In 1967, Pope Paul VI established the Pontifical Commission of Justice and Peace in the Vatican and appealed to the Bishops’ Conferences of the world to found the same kind of committees. Responding to this appeal, the Japan Catholic Council for Justice and Peace was established as a committee in the Bishops’ Conference in 1970. With the message in the Gospel as the ground of activities, this council hopes to realize a world in which God’s will is fulfilled. This council prays and works for justice and peace in solidarity with many brothers and sisters who are deprived of human rights amid poverty, suppression and discrimination and crying in agony. Seeking the widest possible participation, the committee uses the word “Council” to show the democratic nature of their operation.
Responsible Bishop: Bp. Wayne Francis BERNDT, O.F.M.Cap.
Bishop in charge: Bp. Edgar Gacutan, C.I.C.M.