RITE AND REASON:IN THIS column last week Fr Tony Flannery criticised the involvement of Cori in social partnership talks. Sr MARIANNE O'CONNORreplies.
IN THIS cold weather it is especially disturbing to see someone crouched in a doorway and holding out a paper cup to passersby. There are a number of possible responses: one can pass by, or put a coin in the cup, or bring the person for a meal. One can go further and ask what is causing this situation. Is there a system failing this person? Can anything be done about it?
Many religious congregations have provided the necessary immediate “hot meal” approach for years and continue to do so, directly or indirectly. Asking the questions concerning causes and offering possible solutions is what Cori (Conference of Religious of Ireland) as an organisation, with the support of its member congregations, seeks to do in its advocacy role of “giving a voice to the voiceless”.
Established 49 years ago, Cori is an organisation for the leaders of Catholic religious congregations, both men and women, on the whole island of Ireland and through them their members. It scans the reality of the time and supports its members in engaging in this reality in ways that are appropriate.
Over the years, as well as a secretariat, it has developed a number of departments in response to the perceived needs of the time. Currently these are; eucation, health, justice and Northern Ireland. In each of these areas, as in all it does, Cori bases its work on the Gospel and on the teachings of the Church.
Jesus summed up the way of life of the Christian as “Love God and love your neighbour as yourself”. The core value is love and is expressed by living in right relationship with God, people and the environment. Cori works to concretise this understanding of life and how it is to be lived in our complex world of today.
As Pope Paul VI said: “It is not enough to point out injustices and to utter pious words and denunciations; such words lack meaning unless they are accompanied by responsible political and social action.” More recently Pope John Paul II called for a complete analysis to reveal unjust structures so that the causes of problems may be examined and transformed to build a just earth. These directives inform the work of Cori.
As well as trying to support its members in the many facets of their undertakings, Cori’s involvement at this time is in issues related to education, health, justice, and contributing to building peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland.
As a small organisation in terms of personnel with direct involvement, it does not attempt to right every perceived wrong. Rather it focuses on those areas in the public arena to which it can bring a credible Gospel-based voice rooted in an expertise in the areas selected.
The activities of Cori are not confined to one arena. Publications are produced regularly critiquing the present reality, providing the most up-to-date research on issues of concern and proposing alternative approaches and solutions. Programmes have been developed aimed at providing a significant resource to a wide range of users in enabling and empowering people, groups, organisations and communities in the many areas in which Cori are involved.
In order to be heard in the public arena, one must base interventions on solid research, on facts, on good social analysis, on evidence. As a credible voice one can then enter the debate and put forward alternatives towards finding effective pathways to address issues such as poverty, social exclusion, inequality, sustainability and the environment.
Entering the debate implies exactly that – the ability to critique other opinions and beliefs. But to do that one must be part of the debate; one can be far more effective if one is at the table arguing for the changes required.
That is why the justice department of Cori accepted inclusion in social partnership and why other departments of Cori also participate in public forums at national and international level.
Jesus brought his message to the temple and the market place. It did not prevent him from critiquing that which was wrong and pointing to the love and right living that leads to a society where no one is holding out their cup to the passerby. Cori seeks to follow his example.
Sr Marianne O’Connor OSU is director general of Cori