The Church and the World Community

Abstract

Joachim Kondziela argues that the acceptance of evangelic values is always conditioned by historical factors. Thus the Church must conduct a thorough analysis of dynamic socio-economic structures, changing them according to the spirit of evangelic principles. If existing structures make it difficult to realize basic evangelic ideas the Church is obliged to be creative in changing these structures. However, it is stressed that force cannot be the means of change. The conditions in which the Church exists are constantly changing. At the moment, a world community is emerging. Among the factors unifying the international community, the authors mentions the formation of an international public opinion, the push for social equality and equal shares in governing, and interdependence in the sphere of development which would seem to unite the world into a global economic system. The problem of world peace is the central one; but social justice is also vital. The tendency to solve international conflicts through talks and negotiations is seen as an important means to world unity. International organizations play an important role — here the author mentions UN, IGO and INGO. The significance of various religious organizations and, above all, the Church cannot be overlooked. The process of integration does not eliminate the pluralistic character of cultures, ideologies, political systems, religions and interests. The Church confronted with the dialectic unity of the process of integration and pluralism has a momentous role to play in the contemporary world community.