societies themselves, whether developed or developing.

In fact, just as social inequalities — even to the point of lives of misery and poverty — exist in rich countries, so, in parallel fashion, in the less developed countries one often sees manifestations of selfishness and a flaunting of wealth which is as disconcerting as it is scandalous”. 

The reality of the world today is that those who possess much are relatively few and those who possess almost nothing are many.  This places considerable responsibility on us as Christians, at a household and family level, community level, national level, regional level and international level.

We must exhibit active commitment to our neighbour. When he/she is in need we cannot turn our backs, we are obligated to assist in whatever small way we can, even if it means get assistance from someone else. 

What is important to note is that solidarity takes us beyond our immediate family and the nation or state; it extends progressively to all humankind, since no one can consider himself extraneous or indifferent to the lot of another member of the human family.

We must make ourselves aware of the plight of other persons at an international level.  Pay attention to global events.  Although we may seem far removed from persons in terrible conditions worldwide, there are sometimes small ways we can show solidarity, for example boycotting products that utilise unfair labour practices, signing petitions etc. 

We can force leaders and international agencies through our voices that they need to give precedence to the plight of the disadvantaged; and when the disadvantaged is unable to lobby their causes, the Catholic community can assist in highlighting injustices in the society and the world. The technology now makes it so much easier. 

Next week we look at the topic “Need for more educational and cultural formation”.

Persons interested in purchasing the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, nay contact the Justice Desk, Archbishop’s House, 622-6680.