Canada: Young Catholics called to work for social justice

Canadian bishops have called on young Catholics to participate in church activities working to build peace, eradicate poverty, illness, injustice, inequality, human rights violations, and environmental exploitation.

In light of the International Year of Youth proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations (2010-2011) and the recent World Youth Day that took place in Madrid, the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops call on young Catholics to commit themselves, in the name of their faith, to building a more just and joyful society.

The message also thanks and congratulates youth for their generosity and perseverance as they undertake this mission in various sectors of society, especially as the new school year begins.

"The Catholic Church shares all of humanity's common quest for peace and happiness, and supports the efforts of individuals and groups working to eradicate poverty, illness, injustice, inequality, human rights violations, and environmental exploitation," the message states. "This witness of solidarity flows from God's love for humanity as revealed to us in Jesus Christ."

The message includes brief testimonies from several young Catholics on why their faith in Jesus Christ has led to their engagement in social justice activities. The testimonies are from members of the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (commonly known simply as Development and Peace), the Canadian Catholic Students' Association, and Canadian Christian Outreach.

To read the full message see: www.cccb.ca/site/images/stories/pdf/Message_Social_Justice_ENG.pdf