There is a third type of challenge that must be dealt with by the individual brother, sister, team or community committed to the advancement of Justice and Peace. These are the challenges directly related to the established economic, social and political order that is under scrutiny and for which we are proposing an alternative.

These difficulties are directly related to the global structures in place ( cf. Workbook #2 ), and to the mechanisms at work in society. Although they should be analyzed on an ongoing basis, it is particularly important that they be given special attention at the beginning stages of the project, so that the projected action will be relevant and meaningful within the social context.

There are four levels of problems that can compromise the future of a project. We need be trained around these four areas of challenge so as to help our brothers and sisters. This training could be included in the initial formation program or become part of continuing education. In any case it is a must for all Justice and Peace promoters. It should be made available to the entire membership and not be considered as something exclusively reserved for those involved doing projects.

1st area of challenge:	those related to the economy
2nd area of challenge:	those related to the socio-political sphere
3rd area of challenge:	those rooted in the cultural and the symbolic (including gender)
4th area of challenge:	those with a strong environmental component (integrity of creation)

Challenges related to the economy.

At their Chapter in Caleruega the brothers emphasized among the challenges related to the economy: the invasion of the market system (everything is marketable including men and women), and the deification of a market economy (see Appendix). They also highlighted the impact of the debt on the life of the poor. Other challenges require analysis: the disconnectedness between financial problems (speculation, stock market) and the lack of creation of new businesses, youth unemployment, the role of the large international financial institutions (World Bank, International Monetary Fund...), the process of exclusion.

Socio- political challenges.

It is of the utmost importance that we be particularly attentive to those who are deprived of land and/or housing, to the widespread rise of violence and fundamentalism, to the disintegration of social programs (welfare state), to the destruction of social ties within families and between nations. The future of the Third World (especially Africa) should be of concern to us, because the egotism of the rich countries is such a powerful force. There is only way out of this crisis and that is by "working together".

The challenges we refer to as cultural and symbolic refer to today's value system and the generalization of the consumer culture. Some of these challenges are due to inter-generational relationships (young/old) and gender conflicts (men/women). Atheism and religious indifference are two of the major issues in our times. The delegates to the Chapter in Caleruega also identified tribalism, nationalism and racism as other forces at work in our world.

The Challenge of the Environment:

We limit our intervention to the defense and protection of the environment (defensive attitude). Yet our responsibility goes much deeper since we are stewards of all of creation seeking sustainable development for all human beings who are at the heart of the universe. Relationships between human/ animal/ natural/ cosmic forms of life are essential. It is urgent for us to become aware of the finite nature of the earth's resources, our wastefulness, the risks of pollution... We must not underestimate the effects of atomic energy and nuclear testing.

This series of challenges is not a listing of crises but rather a list of basic questions that humanity should take seriously and for which it must find answers. Our response calls for wisdom and analysis... Christians can contribute something by offering a Scriptural response, one that is founded on their love for God. Dominicans may have a special responsibility in this response. This type of intervention however requires training so that we can intervene in a well informed manner. Part of the responsibility of the promoter for Justice and Peace is to ensure that this happens.

"Jesus looked steadily at him and loved him, and he said: ' There is one thing you lack. Go and sell everything you own and give the money to the poor, and you will have a treasure in heaven; then come follow me." Mark 10:21.

Preliminary Conclusions:

This third Workbook, on the topic of preaching, should not be thought of as the presentation of a fixed methodology, of a new social technique... The sole goal was to present the reader with a few specific points of reference, so that action would produce the desired results and not lead to discouragement.

It is true that we can do a certain number of things to help the world evolve. The world cannot be turned around in the space of a few months just because of one or several Dominicans. But because of our intervention men and women who are victims of violence or injustice will have the chance to breathe easier and live freer...minimal requirements for recognizing the presence of God in our lives.

This third Workbook also focused on specific tasks that could be introduced by the Justice and Peace promoters, some of whom are at a loss to know what to do in view of the task at hand. A little bit of methodology can go a long way!

Our actions as Dominicans cannot be reduced to a list of actions in favor of Justice and Peace. We must link these actions with a community life that gives witness to the Gospel and with the tenderness of God who wants happiness for all humans. This relational experience must be situated within the larger picture and that is what we hope to achieve in the next Workbook.

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