There is a profound international revolution occurring that has practical implications for us at local levels. Parts of the industrialized world have entered a period of uncertainty where old economic solutions no longer work. In wealthier countries a huge labor force is becoming redundant and permanently unemployed. There is a tremendous shift in the base of economic power. For the first time since the industrial revolution access to information and not manufacturing is the basis for power and the backbone of the most successful economies.
Information gives people the opportunity and advantage of choices.
Gathered from global communications systems, scientific and genetic research, information empowers people to make decisions about changes in their lives. Just as in the history of evolution the human brain outdistanced us from other creatures even though they may have been bigger and more numerous, today, information provides those who have access to it with a tremendous competitive advantage. This permanent development raises questions for us as to whether we can afford to ignore the international networks that are created and facilitated by the rapid growth in communications. A self-preservationist attitude cannot be the answer of those who seek to build up God's Reign through true dialogue and solidarity. We also experience a crisis in terms of our direction and commitment.