What Are the Catholic Church’s Teachings on Social Justice in the Context of the Indian Catholics’ Petition in Kerala?

Brief Overview

• In early 2024, approximately half a million Catholics in Kerala, India, signed a petition organized by the Syro-Malabar Catholic Congress to urge the state government to address critical social and economic issues.
• The petition, presented to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, highlighted challenges such as delayed social security payments, inadequate support for farmers, and threats from wild animal attacks.
• The Catholic Church’s teachings on social justice emphasize the dignity of the human person, the common good, and the preferential option for the poor, which align with the petition’s demands.
• Kerala’s Christian community, rooted in the apostolic tradition of St. Thomas, constitutes about 20% of the state’s population and is predominantly part of the Syro-Malabar Church.
• The Church’s social doctrine encourages advocacy for systemic change to address poverty, injustice, and marginalization, providing a theological basis for the petition.
• This article explores how Catholic social teaching informs the Kerala Catholics’ efforts to seek government action for improved living conditions.

Detailed Response

The Context of the Petition in Kerala

In January 2024, the Syro-Malabar Catholic Congress, a lay organization affiliated with the Syro-Malabar Church, presented a petition to Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, signed by around 500,000 Catholics. The petition, titled “Survival Journey,” addressed what the organizers described as “unprecedented crises” facing the Christian community in Kerala. These crises include delays in social security payments, insufficient support for farmers, and the increasing threat of wild animal attacks on rural communities. The campaign, conducted from December 2023 to January 2024, was primarily organized through Catholic parishes across the state. The scale of the petition reflects the significant presence of the Christian community in Kerala, which makes up approximately 18-20% of the state’s 33 million people. The Syro-Malabar Church, one of the 23 autonomous Eastern Catholic Churches in communion with Rome, is a major religious institution in the region, with over 4 million members globally. The petition’s demands align with the Church’s long-standing commitment to advocating for the marginalized. Catholic Congress President Biju Parayannilam expressed hope that the government would address these issues in the state’s budget session. Chief Minister Vijayan reportedly responded with concern and promised to consider the demands. This interaction underscores the Church’s role as a voice for social justice in Kerala’s socio-political landscape.

Catholic Social Teaching and Human Dignity

Catholic social teaching is rooted in the belief that every human person is created in the image and likeness of God, as affirmed in Genesis 1:26-27. This principle underscores the inherent dignity of all individuals, regardless of their social or economic status. The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes that this dignity requires society to ensure conditions that allow people to live with respect and access basic needs (CCC 1929-1933). In the context of the Kerala petition, the demand for timely social security payments reflects this teaching, as delays in these funds deprive elderly citizens of their ability to meet basic needs. The Church teaches that society has a moral obligation to protect the vulnerable, including the elderly, who rely on such payments for survival. The petition’s focus on the struggles of ordinary people aligns with the Church’s call to prioritize human dignity over economic or bureaucratic inefficiencies. Father Philip Kaviyil, director of the Catholic Congress’ global committee, highlighted the hardships faced by those struggling to “eke out a living.” This resonates with the Church’s insistence that human dignity must be upheld through concrete actions, such as ensuring access to resources. The Syro-Malabar Church’s advocacy in this case demonstrates its commitment to applying Catholic principles to real-world challenges. By engaging with the government, the Church seeks to uphold the dignity of Kerala’s citizens through systemic change.

The Common Good in Catholic Thought

The concept of the common good is central to Catholic social teaching and refers to the conditions that allow all members of society to flourish (CCC 1905-1912). The Kerala petition addresses the common good by calling for policies that benefit the entire community, particularly the most vulnerable. Delays in social security payments, for example, undermine the ability of elderly citizens to live with dignity, which affects the broader societal fabric. The Church teaches that the common good requires cooperation between individuals, communities, and governing authorities to create a just society. In Kerala, the Syro-Malabar Catholic Congress is acting as a mediator between the people and the government to promote policies that serve the collective well-being. The petition’s emphasis on timely pension payments and support for farmers reflects the Church’s belief that economic systems must serve human needs rather than exploit them. The Catholic Congress’s efforts also highlight the importance of civic participation, which the Church encourages as a means to achieve the common good. By organizing a signature campaign, the Church empowered the laity to actively contribute to societal change. The petition’s demands for protection from wild animal attacks further underscore the need for government intervention to ensure safety, a key component of the common good. This aligns with the Church’s teaching that governments have a responsibility to protect their citizens and promote equitable conditions for all.

The Preferential Option for the Poor

Catholic social teaching emphasizes the preferential option for the poor, which calls for prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable in society (CCC 2443-2449). The Kerala petition directly reflects this principle by addressing the struggles of elderly citizens and farmers, who are among the most economically disadvantaged in the region. The elderly, dependent on meager pensions of about $20 per month, face significant hardship when payments are delayed. Farmers, meanwhile, struggle with inadequate prices for their produce and the additional threat of wild animal attacks, which jeopardize their livelihoods. The Syro-Malabar Catholic Congress’s advocacy for these groups demonstrates the Church’s commitment to amplifying the voices of those who are often overlooked. The Church teaches that solidarity with the poor is not optional but a moral imperative rooted in Christ’s teachings, such as Matthew 25:31-46. By presenting the petition to the government, the Catholic Congress is acting in solidarity with the marginalized, urging systemic changes to alleviate their suffering. The Church’s involvement in this issue also reflects its historical role in Kerala as a defender of the disadvantaged, including Dalits and other marginalized groups. The petition’s call for adequate minimum support prices for agricultural produce, such as rubber, further aligns with the Church’s advocacy for economic justice. This principle underscores the need for policies that prioritize the poor over profit-driven interests.

The Role of the Laity in Social Justice

The Syro-Malabar Catholic Congress, as a lay organization, plays a crucial role in advancing the Church’s social justice mission. The Second Vatican Council emphasized the laity’s responsibility to engage in the temporal affairs of society and bring Christian values to public life (Lumen Gentium, 31). In Kerala, the Catholic Congress exemplifies this by organizing the “Survival Journey” petition to address pressing social issues. The campaign’s success, with half a million signatures, demonstrates the laity’s ability to mobilize communities for justice. The Church teaches that laypeople are called to transform society through their actions, guided by faith and reason (CCC 897-913). The petition reflects this call by engaging Catholics across parishes to advocate for systemic change. Biju Parayannilam, a lay leader, played a pivotal role in presenting the petition to the government, highlighting the laity’s leadership in social advocacy. The Church’s structure in Kerala, with its strong parish networks, facilitated the campaign’s reach and impact. The involvement of Father Philip Kaviyil further underscores the collaboration between clergy and laity in pursuing justice. This partnership reflects the Church’s teaching that all members of the faithful share in the mission to promote the Gospel’s values in society.

The Syro-Malabar Church’s Historical Context

The Syro-Malabar Church, one of the 23 Eastern Catholic Churches in communion with Rome, traces its origins to St. Thomas the Apostle, who is believed to have evangelized India in 52 AD (Acts of Thomas). With over 4 million members, it is the second-largest Eastern Catholic Church, after the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. Headquartered in Kerala, the Syro-Malabar Church has a significant influence on the region’s social and cultural life. Its members make up a substantial portion of Kerala’s Christian population, which constitutes about 18-20% of the state’s 33 million people. The Church’s historical commitment to education, healthcare, and social welfare has made it a key advocate for the marginalized in Kerala. The petition organized by the Catholic Congress builds on this legacy by addressing contemporary challenges faced by the community. The Church’s autonomy as a sui iuris institution allows it to address local issues while remaining in communion with Rome. This balance enables the Syro-Malabar Church to adapt Catholic social teaching to the unique needs of Kerala’s population. The petition’s demands, such as support for farmers and timely pension payments, reflect the Church’s long-standing role as a defender of the poor. The Syro-Malabar Church’s advocacy also highlights its commitment to preserving the dignity of its faithful in a rapidly changing society.

Economic Justice and Catholic Teaching

Catholic social teaching emphasizes the need for economic systems to serve the human person, not vice versa (CCC 2426-2436). The Kerala petition’s focus on farmers’ struggles, such as inadequate prices for crops and the impact of wild animal attacks, aligns with this principle. Farmers in Kerala face significant challenges, including the inability to recover production costs, which threatens their livelihoods. The Church teaches that economic justice requires fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to resources for all workers, including agricultural laborers. The petition’s call for minimum support prices for crops like rubber reflects this commitment to ensuring farmers can sustain their families. The Church also emphasizes the importance of stewardship of creation, which includes protecting rural communities from environmental threats like wildlife attacks (Laudato Si’, 139). The Syro-Malabar Catholic Congress’s advocacy for government intervention to address these issues demonstrates the application of Catholic economic principles. By urging the state to prioritize the needs of farmers, the petition seeks to create an economy that respects human dignity. The Church’s teaching on subsidiarity, which calls for decisions to be made at the most local level possible, also supports the petition’s call for state-level action (CCC 1883-1885). This approach ensures that solutions are tailored to the specific needs of Kerala’s communities.

Solidarity as a Christian Virtue

The principle of solidarity, a cornerstone of Catholic social teaching, calls for unity among individuals and communities to promote justice and the common good (CCC 1939-1942). The Kerala petition embodies solidarity by uniting half a million Catholics in a collective effort to address shared challenges. The campaign’s success relied on the collaboration of parishes, lay leaders, and clergy, reflecting the Church’s teaching that solidarity involves working together for the benefit of all. The petition’s demands, such as timely pension payments and protection from wildlife, address issues that affect not only Catholics but the broader Kerala community. Solidarity also extends to advocating for those who are most vulnerable, such as the elderly and farmers, who face systemic barriers to their well-being. The Syro-Malabar Catholic Congress’s engagement with Chief Minister Vijayan demonstrates solidarity with the government, seeking cooperation rather than confrontation. The Church teaches that solidarity requires dialogue and mutual respect to achieve lasting change (Centesimus Annus, 14). The petition’s hopeful tone, as expressed by Biju Parayannilam, reflects confidence in this collaborative approach. By addressing issues that impact the entire state, the Catholic Congress is fostering solidarity across religious and social lines. This aligns with the Church’s call to build a society where all can thrive together.

The Church’s Role in Civic Engagement

Catholic social teaching encourages active participation in civic life to promote justice and the common good (CCC 1913-1917). The Syro-Malabar Catholic Congress’s petition is a clear example of the Church engaging with civic authorities to address societal issues. By presenting the petition to Chief Minister Vijayan, the Catholic Congress fulfilled its role as a moral voice in the public square. The Church teaches that Christians have a responsibility to influence public policy in ways that uphold human dignity and justice. The petition’s focus on systemic issues, such as pension delays and agricultural challenges, reflects the Church’s commitment to advocating for structural change. The campaign’s organization through parishes demonstrates the Church’s ability to mobilize communities for civic action. The Second Vatican Council emphasized that the Church must engage with the world to address contemporary challenges (Gaudium et Spes, 40). In Kerala, the Syro-Malabar Church is applying this teaching by addressing the specific needs of its people. The petition also highlights the Church’s role as a mediator between citizens and the government, fostering dialogue for the common good. This engagement reflects the Church’s broader mission to be a light in the world, promoting justice and peace (Matthew 5:14-16).

The Challenge of Migration and Economic Disparity

The Kerala petition also raised concerns about the large-scale migration of youth seeking employment opportunities outside the state and abroad. A 2013 study noted that three-quarters of Syro-Malabar youth aged 20-32 have migrated from Kerala, with over 500,000 Syro-Malabar Catholics living abroad. Catholic social teaching addresses migration as a complex issue that often stems from economic injustice and lack of opportunities (CCC 2241). The Church calls for policies that enable people to remain in their communities by ensuring access to dignified work. The petition’s demand for adequate employment within Kerala aligns with this teaching, seeking to address the root causes of migration. The Syro-Malabar Church has a history of ministering to its diaspora, but the petition emphasizes the need for local solutions to prevent forced migration. Economic disparities, such as inadequate support for farmers and lack of job opportunities, contribute to the migration trend. The Church’s advocacy for minimum support prices and job creation reflects its commitment to economic justice. By addressing these issues, the Catholic Congress is working to create conditions where young people can thrive in their home state. This aligns with the Church’s teaching that societies must provide opportunities for all to contribute to the common good (Centesimus Annus, 35).

Environmental Stewardship and Wildlife Concerns

The petition’s demand for protection from wild animal attacks highlights the intersection of Catholic social teaching and environmental stewardship. The Church teaches that humans are called to be stewards of creation, balancing the needs of people with the care of the natural world (Laudato Si’, 66-69). In Kerala, wild animal attacks have resulted in significant loss of life and crops, with 637 deaths reported over five years. The Catholic Congress criticized the government’s focus on protecting wildlife over human lives, calling for measures to ensure the safety of farmers. This reflects the Church’s teaching that human dignity must be prioritized while respecting the environment. The petition’s call for proactive steps to minimize human-wildlife conflict aligns with the principle of integral ecology, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human and environmental well-being (Laudato Si’, 137). The Syro-Malabar Church’s advocacy in this area demonstrates its commitment to addressing local challenges through a Catholic lens. The Church teaches that environmental policies must consider the needs of the poor, who are often most affected by ecological issues. By raising this concern, the Catholic Congress is urging the government to adopt a balanced approach to conservation. This effort reflects the Church’s broader call to care for both creation and its most vulnerable inhabitants.

The Syro-Malabar Church’s Global Influence

The Syro-Malabar Church’s global membership of over 4 million extends its influence beyond Kerala, making its advocacy efforts significant on an international scale. As the second-largest Eastern Catholic Church, it plays a key role in shaping Catholic social engagement worldwide. The petition in Kerala demonstrates how the Church applies its teachings to local contexts while maintaining its universal mission. The Church’s emphasis on education and social welfare, rooted in its historical presence in Kerala, has equipped it to address contemporary challenges effectively. The Catholic Congress’s ability to mobilize half a million signatures reflects the Church’s organizational strength and its deep connection to the laity. The Church’s teachings on justice and solidarity resonate with its global diaspora, many of whom face similar economic and social challenges. The petition’s demands, such as job creation and support for farmers, have relevance for Syro-Malabar communities abroad who maintain ties to Kerala. The Church’s advocacy also serves as a model for other Catholic communities seeking to engage with civic authorities. By addressing local issues with a global perspective, the Syro-Malabar Church fulfills its mission to promote the Gospel in diverse contexts. This global-local dynamic underscores the Church’s role as a bridge between faith and social action.

The Role of Dialogue in Catholic Advocacy

Catholic social teaching emphasizes dialogue as a means to achieve justice and reconciliation (Centesimus Annus, 21). The Syro-Malabar Catholic Congress’s engagement with Chief Minister Vijayan exemplifies this approach, seeking cooperation rather than confrontation. The petition’s presentation was accompanied by assurances from the government to consider the demands, indicating a willingness to engage in dialogue. The Church teaches that dialogue requires mutual respect and a shared commitment to the common good. The Catholic Congress’s hopeful tone, as expressed by Biju Parayannilam, reflects confidence in this collaborative process. The Church’s role as a mediator in this context aligns with its mission to promote peace and justice in society (Pacem in Terris, 167). The petition’s success in garnering widespread support also demonstrates the power of collective dialogue within the Catholic community. By organizing through parishes, the Catholic Congress ensured that the voices of ordinary Catholics were heard. This approach reflects the Church’s teaching that dialogue must include the marginalized to be truly effective. The ongoing budget session in Kerala provides an opportunity for further dialogue to address the petition’s demands.

The Church’s Response to Government Promises

Chief Minister Vijayan’s assurance to consider the petition’s demands was met with optimism by the Catholic Congress. Catholic social teaching encourages trust in civic authorities to act justly, while also calling for accountability (CCC 2238-2243). The Church teaches that governments have a duty to serve the common good, which includes addressing the needs of the poor and vulnerable. The Syro-Malabar Catholic Congress’s hope for positive announcements in the state’s budget session reflects this balance of trust and accountability. The Church’s advocacy does not end with the presentation of the petition but continues through ongoing engagement with the government. The petition’s demands, such as timely pension payments and support for farmers, require sustained effort to ensure implementation. The Church teaches that Christians must hold authorities accountable to their promises, especially when they impact the marginalized (Gaudium et Spes, 75). The Catholic Congress’s campaign demonstrates a commitment to this principle by maintaining pressure on the government. The Church’s role in monitoring the government’s response aligns with its mission to advocate for justice. This ongoing engagement ensures that the voices of Kerala’s Catholics continue to shape public policy.

The Intersection of Faith and Social Action

The Kerala petition reflects the Catholic Church’s belief that faith must be expressed through action (James 2:14-17). The Syro-Malabar Catholic Congress’s campaign is a practical application of this principle, mobilizing the faithful to address social injustices. The Church teaches that faith is not merely a private matter but a call to transform society according to Gospel values (CCC 2419-2425). The petition’s focus on issues like pension delays and farmers’ struggles demonstrates how faith informs social action. The Catholic Congress’s collaboration with parishes and lay leaders reflects the Church’s teaching that all members of the faithful share in this mission. The campaign’s success in gathering half a million signatures underscores the power of faith-based advocacy. The Church’s emphasis on the dignity of the human person and the common good provides a theological foundation for the petition. By addressing systemic issues, the Catholic Congress is fulfilling the Church’s call to be a prophetic voice in society. The petition also highlights the role of prayer and community in sustaining social action. The Syro-Malabar Church’s efforts demonstrate that faith and justice are inseparable in the Christian mission.

Addressing Systemic Injustice

The Kerala petition addresses systemic injustices that disproportionately affect the poor, such as delays in social security payments and inadequate agricultural support. Catholic social teaching calls for the transformation of unjust structures to promote human flourishing (CCC 1928-1933). The Syro-Malabar Catholic Congress’s campaign targets these systemic issues by urging the government to implement policies that ensure economic stability. The Church teaches that systemic injustice often stems from greed, indifference, or bureaucratic inefficiency, which must be challenged through collective action. The petition’s demands for timely pensions and protection from wildlife attacks highlight specific areas where systemic change is needed. The Church’s advocacy in this context reflects its commitment to addressing the root causes of poverty and marginalization. The Catholic Congress’s engagement with the government demonstrates a strategic approach to systemic reform. By presenting a unified voice, the Church amplifies the concerns of those who are often ignored. The petition’s call for the implementation of recommendations from a state-appointed commission further underscores the need for systemic solutions. This commission, led by retired Justice J.B. Koshy, proposed measures to uplift disadvantaged Christians, aligning with the Church’s mission to combat injustice.

The Challenge of Wild Animal Attacks

The issue of wild animal attacks, highlighted in the petition, poses a unique challenge to Kerala’s rural communities. Catholic social teaching emphasizes the need to balance human needs with environmental stewardship (Laudato Si’, 67-68). The petition’s call for government action to protect farmers from wildlife reflects this balance, prioritizing human safety while acknowledging the importance of conservation. The Church teaches that the poor are often most vulnerable to environmental challenges, as seen in the 637 deaths reported from wildlife attacks over five years. The Catholic Congress criticized the government’s prioritization of animal protection over human lives, urging a more equitable approach. The Church’s advocacy in this area aligns with its teaching that human dignity must guide environmental policies. The petition’s demand for proactive measures, such as fencing or compensation for crop losses, demonstrates a practical application of this principle. The Syro-Malabar Church’s engagement with this issue also reflects its commitment to the rural poor, who are most affected by wildlife conflicts. By raising this concern, the Catholic Congress is advocating for policies that protect both people and creation. This issue underscores the complexity of applying Catholic social teaching to local challenges.

The Role of Education in Social Justice

The Syro-Malabar Church’s historical emphasis on education has empowered its members to advocate for social justice, as seen in the petition campaign. Catholic social teaching views education as a means to promote human dignity and equip individuals to participate in society (CCC 1917). Kerala’s high literacy rate, partly due to the Church’s educational institutions, has enabled the Catholic Congress to organize a sophisticated signature campaign. The Church’s schools and colleges have historically provided opportunities for marginalized groups, including Dalits and farmers. The petition’s call for economic support and job creation reflects the Church’s belief that education must lead to tangible opportunities. The Syro-Malabar Church’s global network of educational institutions also supports its diaspora, many of whom have migrated due to economic challenges. The Church’s advocacy for minimum support prices and employment opportunities seeks to create conditions where education translates into sustainable livelihoods. The petition’s success demonstrates the power of an educated laity to drive social change. The Church’s teaching on the universal destination of goods further supports the need for equitable access to resources (Centesimus Annus, 30). By leveraging its educational legacy, the Syro-Malabar Church is advancing its mission of justice and solidarity.

The Global Relevance of the Kerala Petition

The Kerala petition has implications beyond India, as it reflects universal Catholic principles of justice, solidarity, and human dignity. The Syro-Malabar Church’s global diaspora, with over 500,000 members living abroad, faces similar challenges related to economic inequality and migration. The petition’s demands, such as job creation and support for the poor, resonate with Catholic communities worldwide. The Church’s teaching on the universal call to holiness includes a responsibility to advocate for justice in all contexts (Lumen Gentium, 40). The Syro-Malabar Catholic Congress’s campaign serves as a model for other Catholic organizations seeking to engage with civic authorities. The petition’s focus on systemic issues, such as pension delays and agricultural challenges, highlights the need for global solidarity with the poor. The Church’s emphasis on dialogue and cooperation with governments is a universal principle that can be applied in diverse contexts. The Syro-Malabar Church’s advocacy also underscores the importance of local churches addressing global issues through a Catholic lens. By uniting faith and action, the petition demonstrates the Church’s relevance in addressing contemporary challenges. This global-local dynamic reflects the Church’s mission to be a sign of hope in the world (Matthew 5:16).

Conclusion: The Church’s Ongoing Mission

The Syro-Malabar Catholic Congress’s petition in Kerala is a powerful example of the Catholic Church’s commitment to social justice. By addressing issues like pension delays, farmers’ struggles, and wildlife attacks, the petition applies Catholic social teaching to real-world challenges. The Church’s principles of human dignity, the common good, and solidarity provide a theological foundation for this advocacy. The petition’s success in mobilizing half a million Catholics demonstrates the strength of the laity in advancing the Church’s mission. The Syro-Malabar Church’s engagement with the government reflects its role as a moral voice in society. The petition’s demands align with the Church’s call to prioritize the poor and address systemic injustice. The ongoing dialogue with Chief Minister Vijayan offers hope for meaningful change in Kerala. The Church’s advocacy also highlights the importance of balancing environmental stewardship with human needs. As the Syro-Malabar Church continues its mission, it remains a beacon of hope for the marginalized. This petition underscores the Church’s enduring commitment to transforming society through faith and action.