Peace through dialogue
contribution Walther Burgering
21 September 2016, 16.00 p.m. Stadhuisplein, Leiden
An experience.
In March of this year, in collaboration with former bishop Van Luyn, I was allowed to present a book entitled “The way of dialogue. Building bridges between church and society ”. It contains beautiful chapters about the many forms of dialogue in society between people and institutions that (want to) matter.
Van Luyn made me think again about the essence of dialogue. That is:
Ask the person in front of you what he / she means exactly, really listen and really try to understand what the other wants to say. Then present your own point of view, opinion or background and ask the other to listen with the same attitude. The following applies to both: not being right, more conversation than discussion ...
Understanding and Dialogue is what we need today when we talk about PEACE in our current society, our current world. Dialogue, supported by human dignity and the Common Interest.
In the contribution of Jan Gruijters of PAX he tells something about the encyclical Pacem in Terris: the 1e encyclical exclusively devoted to peace (1963, in connection with the Cuban Missile Crisis). Addressed to all people of good will† Pacem in terris is a call to focus on the collective and international interest. It presents four pillars for contributing to the promotion of world peace: truth, justice, love and freedom.
We read along ...
"Truth leads to peace when every human being in all sincerity recognizes not only his rights but also his duties to others
Justice leads to peace when everyone concretely recognizes the rights of others in everyday practice and accepts the dignity of every fellow human being
Love leads to peace when each one overcomes self-satisfaction and self-seeking and cares for the needs of others, is willing to serve, understand, reconcile, and share brotherly and sisterly.
Freedom leads to peace if people do not allow themselves to be guided in their choices and decisions by an exaggerated urge for freedom, but know themselves free for their fellow human beings, in an awareness of their own responsibility for others and for society. ”[1]
Peace connects.
Peace and justice have always been at the heart of the Church.
Peacemaking is a central task, but the challenges to peace have changed in character… At a time when there is growing disorder in the world… a world that is increasingly adrift. Also literally by people who are looking for their right to exist elsewhere than in their native country.
In a time with many conflict areas, complex situations, international involvement, globalized approach and responsibility, economic dominance and a business compass (less than before driven by morality) in governing. In such a time it remains important to strive for peace, both large and small.
The social doctrine of the Catholic Church, especially what it says about human dignity and the common good, can help address political rulers and judge political decisions, as well as fellow citizens.
Human dignity is universal and untouchable. Human dignity, solidarity and subsidiarity are the yardsticks for peace work. Against the social injustice and the violent dimensions of human life.
Protection and promotion of human dignity are non-negotiable, because they are essential, humane values (Van Luyn). Human dignity is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace.
The public interest may require compromise when it comes to tackling the problems of social injustice, political oppression, senseless violence, terrorism and conflict.
Refugees.
Peace is a task that everyone must fulfill. Peace connects.
At a time when fear of terror and war predominate and thousands of refugees are looking for a safe haven, the realization is growing that peace cannot be taken for granted. We must continue to commit ourselves to this. In Syria, Sudan, Venezuela, Colombia and Iraq, but also us here in our own society. Remain open to each other's differences and points of view. Building bridges and continuing to promote mutual peace. It takes a little courage, but above all the guts to really want to understand each other.
Van Luyn says in: The Way of Dialogue: “The task of peace building lies with all people. We cannot afford to be indifferent. We are called to be open to the world, to be touched, to have compassion and to act with courage. Only then can we, in the spirit of Pacem in Terris and the gospel, are peacemakers. ”
World map.
Peace we must give hands and feet. Four students from Panoplia now show on this world map how connected we are in our world .. China, Korea, Syria, Venezuela, Iraq, Iran, Australia, Columbia, Somalia… their hands and feet now literally bind these countries together.
[1] Quoted in Way of the Dialogue, p. 157.
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