Editorial
The development of peoples
By Kathy VanLoon
September/October 2007
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This year marks the 40th anniversary of Pope Paul VI's encyclical, Populorum Progressio (The Development of Peoples), issued in response to the reality of those "who are trying to escape the ravages of hunger, poverty, endemic disease and ignorance." The Pope called for an "authentic development" that promotes the good of every person; a development that is "for each and all the transition from less human conditions to those which are more human."
The encyclical also referred to the Church's Commission for Justice and Peace, formed that year to "further the progress of poorer nations and international social justice, as well as help less developed nations to contribute to their own development." Many Catholic international development agencies, including Canada's Development and Peace, were inspired in their work and purpose by this encyclical.
Pope John Paul II reinforced "Populorum Progressio" when he wrote in his 1987 World Day of Peace message that "the integral development of people is the goal and measure of all development projects." People must be "active agents, not passive recipients, in any true development process," he said.
The people you will read about in this edition of Scarboro Missions magazine are attempting to live this type of development. Their stories speak about participation, solidarity and partnership; self-determination and self-reliance; protection of rights; building on assets; the need for stewardship of land and respect for customs and traditions; empowerment and the liberation of women.
In mountain villages of Ecuador, in an impoverished settlement of Nairobi, in a Malawi prison, among the Subanon people of Mindanao, Philippines, and the hill tribes in northern Thailand, people are coming together in an effort to improve their lives and the lives of their communities. They are becoming organized, uniting and gaining strength. They are recognizing their potential to identify and participate in their own development. And many individuals and organizations both locally and internationally are joining in solidarity, supporting the people.s efforts, inspired by their determination to succeed.
"Humanity is advancing along the path of history like the waves of a rising tide encroaching gradually on the shore." When he wrote these poetic words in Populorum Progressio 40 years ago, could Pope Paul VI have foreseen such growing international cooperation, particularly at the grassroots?
And to those of us who wish to take part but are skeptical, it may be says Pope Paul, that we "have not perceived the dynamism of a world that wants to live more fraternally – a world which, in spite of its ignorance, its mistakes and even its sins...is taking slow but sure steps towards its Creator."
DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE celebrates 40 years
Established by the Canadian bishops in 1967, for 40 years DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE (D&P) has worked directly with organizations made up of or representing the poor and marginalized in the Global South. In those 40 years, D&P has provided $500 million to 15,000 projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America. They are presently active with 200 partners in 28 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In Canada, they are a democratic movement for international solidarity, educating the public about the root causes of poverty and mobilizing social action for change, with 13,000 members nationally. DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE is the official international development organization of the Catholic Church in Canada.
Many local events are being held nationally to celebrate D&P.s 40th anniversary. Please contact D&P groups and animators in your region or call 416-922-1592 (Toll-free: 1-800-494-1401) for details. A list of local events will also be posted at: www.devp.org
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