Myroslav Marynovych on papal encyclicals: Propositions received, but not learned

The Catholic Church for a hundred of years has published encyclicals regarding the social aspect of life. However, the encyclicals have not been duly appreciated by the Ukrainian society. Often the encyclicals live their own life and the world its own one, said vice Rector Myroslav Marynovych on November 15 during a presentation of social encyclicals at UCU – Deus Caritas Est (God is love) by Pope Benedict XVI (2005), Solicitudo Rei Socialis (Care for social concerns) by Pope John Paul (1987), Popolorum Progressio (Development of nations), by Pope Paul VI (1967), and Caritas in Veritate (Charity in truth) by Pope Benedict XVI (2009).

The event was organized by the committee of UGCC “Justice and Peace” and the Institute of Religion and Society of UCU. According to Myroslav Marynovych, reading the papal encyclicals requires cooperation – linking eternal truths to everyday life. “In Ukraine we think of models of social development, ways of overcoming the crisis. In these encyclicals there are such proposals, but they are not learned. This opinion I can illustrate with the following example. Back in 1967 in Popolorum Progressio, Pope Paul VI indicates that the main causes of underdevelopment are intangible in nature. The reasons are several – underdeveloped will, which often neglects solidarity, and the lack of solidarity generates a lack of progress; thinking that is not always able to direct its desires; as well as lack of brotherhood between people and between nations. Is it not taken from the Ukrainian reality?” sums up the public figure. In 2009, Pope Benedict XVI in Caritas in Veritate writes: “As society becomes ever more globalized, it makes us neighbours but does not make us brothers.” Myroslav Marynovych explains: “Here the pope indicates unexpected chances of the crisis, which obliges to rethink our way, to find new forms of engagement, adopt new rules. The crisis is a chance if we can see it.” “The four presented encyclicals bring together topics of development and progress,” believes professor of social teaching of the church, attorney Andrii Kostiuk. “Actually, papal documents are an example of progress in specific areas of theology, social teaching. However, they are an example of stability and focus on certain principles. Emergence from the crisis and the way toward progress are possible by replacing the social perception of the other – not as a competitor but as a brother, for whom we can do something selfless. The economy and social relations should be a place for a gift. But we cannot force anyone to do this, it must be a free act of the individual.” UCU Press Service