Politics Archives - Single humanity

Unity of Humankind to be the Heart of International Relations

11/01/2017 by Evans Chama Leave a Comment

Although international relations are inevitable in today’s globalised world, nevertheless, some people are still ambivalent about them, owing especially to the unfair dealing between nations. What does the church say about the foundation, benefits and the challenges of the international relations?

Unity of humanity in the Bible

In the Old Testament the church infers the foundation of the unity of the human family from the creation accounts. All human beings share the image and likeness of God, the Lord of the universe. This universal brotherhood is further implied in God’s covenant with Abraham the father of nations. Against the tendency to wrap upon herself to the exclusion of others, prophets constantly reminded Israel of her vocation as a means of gathering all peoples in one house of God (cf. Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church 430).

The universal brotherhood becomes more explicit in the New Testament where Christ, by his arms widespread on the cross, he embraces and gathers into one all peoples, for “…all the barriers of enmity have already been torn down (cf. Eph 2:12-1) so that for those who live a new life in Christ, racial and cultural differences are no longer causes of division (cf. Gal 3:26-28).

Further, by the Pentecost experience “…the church fulfils her mission of restoring and bearing witness to the unity lost at Babel….the human family is called to rediscover its unity and recognise the richness of its differences, in order to attain ‘full unity in Christ’” (CSDC 431). Precisely, the Christian message is an appeal to all people towards a unity of human family saved in Christ.

International relations as human need

Therefore, the political, economic, social organisations are but only the external manifestations of the inner need to cooperate, thanks to the awareness that they are living members of the whole human family (cf. John XXIII, Pacem in Terris, 1963). However, if these international relations are to create a true spirit of family they have to be founded and guided by certain values and attitudes.

That fundamental value is “The centrality of the human person and the natural inclination of persons and peoples to establish relationships among themselves….” (CSDC 433), to build a reasonable human international community committed to the pursuit and ensuring common good. This necessitates some organisation.

For ordered and peaceful existence, the church favours the presence of the “universal public authority acknowledged as such by all and endowed with effective power to safeguard on the behalf of the all, security, regard for justice and respect for rights” (CSDC 441). As John Paul II remarks in his Message for World Day of Peace of 2003, this has to be created by mutual agreement between states, not an imposition or “global super-state.” International organisation should be motivated by interest among nations to honestly cooperate with others in order to guarantee, mutually, the right to development.

Inequality in international relations

Nevertheless, the Church regrets some behaviours, attitudes and structures that systematically favour development of others and keep others down. That is why she affirms that the war against under-development needs a determination in breaking the structures of sin that permeate the economic, financial, social and political mechanism. “Development is not only an aspiration but a right that, like very right, implies a duty” (CSDC 446).

In his Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, 32, 1988 John Paul II says: “Collaboration in the development of the whole person and of every human being is in fact a duty of all towards all….” rooted in the shared origin and destiny of human family, equality between persons and nations, the centrality of the human person who is the destination of earthly goods and the solidarity that should characterise a human society.

The church encourages the underdeveloped countries to avoid remaining stagnant by collaborating and accessing international market. Further, she advices those who control the market: “The spirit of international cooperation requires that, beyond the strict market mentality, there should be an awareness of the duty to solidarity, justice and universal charity” (CSDC 448).

Human person at the centre of international relations

Evidently, international relations are typical of human interaction willed by God for united human family. To achieve international relations that express really the universal brotherhood every person and every nation is called to be truly committed for the good of the other, otherwise, international relations become a stage for competition, search for self-interest, and at worst, a tool of oppression.

A Ghanaian Ashanti proverb goes: “The ruin of a nation begins in the home of its people.” This is true also for international relations. Their quality begins in family, in school, in work places, between ethnic groups. Indeed, it is the quality of interactions between persons that gives form to international relations.

As for Franklin D. Roosevelt here is his option: “In the field of world policy I would dedicate this nation to the policy of the good neighbour.” I find this useful also for self-introspection: what is my policy in my personal interaction with others?

What’s the mission of Political Authority?

27/11/2016 by Evans Chama Leave a Comment

Political authority ought to ensure the respect for human dignity and values

To some people politics is absolutely secular and ungodly. Is it? Would Political authority be sensibly divorced from God, who created the human person to live in society at whose service it is? Or do we choose to ignore the conscious of divine in the exercise of political authority evident not only among Israelites but also in traditional societies?

Political authority among Israelites

Israel was under a system of rule called theocracy –the rule of God –though mediated by a human person who acted as God’s representative. And in the New Testament, Jesus acknowledges the need to be loyal to earthly rulers but cautions against passing the temporal authorities for God. In fact, the exhortation “Give to God what belongs to God and to Caesar what belongs to Caesar” precisely calls for recognising God as supreme authority. Similarly, St Paul exhorts Christians to be obedient to the authority and to pray for them.

Political authority at the service of human person

However, the political community has to bear in mind, as affirmed in Gaudium et Spes, that the human person is the foundation and purpose of political life (GS 25), hence, its role is to organise and ensure unity among people. And Pope Pius XII, in his Christmas radio message of 1944, gives an interesting detail: “A people does not mean a shapeless multitude, an inert mass to be manipulated and exploited…” but a people that is able to form and express its own opinion on public matters.

For ordered community life and protection of common good

Hence, the foundation of Political authority lies in that living with others demands some authority to direct all people towards the common good. “Political authority must guarantee an ordered and upright community life without usurping the free activity of individuals and groups but disciplining and orienting this freedom by respecting and defending the independence of the individual and social subject, for the attainment of the common good” (Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church 394). When the political authority leads the society to aspirations that are morally good people must obey it. And God is the ultimate source and end of such moral order since authority is not a power determined by criterion of a solely sociological or historical nature (cf. CSDC 396).

For safeguarding human and moral values

The political authority must safeguard the fundamental human and moral values that flow from the very dignity of the human person. These values “no individual, no majority and no state can ever create, modify or destroy” (John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae 71). Thus, arbitrary fiddling with such basic human moral laws, risks wrecking the entire society to its foundation. So, the political authority has the obligation to enact laws that conform to the dignity of the human person; and a law is truly human to the extent that it measures up to God’s will. Consequently, when the political authority makes laws against the human dignity it defeats its own purpose of existing and renders itself illegitimate.

Human person is not a toy of political authority

In such case, people have the right to conscientious objection since “Citizens are not obligated in conscience to follow the prescriptions of civil authorities if their precepts are contrary to the demands of the normal order, to the fundamental rights of person or to the teachings of the Gospel” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2242). People are free to boycott laws that are contrary to the precepts of God, not just as a moral duty but also a right that civil law should recognise and protect. This is why the church values the democratic system that allows people participation in the affairs of their society, free expression and passing of information. This demands a truly independent media and not mere tool for government propaganda.

Besides, the political community must leave the civil society from any manipulation, especially of hijacking persons whereby even access to jobs and services is conditioned by embracing such ideology or belonging to a party in power (cf. CSDC 47). The people should retain “the prerogatives to assert this sovereignty in evaluating the work of those charged with governing and also in replacing them when they do not fulfil their functions satisfactorily…” (CSDC 395). Nevertheless, the elected leaders need enough freedom to do their job.

True Democracy as consensus on human values

However, democracy should never be reduced to majority whims, rather, there should be consensus on the values such as dignity of human person and democracy should be at the service of those values. “A democracy without values easily turns into open or thinly disguised totalitarianism. Democracy is fundamentally a system and as such is a means not and end. Its moral value is not automatic, but depends on conformity to the moral law to which, it, like every other form of human behaviour, must be subject…” (CSDC 407).

Therefore, the vocation of the political community is to lead the human persons in society towards realising their aspirations that are truly human. However, its authority is not ultimate for it owes obedience and submission to God.

As Benedict XVI, then Cardinal Ratzinger, rightly put it “….the state must receive from outside itself the essential measure of knowledge and truth with regard to that which is good.”

Repression and genocidal dynamics in Burundi, Act before it’s too late!

21/11/2016 by Evans Chama Leave a Comment

Certainly Burundi is a tiny country, barely visible on the map of Africa. For some people, a magnifying glass will be necessary to trace it. Yet, in this small country live human beings who are like you and me.

But remember, indifference can do a lot of damage

Unfortunately, the repression and massacre going in this country seems to be greeted with a kind of indifference that seems to be saying “we are used to do that.” I say so because persons are being killed everyday and the world is just watching. Don’t we ever learn? Is our memory so short that we forget what happened just metres away from Burundi where an unimaginable barbaric action took place before the indifferent world? Certainly, you don’t want to see another scenario of the kind. And this is the time for you and me to act.

If only for once, you and I can act before it is too late;

we could save thousands of lives in Burundi!

FIDH and its Burundian member organisation, the ITEKA League, have just published a new report on Burundi. This 200-page document is the result of 18 months of investigation and analysis. It shows how far President Nkurunziza’s government has advanced in its criminal actions to hold on to power by any means possible.

The situation in Burundi is extremely serious. Crimes against humanity are presently being committed and there is a real risk of genocide. Since April 2015, those opposing the government have been hunted down, killed, tortured, raped, or made to disappear, often in centres for secret torture.

Burundi – a small, little-known African country – needs us.

We appeal to your humanity…

Sign our petition to persuade the U.N. and the African Union to send the Blue Helmet peacekeepers to Burundi in order to stop the ongoing crimes and avoid genocide. SIGN THE PETITION

Please, read this and Act for Congo!

01/11/2016 by Evans Chama Leave a Comment

Doesn’t this woman from the Congo have the right to smile, like you?

Enough of the massacre of innocent persons in Bunia! Enough of getting rich on the backs of poor people, often condemned to live in misery. Let’s not be partners to this violence against humanity. Together we act for Congo, let’s act for humanity. All we ask you for now is just read this and act.

On stage for Congo

Yes, if the killing continues in Congo, if people continue living in misery it’s because those who benefit from this machine of inhumanity are working round the clock. The stage is left to the greedy for money who go even as far as shedding blood. There’s something to learn here.

Congolese children in the mine. Do you ever think of the inhumanity hidden in your beautiful phone?

If we want to see a Congo of peace and of prosperity for all –we need to act, especially claiming the platform. We need to get to work otherwise the whole thing remains only wishful thinking. But I know, you and I are inhabited by something, for humanity, much stronger than just a passing feeling. We want change for the Congo.

But a better Congo demands us to pull up our sleeves and act like those who drain it. They are not idle. They don’t miss any opportunity when there’s something to gain. You would say they are good scouts, ever ready to swing in action. That’s what you and I should be doing in order to counter this culture of death and impunity.

Just do something!

Displaced Congolese children. When shall we ever tamper our greed and leave Congolese to live in dignity?

No matter how insignificant an action may appear, let’s just get to work. We begin with an action as simple as just reading about Congo. If not, how shall we pass to action if we are not informed? How shall we be motivated to act if we don’t take interest to know what’s happening? So, while reading may seem to some people as mere pastime, for us, in fact, that may just be an indispensable step. Indeed, we take time to read because we care.

We act for Congo like lichens

From reading, we may be required to pass to just another apparently banal exercise, just appending a signature. What is that going to change for the Congolese? By adding your signature you join hands with those of others for the same cause. You know, there is strength in unity. We have abundant examples of that.

Isn’t it amazing to see gigantic rocks, from simple fissure to splitting completely? There are many factors at play but certainly no hammers. Among the important agents of fissure in impenetrable rocks are lichens, simple fungi of no substance. Yet, they end up sending rocks crumbling. Perhaps your signature is more than lichen. It may be just an occasion for a breakthrough in Congo.

We don’t go alone, we collaborate

If we keep silent, it’s like we align ourselves with those draining the Congo and breaking the human spirit of the Congolese people. We become part of the problem. Of course, you and I want to be part of the solution. That’s why we have come so far reading this post. We want to act for better Congo. I encourage you to read quickly for we will need to pass soon to action now.

Before that, you will first read the campaign letter addressed to Ambassador Susan Rice. Who is she?

“Susan Rice is the President’s National Security Adviser in the United States of America. She oversees the National Security Council Staff, chairs the Cabinet level National Security Principals Committee, provides the President’s daily national security briefing, and is responsible for the coordination and integration of the Administration’s foreign policy, intelligence, and military efforts.” https://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/author/ambassador-susan-rice.

Others take advantage of the war to plunder minerals from the Congo. They never mind the suffering they inflict on Congolese, especially children.

Yes, we poke influential people like her, presenting to them the state of affairs on the ground. We shouldn’t get tired of knocking, by whatever means available to us, at the door of those who can possibly collaborate with us for a better Congo.

Well, friend of humanity and friend of Congolese people, TAKE ACTION NOW.

After filling-in the form, on the link above, as a way of signing your petition, don’t just leave. Share on social media to many others who care about humanity.

When politicians act like Peter terrorism goes on

05/07/2016 by Evans Chama Leave a Comment

Peter in the courtyard of chief priest’s palace

There is one thing I don’t like about Politicians. They behave like Peter and in the end the fight against terrorism and wars becomes a still-born project. But who is this Peter? Well, if you have read the series of books called gospels you may have heard about him. If you haven’t, no worries, I will tell you a little about him.

Impulsive Peter

His full name is Simon Peter, a disciple of Jesus of Nazareth. Peter is spontaneous both in action and words. You wonder at times how much he reflects on what he intends to do or say. He seems to burst like a pop up. Let’s take some examples.

People who have been following Jesus decide to ditch him when they don’t tolerate any longer his teaching, especially when he talks about giving them his flesh to eat. Then Jesus turns to his close followers, known as the twelve. He asks them, “Do you want to leave too?” While others are still searching for an answer, Peter says suddenly, “Lord, to whom should we go? You have the words of eternal life.… » There are other incidents too.

Jesus sees that his relation with the religious authority is degenerating he warns his disciples of his imminent arrest and condemnation to death. He tells them, “This very night you will all abandon me”. But even that is too little to throw Peter off-guard. He responds almost instantly: “Even if everyone else abandons you, I never will…I am ready to go with you even to prison and to death.” What a generous man! But let’s see what happens when the moment arrives.

Peter is true to his word

When Jesus is arrested Peter is not paralysed by fear. He swings into action in defense of his master. He draws his sword and strikes one of those who have come to arrest Jesus. Here, Peter is true to his word. You can count on him. It is only his master who calms him down and tells him to put his sword back in its sheath. You can call Peter impulsive and unreflective, someone who risks finding himself easily into trouble. But that will only be one side. There is another. Peter is generous in action and his word. He acts and withholds no word for himself. While other disciples abandon their arrested master, Peter and another disciple continue following. However, despite all that there is still a thing I can’t bear about him. This same thing I detest in politicians.

Peter does worse than deny his master

At the palace of the high priest Peter is spotted to be a follower of Jesus and is confronted three times about it. But Peter denies rhetorically: “A curse on me if I’m lying, I don’t know this man you’re talking about!” Obviously, Peter is only saving his skin. Yet, it’s not the denial that disturbs me but rather what he does afterwards.

Peter joins a group that not long ago he considered as enemy and he was even ready to fight it. It is understandable that he deny his master probably out of fear. But going as far as joining this enemy group and basking in their fire; could there be a better expression of his communion with it? Peter switches camps. He identifies himself with the enemies of his master. What a betrayal! Unfortunately, the world continues to suffer similar duplicity of politicians.

Duplicity of politicians

Politicians stand on the podium and speak of their determination to rout out terrorism and the lords of war. They leave us no space for doubt. We believe their word. But then when you look at the weapons used by terrorist groups you realise that they are made and sold by the countries that seem to be championing the fight against terrorism. So, there is a trade going on! That gives me some leeway for imagination.

Selling and buying arms is not like buying bananas on the road side. I guess it involves a great deal of bargaining. That’s why when finally the deal is made it calls for a little celebration. I imagine, in some discrete place, well-dressed persons mingle together to celebrate their partnership in the selling and buying of weapons. They propose a toast with glasses of champagne. Yes, it’s expediency that counts for many politicians. And there you see a connection with Peter warming himself around the fire in the company of the enemies of his master. Then, you have the permission to doubt, what we see on TV about the fight against terrorism is but just a big fuss. Why?

Simply because while the right hand, seen on TV, strikes hard on the spots of terrorists the left hand, secretly, pats their back. It receives their money, their oil. In turn, terrorists are well furnished with all the weapons they want. With such double standard how to you hope to end terrorism? How do you hope to neutralise the lords of war?

That is why for us on this blog single humanity fighting terrorism is all about acting humanely to one’s neighbour. Any act that is humane, no matter how simple, defeats terrorism. Fighting terrorism is not about using weapons. It‘s about rendering them useless. And counting on politicians for that is actually living in the world of illusion.

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