Church must confront crime & social justice, and the digital divide

The Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) held their 69th Annual Plenary Meeting from May 11–16 in the Archdiocese of Kingston, Jamaica. The English-speaking Caribbean’s first professor of Caribbean Theology and Ethics, Professor Anna Kasafi Perkins addressed the bishops on May 15 on several issues. In part 1 (July 20 issue), youth was identified as the first pressing issue. In part 2, she speaks to social justice, and the evolving digital landscape.

The second pressing issue demanding our urgent attention is the persistent challenge of social justice, particularly the pervasive problem of crime and violence that plagues our Caribbean societies.

Bob Marley’s music consistently promotes non-violent social justice, advocating for equality, liberation, and understanding as ways to overcome injustice and oppression.

In ‘Natural Mystic,’ Bob laments that “many more will have to suffer, many more will have to die. Don’t ask me why”. We must ask why and be able to tell the truth from the lie.

Tragically, the Latin American and Caribbean region is recognised as among the most violent in the world. Within our Antilles territories, several nations grapple with alarmingly high homicide rates.

For instance, in 2023, Jamaica recorded a homicide rate of 60.9 per 100,000; St Vincent and the Grenadines 50.1 per 100,000; St Lucia 41.7 per 100,000; and Trinidad and Tobago 37.6 per 100,000.

Furthermore, firearms are involved in a significant majority of these homicides, exacerbating the crisis. This violence disproportionately affects our young people, who are often both victims and perpetrators, particularly our young men, but increasingly our women and girls. Of concern, too, are the number of fatal shootings of civilians by the police.

The AEC has a long and commendable history of addressing social justice concerns. Our landmark 1975 Pastoral Letter, Justice and Peace in the New Caribbean, offered a prophetic vision that continues to resonate today, even as new challenges emerge.

The call for updating this foundational document underscores its enduring relevance.

More recently, the AEC issued a powerful statement on domestic violence, recognising it as a grave issue demanding action. Our statements on capital punishment have consistently emphasised the importance of rehabilitation and the sanctity of life.

Indeed, individual bishops, such as Bishop of Bridgetown, Neil Scantlebury, have clearly articulated in the face of broken families and the murder of children, that “Christ is the answer, not crime”.

To further the Church’s involvement in addressing social justice, we must strengthen our community outreach programmes that tackle the root causes of crime, including poverty, unemployment, and limited access to education and opportunity.

Advocating for justice reform and promoting restorative justice practices, building upon the Church’s existing work within prisons and various peace management initiatives, is crucial.

Providing comprehensive support and counselling for victims of crime and violence is a fundamental expression of our pastoral care. Collaborating with other faith-based organisations and community groups will amplify our impact and create a unified voice for peace and justice.

Above all, the Church must continue to foster dialogue and reconciliation within communities deeply affected by violence, offering pathways towards healing and restoration.

Church in the digital realm

The third pressing issue that demands our strategic attention is effectively navigating the evolving digital landscape for evangelisation, self-actualisation, and community-building.

Digital media has become an undeniable force shaping communication, information consumption, and the formation of communities in the 21st century. For the Church, this presents an unparalleled opportunity to reach a wider audience, particularly the younger generations who are deeply immersed in the online world.

At the same time, the digital arena is undeniably a space of division, replicating the inequalities of the real world. Furthermore, it is replete with mis- and disinformation in ways that are damaging to building and sustaining human dignity and community.

Bob would not recognise this world of peril and possibility, yet his biblical riddims in ‘Small Axe’ remind us that digging pits is as much a peril for the digger as for the victim. We can dig pits to throw in garbage or wells to find water.

The AEC has already demonstrated foresight in recognising the significance of this digital shift. Again, our pastoral letter, New Ways of Being Church in the Digital Milieu, stands as a testament to this awareness. Furthermore, the AEC’s commissions recognise the potential of social media for evangelisation and vocations promotion.

To effectively engage in this digital realm, we must encourage the development of compelling and relevant online content. This includes live-streaming services to reach those unable to attend in person, creating engaging podcasts and social media initiatives to foster connection, and developing interactive platforms for dialogue and faith sharing.

Providing comprehensive training and resources for our clergy and lay leaders to confidently and effectively utilise these digital tools for ministry and communication is essential.

We must strive to foster vibrant online communities that offer genuine opportunities for fellowship, mutual support, and spiritual growth. Maintaining a consistent and authentic online presence that faithfully reflects the values and teachings of our Church is paramount.

Finally, we should explore the potential of digital media to enhance faith formation and catechesis, making valuable resources more accessible to all.