There have been major developments in the spirituality, theology and teaching of the Churches on social issues during the past generation. This book is an attempt to meet the need for a general introduction to the topic of justice-and-peace as it has emerged for the Christian Churches in recent years. The emphasis is on the role that can be played by the institutional Church in responding to social justice issues.
Beginning with a general account of the major issues of social justice which confront the Christian today, the author then summarizes what the Churches have to say about these issues. After exploring various ways in which Christians and the Churches can commit themselves to the promotion of justice in society, the author examines the crucial contribution which can be made by the Churches to the search for alternatives, that is towards the building pf a society and a world that is more just, more respectful of the earth, more sustainable and more participative.
He then discusses what is involved in the Church itself becoming more just. The key issue here is that the Church has power of various kinds and so it is necessary to examine how this power is to be used in ways that are truly just. The question of 'formation' and the training for various kinds of special ministry in the
Church is examined, and ways are explored in which commitment to the transformation of society and practical experience of community-building may be integrated with other aspects of formation.