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| Rt. Rev. Joseph Anthony Zziwa |
The Bishop Chairman of AMECEA Justice and Peace, Rt. Rev. Joseph Anthony Zziwa has called upon National Coordinators of Justice and Peace within AMECEA Region together with others stakeholder to redouble their efforts in promoting Justice, Peace and Reconciliation in the society as a contribution to addressing the challenges facing the people.
Addressing the participants of AMECEA Justice and Peace Regional Conference held in Nairobi on 27th January, 2015, Bishop Zziwa said that AMECEA Region is facing many challenges which include bad governance, corruption, inequitable distribution of resources, armed conflicts, influx of refugees, reality of migration outside some of our countries, terrorism, drought, poverty and bad policies that marginalize the poor.
“These challenges call for the concerted efforts of each one of us to ensure our people are supported to live dignified lives and that justice is served to all,” the Bishop said.
Bishop Zziwa who is the ordinary of Kiyinda Mityana Diocese in Uganda said that the Justice and Peace Commission serves as an important department in the Bishops' Conferences because there is need for the Church, through the Justice and Peace Commission, to keep the government in check at all times and ensure that there is respect for the rule of law, good governance, democracy and respect for human rights as fundamental ingredients of a democratic society.
“It is only by upholding these principles that governments can ensure reduction in conflicts and guarantee a peaceful environment for the growth and prosperity of the society,” he said adding that “Left to their own devices, governments can be the greatest impediments to individual and national prosperity.”
The Bishop said that it is important to have the voice of the Church heard and also give input
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during policy making processes at all levels of governance. “The Church and government must embrace each other as important allies all working for the welfare of God's people. It is therefore necessary to cultivate close collaboration between the Church and government,” he added.
Bishop Zziwa however, cautioned that collaboration with government does not mean closing eyes when there are injustices against the people by the ruling class or bad governance, corruption and disregard for the rule of law.
“As has been said many times before, the Church is the conscience of the society and must not shy away from fulfilling its prophetic role. Justice and peace cannot be limited to one group, in this case the government,” he said adding that “The work for justice and peace should and must be the agenda for all of us in the society.”
He challenged the participants to speak out with courage against all forms of injustice. You must point out wrongs in the society without fear or favour and bring the leaders to account. “Also be ready to offer solutions,” he said.
At the same time the Bishop expressed his faith in the work of various Justice and Peace Commissions from AMECEA Countries, saying that the challenges the region is facing are not insurmountable and he believes that by working together, they can contribute in lessening the burden and giving hope to the less fortunate members in the society.
By AMECEA Online News Reporter