Social Justice, Peace, Labour, and Migrants Commission

Bringing Christ to the Margins

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a call to justice, compassion, and peace. He proclaimed liberty to the captives, gave dignity to the poor, and stood with the outcast. The Social Justice, Peace, Labour, and Migrants Commission carries forward this mission—bringing the Church to the streets, to the fields, to the homes of the voiceless.

This ministry is a voice for the unheard, a shield for the vulnerable, and a bridge of hope for those excluded by society, especially labourers, migrants, tribal people, and the marginalised.

The Cry of the Poor is the Cry of the Church

In a world filled with exploitation, discrimination, and growing economic injustice, the Church cannot remain silent. Guided by Catholic Social Teaching, the commission works to uphold the God-given dignity of every human person, regardless of caste, class, gender, or occupation.

We believe in a Church that walks with the people, not just for the people.

Key Areas of Ministry

1. Labourers and Daily Wage Workers:

The commission reaches out to unorganised workers, especially in construction, agriculture, and domestic work. It helps them know their rights, access benefits, and raise their voices in safe, non-violent ways. Legal aid and workshops are also arranged periodically.

2. Migrant Workers and Families:

Migrant workers often face isolation, exploitation, and lack of access to healthcare, education, and sacraments. The commission identifies migrant communities, offers spiritual and material support, and celebrates special liturgies for them. Efforts are made to integrate them into the local Church life.

3. Peace and Conflict Resolution:

Inspired by Christ’s call to be peacemakers, the commission works to build harmony in communities facing social tensions. We conduct interfaith dialogues, peace rallies, and school programs that promote forgiveness, understanding, and nonviolence.

4. Human Rights and Legal Awareness:

The faithful are educated about their fundamental rights and protections under Indian law. Special focus is placed on the rights of minorities, Dalits, Adivasis, and women. Legal experts are brought in to train both Church leaders and communities.

5. Ecology and Laudato Si’ Movement:

True justice includes care for our common home. The commission promotes eco-friendly lifestyles, tree planting, clean water campaigns, and ecological spirituality in light of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’.

Living the Gospel Through Justice

This is not a ministry of words—it is a ministry of action. It stands for the poor and walks with them. It encourages the Church to move out of comfort zones, listen to those at the periphery, and make the Kingdom of God visible through works of justice and mercy.

As St. Oscar Romero said:

“A Church that does not provoke any crises, a Gospel that does not unsettle, a word of God that does not touch the real sin of society is not the real Gospel of Jesus.”

This commission strives to be that prophetic voice.