Human Dignity and Spirituality

Human Dignity and Spirituality in a Globalised World is the fruit of a Conference organised by the Justice Commission of the Confer- ence of Religious of Ireland (CORI). This book is the second in a series under the general theme of Spirituality for Social Engage- ment. The Conference at which the three main papers in this book were presented addressed the issue of human dignity in a globalised world where millions of people exist in a manner that is beneath human dignity. Contributors - Melanie Verwoerd, former Ambassador to Ireland of the Republic of South Africa, and former MP. When elected to Parliament for the African National Congress, she was the young- est female member of the House. Joe Egan, theologian with missionary experience in Africa teaches at the Kimmage Missionary Institute/Milltown Institute, Dublin. Bernadette McMahon and Margo Delaney are Co-Directors of the Vincentian Partnership for Justice. They have wide experience of working with groups in disadvantaged areas in Ireland. Included are reflections on the three papers by Carol Dorgan, Alice McLoughlin and Tom Jordan. There are also a number of suggested questions for study either by individuals or by groups. Of particular interest is an account by Therese Fitzgerald of a Bel- fast group that has used the first book in the series for group reflection. It is hoped that the insights offered in these pages will facilitate reflection and stimulate further thought and debate widely.