– LCO, 131
The Order of Preachers was founded for the proclamation of the Gospel and the salvation of souls. Faithful to this mission, the Dominican tradition has always recognized that the preaching of Christ necessarily includes concern for justice, peace and the dignity of the human person, all of which flow from the truth of the Gospel and the charity of Christ.
The International Dominican Commission for Justice and Peace (IDCJP) assists the Order in reflecting upon and responding to the social and moral challenges of the contemporary world in fidelity to the mission entrusted to the Church. Its work seeks to support Dominican preaching and apostolic action through the light of Sacred Scripture, Catholic social doctrine and the spiritual tradition of the Order.
The Commission does not exist as a political body or ideological movement, but as a service to the preaching mission of the Order, helping Dominicans bring the truth of Christ into situations marked by injustice, violence, poverty and social disorder.
From the beginning, Dominican preaching has engaged the concrete realities of human life. St. Dominic sent his brothers into the growing cities and universities of Europe so that the Gospel might illuminate society, strengthen the faith and defend the dignity of the human person.
Throughout history, Dominicans have contributed significantly to the Church’s reflection on justice, law, human dignity and the common good. Figures such as Francisco de Vitoria, OP, and Bartolomé de las Casas, OP, defended the rights of indigenous peoples and reflected deeply on the moral foundations of political and social life in light of natural law and divine revelation.
This concern for justice arises not from secular ideology, but from the Christian conviction that every person is created in the image of God and called to communion with him. For this reason, the Order seeks to proclaim the Gospel in ways that defend human life, promote peace and foster authentic charity rooted in truth.
The International Dominican Commission for Justice and Peace brings together representatives of the Dominican family to encourage collaboration, reflection and apostolic engagement concerning questions of justice and peace.
Nourished by our life in common, plus many hours at study and prayer, Dominicans offer our very lives for the sake of preaching the Gospel. What we receive from the Lord, we pass on to others; sharing the fruits of our contemplation, so that all may come to know and love God.
In this way, the Commission serves the broader preaching mission of the Order and helps Dominicans respond pastorally and intelligently to contemporary challenges.
– LCO, 132
The work of justice and peace in the Dominican tradition begins with contemplation and truth. Dominicans seek to address social problems not merely through activism, but through conversion of heart, moral formation and fidelity to the Gospel.
For this reason, the Commission encourages careful study and discernment concerning issues such as:
The Dominican approach to these questions is guided by the teaching of the Church and the conviction that authentic justice cannot be separated from truth, moral order and the natural law.
– LCO, 133
An important aspect of this mission is the Order’s presence at international institutions through Dominicans for Justice and Peace (Order of Preachers), a non-governmental organization established by the Order and granted consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
Through this work, Dominican representatives seek to bring the Church’s moral and social teaching into dialogue with international organizations and to advocate for the dignity of vulnerable persons and communities. This presence also allows the experiences of Dominican communities throughout the world to be heard within international discussions concerning human rights, humanitarian crises and peace building.
As with every Dominican apostolate, the work of justice and peace must remain rooted in prayer, fraternity and sacred study. The Constitutions remind the brothers that all aspects of Dominican life “bear directly on the salvation of humankind, since together they prepare and impel us to preach” (Fundamental Constitution IV).
The Commission therefore encourages the Dominican family not only toward charitable action, but also toward deeper contemplation of the truth revealed in Christ. Works of mercy, defense of human dignity and concern for the poor are inseparable from the proclamation of the Gospel and the call to holiness.
The annual Dominican Month for Peace reflects this spirit by inviting the entire Dominican family to pray for regions affected by war, violence or persecution while fostering awareness and solidarity within the Church.
– LCO, 134
The International Dominican Commission for Justice and Peace exists to help the Order preach Christ more faithfully in a world wounded by sin and division. Through study, prayer, reflection and pastoral engagement, the Commission supports the Dominican family in bearing witness to the truth that sets humanity free.
Faithful to the mission received from St. Dominic, the Order continues to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the glory of God, the defense of human dignity and the salvation of souls.
