The
Bible was written when men were considered more important than women.
There are however examples of when Jesus demonstrated that he considered
men and women to be equal. For
example John 4 shows Jesus talking to the Samaritan women.
Women were the first people Jesus appeared to after the resurrection.
The
Catholic Church teaches that men and women should have equal roles in life.
Genesis 1:27 teaches that men and women have equal status in the eyes of
God.
The Catholic Church teaches that women can fulfil every role in the church with the exception of Deacon, Priest and Bishop. Women can teach in seminaries, can teach people being prepared for Confirmation, and be Eucharistic ministers. The church teaches that women cannot be priests because Jesus chose men to be his apostles and the apostles carried on this tradition.
Some
Church of England members left the church when women were allowed to become
Priests. They became Roman Catholics. In some strict Protestant
churches the teaching of Paul in 1 Timothy is followed and women are expected to
be quiet in church.
In
the nineteenth century the UK built up an overseas empire.
In exchange for being ruled by Britain� people from other countries
were allowed to set up home here. After
the Second World War many workers were brought in from different countries to
make up for the shortage in workers.
The
New Testament teaches against racism. The
ultimate source for Christian teaching on social harmony is the Good Samaritan.
In this Jesus showed that races who hated each other needed to live
together He taught that you should love your neighbour as you
love yourself. (Luke 10:25 � 37).
The church is dedicated to fighting racism.
When
people immigrated to this country after world war two they brought with them
many different faiths although the UK has always been a multi faith society.
The
church teaches that people should be allowed to worship whatever faith they
wish. But is also believes that
Christianity is the only religion with the complete truth and all Christians
have a responsibility to preach their faith to others.
Many different groups work towards great unity.
These groups are The Council of churches for Britain and Ireland, which
encourages Christian churches to work together.
The Inter Faith Network represents all the major faiths in the UK.
When
any conflict is looked at it is possible to see issues of injustice for example
the recent situation in Afghanistan.
Injustice includes not giving equal rights to everyone, not sharing
wealth, not respecting a countries boarders and not respecting democratically
made decisions.
Catholics
may fight a war if the following conditions are met. The are laid down by St. Thomas Aquinas.
�
The cause of the war is just.
�
The authority of a government or
the United Nations is fighting the work.
�
It is done with the intention of
restoring piece.
�
It is the last resort all other
non-violent methods have been tried and failed.
�
There is a reasonable chance of
success.
�
The methods avoid killing
innocent civilians.
�
The methods used are in
proportion to the cause.
Jesus
taught in the Sermon on the Mount that we should turn the other cheek and
therefore many Christians believe that war is never justified.
People who believe fighting is always wrong are called pacifists.
In the event of war they would be conscientious objectors that is they
would refuse to fight.