Chronicling awareness of social justice

1 April 2023 01:22 am

Bishop Rayappu Joseph was the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mannar in Sri Lanka from 1992 to 2016. He was known for his outspoken stance on Human Rights issues, particularly in relation to the civil war in 
Sri Lanka.  

Bishop Joseph was a strong advocate for the rights of Tamil civilians affected by the conflict, and he spoke out against human rights abuses committed by both the Sri Lankan military and the Tamil Tigers rebel group.   
He was also critical of the Government’s handling of the conflict and its failure to bring about a peaceful resolution.  

In addition to his advocacy work, Bishop Joseph was involved in a number of social and humanitarian initiatives in the Mannar region, including the establishment of institutions and the provision of aid to communities affected by 
the conflict.  

Bishop Joseph retired from his post in 2016, but his legacy as a tireless advocate for justice and human rights in Sri Lanka continues to be remembered and celebrated by many.   

The book title Journeying Together For Justice: Bishop Raayappu Joseph An Inspiration For Synodality begins with an overview of Bishop’s early years as a priest, and then focuses on his tenure as Bishop of Mannar.   

During this time, Bishop became increasingly outspoken about the plight of the poor and oppressed in his diocese, and he used his position to denounce government repression and human rights abuses.  

The book provides a detailed account of the political context in which Bishop Rayappu lived and worked, explaining the complex web of forces that contributed to the violence and injustice that plagued Sri Lanka. 

The book also chronicles Bishop’s growing awareness of the need for social justice and his increasing willingness to speak out against those who perpetuated violence and oppression.  

The book is both a tribute to Bishop Rayappu’s courage and an exploration of the meaning of his life and death. The book delves into the theological and ecclesial implications of Bishop’s message, arguing that his commitment to social justice was rooted in a deep faith in God’s love and compassion for all people. It is a must-read for anyone interested in social justice, human rights, and the intersection of faith and politics more specifically who are serious about Synodality.