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Rerum Novarum (from its first two words, Latin for “of revolution) or “Rights and Duties of Capital and Labour” is an encyclical issued by Pope Leo XIII on May 15, 1891.
It was an open letter, passed to all Catholic bishops that addressed the condition of the working classes.
The issuing of the encyclical spelled the start of the Christian labour movement. The Christian Labour movement in Belgium encompasses a wide range of organisations and not just the Christian Trades Union ACV. These organisations are brought together under the umbrella organisation ACW.
“Concentrate more on the young”
Speaking at a Rerum Novarum rally in Heverlee on Wednesday evening the Flemish Minister Hilde Crevits said that it was essential that the Christian Labour Movement (ACW) pays more attention to the problems face by young people.
Ms Crevits added that to her mind this is the most important modernisation measure the movement could take.
Reaching out to the young is the biggest challenge faced by ACW. Ms Crevits believes that themes such as youth unemployment, child poverty, road accident during weekends and the ability of young families to able to buy their own home all deserve greater attention.
“Dear friends I think that ACW should focus on the youth. We bear a great collective responsibility to provide them with the same opportunities that we were we given.”
Ms Crevits also called for what she described as “a warm society” and condemned the idea of the survival of the fittest.
“The free market, dear friends, won’t defend the dignity of workers as a matter of course. Our social movement will be needed for as long as there are people that can’t manage to cope on their own. They are relying on us!”
“The best guarantee for a social Flanders”
The leader of the Christian Workers Movement (ACW) Patrick Develtere also spoke at the rally. His organisation has come under fire in recent months admit allegations of tax fraud. Despite this Mr Develtere said that ACW is still alive and kicking.
He went on to say that organisations such as ACW provide the best guarantee for the preservation and strengthening of our welfare state.
Mr Develtere also called for measures to be taken to cut domestic energy cost. “The air, the wind, the sun and light belong to us one and all.”
“This is why we call on law-makers to make it compulsory for energy producers to allow citizens to participate in the development of renewable energy sources.”
The ACW says that ordinary citizens should be given at least in 20% stake and that those on low incomes should be given held to considerably reduce their fuel bills.
[Flandersnews.be / Expatica]