This new edition of INFOR gives a voice to the men and women who take action across the world. They oppose an inevitable destiny of poverty, injustice and hate. They resist, lead projects and build the world that WMCW longs for. They demonstrate that human rights are not restricted by geographical boundaries and that any action, no matter where it may take place, can drive humanity forward.
In Pakistan, the movement (here you will find the presentation) has stood up and demanded that those who ordered the burning alive of two Christians for blasphemy be found and brought to justice. In Egypt, the Sabah of Cairo has announced his confidence in a better world despite all the obstacles in the way. In South America, there has been a revival with renewed coordination efforts.
The MTC in Brazil has organised training to champion a united economy. It has spoken about Dilma Rousseff’s story during the dictatorship. In Central America, an international congress bringing together Spain’s HOAC, the Guatemalan movement and other civil society organisations gave the opportunity to debate the issues of unemployment, exploitation and slavery.
In France, particularly in Calais, Christian members of the Action Catholique Ouvrière and other associations have been taking care of the immigrants and calling for the government to assume its responsibility. In Bordeaux, the ACO supports clinic workers who are fighting for their salaries.
Finally, an initiative has been undertaken by Pope Francis and the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace which has given a lot of people hope. It has brought WMCW members into contact with other working-class associations, and aims to reflect on their visions to better understand the root causes of increasing inequality and exclusion throughout the world.
All these projects and initiatives (and many others) may not make the daily headlines but show that WMCW is dynamic and works in collaboration with other associations in the areas that Pope Francis has talked about. The WMCW pays homage to recently deceased members Justin, Eric and Genoveva: They remain symbols for us. The WMCW continues to write the big book of life through its members. It takes its example from Jesus Christ who came to share his life in its totality, including his suffering and death. This editorial written a few days before Christmas invites us to look towards this “God with us”. This new world that we wish for has a name: the Kingdom. It is described in the words of the Prophet Isaiah, as told by Jesus at the beginning of his mission “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free”, Luke 4:18.
At a time of celebration for Christmas and the start of a new year, we do not stop. We continue to create new projects and be creators of this new world which is currently being built. The God in which we believe has united us for this transformation and he counts on us. It is up to us to build a just, fraternal and sustainable world.
Guy Boudaud
Chaplain of the WMCW
