Economic Justice

As far as possible we intend to share our life with others, and to use our possessions for the relief of suffering and for the increase of justice and peace in the world. Passionist Constitutions #13

The Passionist JPIC Office supports the Catholic social tradition pursuing Economic Justice. This principle has been developed since Pope Leo XIII wrote the first social Encyclical Rerum Novarum in 1891. Catholic Social Teaching has continued to expand this teaching with other Papal encyclicals, as well as the United States Bishops 1986 letter Economic Justice for All. Most recently Pope Benedict XVI added to this body with his social encyclical Caritas in Veritate.

The basic principle of economic justice reminds us that the economy is not self serving and that it has a positive function only insofar as it can serve the human community. For this to happen economic activity must be guided by other principles beyond accumulation of wealth and commercial activity. For the economy to be just it must also be guided by a pursuit for the common good and authentic human development which expresses a true sense of global solidarity.

Fair Trade

The Passionist JPIC works with other faith based organizations to help promote global economic justice though the promotion of fair trade opportunities. We have signed on to Interfaith statement on International Trade and Investments.

We also support NETWORK in advocating on issues of promoting fair trade and economic justice.

Debt

The Passionist JPIC office also supports Jubilee USA in its efforts to cancel odious debts that have crippled the ability of developing nations to offer much needed basic services to their own citizens.