Millions of children and adults lack access to the best health care system in the world. Families working at minimum wage fall short of the poverty level. Prejudice and materialism can blind us to the basic needs and dignity of our brothers and sisters. Set the slaves free and proclaim liberty to captives Discrimination and addiction enslave many in our society. In this world, people are still denied rights because of race, gender and religion.
Domestic violence threatens life and dignity, especially of women and children.
We are called to bring our values into the marketplace in the political arena, into community and family life, using our everyday opportunities and responsibilities to defend human life and dignity. Each day it must be prayed for and struggled for and won. Pope John Paul II has called for the removal of the debt of countries who are too crushed by debt to provide necessary health care, schooling and nutrition to their children. The laity may wish to pray for their own failures, and the church publicly ask forgiveness for the sins of the official church. Any effort to heal the wounds of racial, social, or economic injustice involves forgiveness and reconciliation.