a major step in
humanising the world
H.E. Mgr. Adrian van
Luyn s.d.b.
Bishop of Rotterdam
In September 2000,
189 countries committed themselves to the Millennium Development Goals. These
goals represent a common and strong commitment to eradicate poverty and
injustice worldwide that are to be realised by the year 2015.
The first formal review is to take place this year. From the initial reports, it has become clear that the international community has not kept its promises and commitments. The goals can only be met if all countries concerned immediately begin to take action.
2005 is also the year we celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the closure of the Second Vatican Council which in particular gave special attention to the dignity of the human person in two conciliary documents, Dignitatis Humanae and Gaudium et Spes. I would like to draw attention to two challenges which need immediate attention and cannot be postponed.
The first challenge results from the universality of the concept of human dignity. This unique and sacred value is present in each individual without exception. All people are equal in dignity but unfortunately in reality many risk loosing this dignity when faced by inhumane living conditions. Humane globalisation needs to ensure that all human persons can live a life in dignity and participate fully: a globalisation of solidarity.
The second challenge results from the dignity of the human person as a whole. Each person is a unique part of the totality of creation and of the mosaic that is the human family. Each person is further related to other persons and bonded to each other as the human community (communion). Interpersonal relationships therefore cannot be expressed in material and measurable categories. It is these relationships which makes a person more humane. Further, the human being is endowed with a spirit (pneuma in biblical terms). It is through the spirit that the human person is able to humanize the world, strengthened and guided by the Holy Spirit: a globalisation of spirituality.
These two challenges underline the need for intercultural encounters and dialogue. This presupposes the ability for self-correction based on the insight that no culture or religious tradition has an exclusive claim on ownership of the total truth. Only then we can constructively search together for the best insights and ways to take the right decisions with regard to universal basic values and to bring together our strengths to attain the common good which surpasses all cultural, religious and political interests.
In ten years the Millennium Development Goals must be attained. Attaining these is not an end in itself but a major step in humanising the world. In the same year, we will commemorate the golden jubilee of two key documents of the Second Vatican Council: Dignitatis Humanae and Gaudium et Spes.
Together we are responsible for a globalisation of solidarity and spirituality.
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