Across Ireland, the process of counting votes is still underway, providing an opportune moment to consider the increasing perils to global democracy. Many nations are currently witnessing a concerning degeneration of democratic foundations, including the rule of law, unbiased and democratic elections, media independence, parliamentary systems with power distribution checks and balances, as well as legal opposition parties to those in authority. Additionally, this extends to freedom of gathering, expression of religion, and a vibrant civil society unhindered by government control.
There is a pressing demand to rethink and reshape democracy so it can endure in a time characterised by extensive insecurity and disorder, leading to what is now termed a “permacrisis”. Imagining a fresh perspective on democracy necessitates the introduction of a green economy, promoting a fair shift towards an equitable and sustainable worldwide economy. This would require a renewed form of the democratic system that can secure public devotion to critical changes and transitions on which our joined future relies.
Our existing democracies are predominantly constructed on a neoliberal blueprint that encourages a capitalist, fossil-fuel dependent free-market economy. This has resulted in excessive global disparities and ongoing planetary destruction. Rethinking democracy needs a concentrated commitment to the common welfare, perceived within each state and as a global necessity.
A re-envisioned democracy should focus on the efficacy of the democratic state in improving the conditions for all citizens and meeting their needs in areas such as healthcare, housing, education, employment, welfare, and climate change. These areas are pivotal for the survival of robust, sustainable democracies.
A future democracy must also embrace demographic diversity including ethnic and gender equality, striving to establish a stable multicultural society free from racially and gender-based discrimination.
Bridge-building in all aspects is paramount – echoing Pope Francis’ sentiments in his 2020 Encyclical Letter titled ‘Fratelli Tutti, On Fraternity and Social Friendship’, on the bonds of “social friendship”. The fear of the unfamiliar powers right-wing populism, which advocates authoritarian ethno-nationalism. Inspirational leadership must be exhibited from not only political figures, but also from civil society and particularly from church leaders. Churches bear the special responsibility to cultivate a new public theology addressing the severe challenges we currently confront.
A re-envisioned system of governance would be acutely aware of the harmful possibilities of political discourse and disinformation. A principal necessity would be a tightly controlled digital arena with harsh punishments for hate propagated speech. It would also need to be grounded on a motivating common philosophy.
What could be the components of such a philosophy? Initially, a thriving societal vision. A society that puts communal benefit at its core, incorporating what political theorist Michael Sandel refers to as “novel politics of the communal benefit”.
Furthermore, the philosophy would include transforming our currently inadequate indicators of a prosperous economy- such as GNP- to more accurate indicators of societal health. We would evaluate factors that truly contribute to human growth and genuinely enhance human capacity.
It appears that our places of worship are preoccupied with trivial issues while humanity is confronted by a critical dilemma. Faith’s pivotal role in our societal life is significantly overlooked by churches preoccupied with institutional preservation and decline. If no substantial public contribution is made by these churches towards a thriving society, their irrelevance becomes apparent.
However, in Christian social teachings, we have the resources for a persuasive public theology that I believe is integral to the fight for liberation, justice, equal rights and unity. Multiple Christians- like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Martin Luther King Jr., Desmond Tutu and John Hume- can serve as an inspiration, having left profound impacts on the public life of their nations so that all can thrive.
I perceive that Irish churches are entrapped in a sectarian anomaly, pondering the potential for some level of reconciliation among different denominational institutions, while predominantly ignoring the current and future existential requirements of the world and Ireland.
A pressing challenge is faced by our churches: to convene and recalibrate their efforts towards the formation of a pertinent public theological rebuttal to the continual crises faced by our society. With a sufficient public theology to back them, Christians would be able to provide bold leadership in forming a vision and endorsing proactive strategies to tackle the issues at hand.
The idea of human dignity and purpose according to Christian values sharply contrasts the prevailing perception of humans as mere self-centered commodity maximizers. Moreover, the Christian idea of mankind having a stewardship role in God’s creation starkly opposes the currently rampant selfish exploitation of resources.
Regrettably, the stark contrast often goes unnoticed due to the lack of Christian representation in the public arena. Dr Fergus O’Ferrall, an esteemed writer and historian, is also a non-clergy member of the Methodist Church in Ireland. His service as the lay leader for the Church was from 2016 to 2018.