The role of conferences of bishops in the service of peace
Pomen škofovskih konferenc v prizadevanjih za mir

english

2026

volume 86, issue 1

canon law   episcopal conference   peace   social teaching

Univerza v Ljubljani, Teološka fakulteta
(Obvezni izvod spletne publikacije)

After the Second Vatican Council, Catholic pontiffs affirmed that peace is threatened by factors other than armed conflict, and these challenges are also geographically diverse. Due to the Roman Pontiff’s governmental primacy, little attention was given to the views of local churches. In recent years, however, there has been a tendency for lower-level church statements to influence the teachings of central authorities on peace, security, and just war. In this article, we will focus on the bishops’ conference. Over the last hundred years, this Catholic institution has undergone significant theological, canonical, and structural development. A conference of bishops plays an increasingly important role in shaping the Church’s ethical stance on war and social justice. Its statements and activities demonstrate that local churches are active shapers, not passive recipients, of the Holy See’s message on security challenges. Beyond presenting the legal and theological frameworks, this article suggests ways in which the conference can better leverage its structure to promote peace. Additionally, it identifies the challenges posed by states that do not operate within the framework of the rule of law.

13.10.2026