A3.4 Social Harmony

A. Teachings on the role of men and women.

The Bible was written when men were considered more important than women.  There are however examples of when Jesus demonstrated that he considered men and women to be equal.  For example John 4 shows Jesus talking to the Samaritan women.  Women were the first people Jesus appeared to after the resurrection.

Catholic teaching on the role of men and women

The Catholic Church teaches that men and women should have equal roles in life.  Genesis 1:27 teaches that men and women have equal status in the eyes of God. 

Different attitudes to the role of women in ministry

The Catholic Church teaches that women can fulfil every role in the church with the exception of Deacon, Priest and Bishop.   Women can teach in seminaries, can teach people being prepared for Confirmation, and be Eucharistic ministers.  The church teaches that women cannot be priests because Jesus chose men to be his apostles and the apostles carried on this tradition. 

Some Church of England members left the church when women were allowed to become Priests.  They became Roman Catholics.  In some strict Protestant churches the teaching of Paul in 1 Timothy is followed and women are expected to be quiet in church.

B. The UK as a Multi-ethnic society

In the nineteenth century the UK built up an overseas empire.  In exchange for being ruled by Britain� people from other countries were allowed to set up home here.   After the Second World War many workers were brought in from different countries to make up for the shortage in workers.

Catholic teaching on racial harmony

The New Testament teaches against racism.  The ultimate source for Christian teaching on social harmony is the Good Samaritan.  In this Jesus showed that races who hated each other needed to live together   He taught that you should love your neighbour as you love yourself.  (Luke 10:25 � 37).    The church is dedicated to fighting racism.

C. The UK as a multi-faith society

When people immigrated to this country after world war two they brought with them many different faiths although the UK has always been a multi faith society. 

The Catholic Church and other religions

The church teaches that people should be allowed to worship whatever faith they wish.  But is also believes that Christianity is the only religion with the complete truth and all Christians have a responsibility to preach their faith to others.      Many different groups work towards great unity.  These groups are The Council of churches for Britain and Ireland, which encourages Christian churches to work together.  The Inter Faith Network represents all the major faiths in the UK. 

D. War, Peace and issues of injustice.

When any conflict is looked at it is possible to see issues of injustice for example the recent situation in Afghanistan.    Injustice includes not giving equal rights to everyone, not sharing wealth, not respecting a countries boarders and not respecting democratically made decisions.

Just War theory

Catholics may fight a war if the following conditions are met.  The are laid down by St. Thomas Aquinas.

         The cause of the war is just.

         The authority of a government or the United Nations is fighting the work.

         It is done with the intention of restoring piece.

         It is the last resort all other non-violent methods have been tried and failed.

         There is a reasonable chance of success.

         The methods avoid killing innocent civilians.

         The methods used are in proportion to the cause.

Pacifism

Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount that we should turn the other cheek and therefore many Christians believe that war is never justified.   People who believe fighting is always wrong are called pacifists.    In the event of war they would be conscientious objectors that is they would refuse to fight.