Opcja preferencyjna na rzecz ubogich

Abstract

Christ entrusted the Church not only with the task to care about the salvation and eternal life of the faithful, but also He wants them to do something in order to transform the world so that man could live his individual and social life in the way proper to his dignity. The author addresses the problem of the relationship between the Church and poverty with particular emphasis on its social aspect. This problem has so far been scarcely discussed in theological studies. The subject matter of reflection is the genesis, sense, range and importance in pastoral theory and practice of the principle of church action defined as "the preferential option on behalf of the poor.” This principle was born in the context of a discussion on the overcoming of appalling misery, in result of social injustice in the countries of Latin America. The discussion has largely been affected by the General Conferences of CELAM in Medellin (1968) and Puebla (1979). The final form of the option on behalf of the poor was established by the social documents of John Paul II, as well as two pastoral instruction of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith as regards liberation theology. The experience of poverty which still concerns a considerable pari ol the people of the contemporary world and the Church persuades us that this option in pastoral care is valuable and topical. The preferential option on behalf of the poor sets high requirements not only to particular Catholics, but also to the Church as a whole. It the Church wants to be faithful to her mission, she must meet contemporary requirements and come up with a pastoral proposal akin to human needs. She must be more solidary and ancillary.