FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE AND THE PUBLIC VOCATION OF THE CHURCH: CONTRIBUTIONS TO DEMOCRACY AND LASTING PEACE
FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE AND THE PUBLIC VOCATION OF THE CHURCH: CONTRIBUTIONS TO DEMOCRACY AND LASTING PEACE

Summary/Abstract: Freedom of Conscience and the Public Vocation of the Church: Contributions to Democracy and Lasting Peace. This paper explores the public vocation of the Church in democratic societies, emphasizing its responsibility to defend freedom of conscience as a foundation for human dignity, civic peace, and just governance. Moving beyond partisan alignments, the Church is portrayed as a theologically grounded community called to embody justice, compassion, and reconciliation in pluralistic public life. Drawing from Scripture, the life of Jesus, early Church teachings, and contemporary theological traditions—including liberation theology and political theology—the paper outlines how the Church can contribute to democracy and lasting peace by promoting dialogue, resisting domination, and standing in solidarity with the marginalized. The historical entanglements between the Church and political power are critically assessed, highlighting both failures and faithful resistance. Engaging thinkers such as Augustine, Moltmann, Volf, and others, the paper argues that the Church can serve the common good through a non-coercive, morally clear, and peace-oriented witness—rooted in the liberating power of conscience and the hope of the Kingdom of God.

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