On the need of social dialogue. Reflections in the perspective of the pastoral letter of the Episcopal Conference of Poland

Andrzej Ochman

Uniwersytet Opolski, Wydział Teologiczny
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0180-6789

Abstract

The Church as an institution, but also a community of believers, is a part of a society. Thus, She is present in the space of processes and changes taking place in a society. A society is extended in tension between conflict and harmony. In that context, the Episcopal Conference of Poland reflected on the current social issues in the Polish society in a form of a letter. It is focused on the necessity of common effort in favour of dialogue and order and in the face of existing destructive phenomena. The letter has become a perspective for considerations on elements of social life like social mission of the Church, conflict, solidarity, the truth, dialogue. Discussing particular questions draws from the Tradition and the teaching of the Church Magisterium. The undertaken reflection is an attempt to argue for social dialogue which is necessary, especially in more and more pluralistic and at the same time full of tensions society. Genuine dialogue includes being directed to an opponent, respect, and striving for solutions in the perspective of searching the truth and taking into account human dignity.

Parole chiave:

dialogue, social solidarity, social conflict, common good, Catholic social doctrine, Polish Episcopal Conference