The proclamation of the Gospel and the service of others require that we feel a solidarity with the people among whom we live. This may open the way to dialogue with other religions and other cultures in an atmosphere of mutual respect.
Constitutions and Laws, n°5
Following in the footsteps of Cardinal Charles Lavigerie, the founder of the Society of the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers), the Justice, Peace, Integrity of Creation, Encounter and Dialogue (JPIC-ED) Coordination is inspired by Christ’s prophetic love and compassion. 
As envisaged by the Constitutions and Laws, the different Capitular Acts and the charism of the Society, with the know-how of confreres that has unfolded over time, the Coordination JPIC-ED provides the theoretical and practical training of the JPIC-ED provincial coordinators, promoters and animators. In its commitment to justice, peace, integral ecology, and universal fraternity through encounter and dialogue, it integrates responding to the cry of the earth and the poor into daily apostolic and missionary activities. In light of the social teaching of the Church, it popularizes a culture of encounter and dialogue with Islam, other Christian faiths and African Traditional Religion (ATR).
To nip in the bud structural injustices, social and environmental crises, forced migration and human trafficking, it nurtures critical thinking and socio-economic analysis. Furthermore, it cultivates the value of the love of God, of one’s neighbour, and care of the common home.
The JPIC-ED Coordination encourages a bottom-up approach to empower and animate confreres, together with the lay faithful involved and interested in the JPIC-ED ministry at grassroots levels. Hence, working closely with the two general assistants in charge of JPIC-ED, the Coordination ensures that there exists always a constant collaboration with the general council, the provincial and section superiors and the JPIC-ED provincial coordinators, section coordinators and community animators (cf. JPIC-ED organigramme below). It is the same collaboration that organizes education and formation programs such as colloques, workshops, seminars, webinars, etc., that tackle JPIC-ED current and relevant issues for capacity building of promotors, future generations of missionaries and pastoral collaborators.
Prepared by P. HARELIMANA
