1. History of the creation of IAJP
IAJP is the Institute of Artisans of Justice and Peace. Its creation was an initiative of Archbishop Isidore de SOUZA who, after the “National Conference of the Active Forces of the Beninese Nation” of February 1990, recognised that the Catholic Church of Benin had a duty to accompany – without ethnic or religious distinction – politicians, executives, social actors and above all pastoral workers and students in their project and vision of a peaceful and prosperous Benin. He decided to create an Institute of Artisans of Justice and Peace in charge of research and training. Conceived from 1990, IAJP was founded on 22 December 1997 at the St Gall Major Seminary in Ouidah during its 1st symposium entitled “Ethnic identities and national integration”, which could be called its founding programme. IAJP thus has a national vocation, but beyond Benin the Institute is open to the CERAO region (Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa), to the whole of Africa and even to the world. The motto of IAJP is: “Indeed, besides the earth, man’s principal resource is man himself” (John Paul II, Centesimus annus, no. 32).
2. Mission and objectives
The mission of IAJP is to contribute to deepening knowledge for a coherent development of society as a whole, thanks to the know-how acquired through research and training. In this sense, IAJP is an Institute for the dissemination of the Social Doctrine of the Church. In other words, it constantly raises the question of the primary meaning of the human person in the face of major scientific, technical, cultural and social challenges. To this end, the Institute develops education programmes for adolescents, universities, executives, elites and the general public. The Institute therefore aims to be a framework for reflection, research and training for peace.
On a smaller scale, IAJP adopts the purpose and mandate given by Pope John Paul II to the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace in the Constitution “Pastor Bonus”, namely:
- to promote justice and peace according to the Gospel and the Social Doctrine of the Church;
- to disseminate, through in-depth research, the social thought of the Church to all levels of society, to individuals and communities;
- to train and to seek approaches for resolving pressing social issues, encouraging every Christian and every citizen to take personal responsibility;
- to anchor in everyone’s heart that violence is never a way out of a social problem. The common good calls not for rebellious and revolutionary attitudes, but for patient and prudent progress;
- to raise awareness that the hidden treasure of the human person lies within, whenever a converted heart seeks and finds its rest in God and in the selfless service of others.
3. The research and training centre “Le Chant d’Oiseau”
3.1 History. The creation of the research and training centre “Le Chant d’Oiseau” (“The Birdsong”) went hand in hand with IAJP: it was designed not only to house the Institute’s headquarters but also to support its research and training activities.
3.2 Presentation and vocation. Inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi, friend and brother of the little ones and of nature, “Le Chant d’Oiseau” symbolises the word of peace, justice and sharing that the centre must communicate in season and out of season. The centre is located in Cotonou, in the 12th district (Cadjèhoun), between the Archdiocese of Cotonou and the Père Aupiais Catholic College.
3.3 Services. The centre is first and foremost intended to host the activities of IAJP. However, as part of a self-financing policy (“let us first rely on our own strength”), it is open to the public and offers:
- multi-purpose conference rooms
- accommodation
- a restaurant and meeting area
- a photocopying room
The centre also has a chapel for prayer, meditation and the daily and Sunday celebration of the Eucharist. A community gathers there in joy and fraternity.
4. The IAJP/CO library
In line with its objectives, IAJP offers the public a library with more than 7,000 books in various fields: law, pure sciences, sociology and anthropology, economics, management, theology, history, geography, literature, politics, etc.
5. The standing commissions of IAJP
To reflect on issues of national, sub-regional and African interest, the Institute has three (3) standing commissions with clearly defined terms of reference, composed of volunteer members and supported by resource persons: the Social Commission, the Economic Commission and the Political Commission. They are a breeding ground for the reflections and activities of IAJP.
6. The activities of IAJP
The Institute carries out a wide range of annual, monthly, periodic or one-off activities: social conferences (Thursday conference / Thursday debate / Thursday forum), training courses, symposia, colloquia, publications, field studies and surveys, awareness campaigns and reflection workshops on various themes. The Institute also responds to many requests to take part in, organise or lead various events.
7. The website
In order to reach a wider audience around the world, IAJP has a website presenting its news, activities and information in real time.
8. Members
The Institute welcomes as members all people of good will who wish to work, reflect, be trained and train others so that justice and peace may prevail. Its members come from all walks of life: students, civil servants, private individuals, teachers, business people, retirees, etc. (The only requirement is to be a Catholic Christian.) This requirement stems from the fact that, in order to offer its members spiritual nourishment and help them live the high points of the liturgical year, the Institute organises recollections and one- or two-day weekend retreats outside Cotonou. The October recollection opens the year, the Advent recollection in December prepares for Christmas, the Lenten recollection in February or March prepares for Easter and the June or July recollection closes the year’s activities. Members also receive training to strengthen their capacities.
July, August and September are free of activities so that members can enjoy a well-deserved holiday; this period is used to plan the coming activities.
9. Our mission partners
IAJP works under the authority of the Episcopal Conference of Benin. At sub-regional and regional level, the Institute networks with the Justice and Peace Commissions and other structures of the CERAO region and SECAM (Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar). Internationally, its partners include the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Missio, Misereor, Secours Catholique (Caritas France), Justice and Peace Germany and Europe, the Italian Episcopal Conference, etc.
10. Management structure of IAJP/CO
IAJP is placed under the authority of the Episcopal Conference of Benin (CEB). The Institute carries out its activities under the benevolent oversight of the bishop who chairs the Justice and Peace Commission of the CEB. Operational management is ensured by a Director and a Deputy Director, supported by the IAJP Coordination, which includes the communication unit and the library run by a team of dynamic young people. The Institute also works with young volunteers. At IAJP/CO level, activities are carried out by the Director’s secretariat, an accounting department, a reception–booking–accommodation department, a maintenance and facilities department and a catering department.
Conclusion
The Institute of Artisans of Justice and Peace / Le Chant d’Oiseau (IAJP/CO) is a framework for research and training in the spirit of the integral development of the whole person and of every person. Since 1997 it has worked tirelessly to help everyone understand that peace is a gift to be pursued and that peace demands justice. The Institute believes that human development cannot happen without creativity – hence the need to train all those who spread social thought. With the human person at the centre of development, the Institute reminds everyone that “indeed, besides the earth, man’s principal resource is man himself” (John Paul II, Centesimus Annus, 32).
Contacts
Institute of Artisans of Justice and Peace / Chant d’Oiseau (IAJP/CO)
Chant d’Oiseau – Mgr Isidore de SOUZA building – 1st floor – Office 111
04 B.P. 578 Cotonou / BENIN
Tel: +229 01 21 04 63 21 / +229 01 21 30 51 59 – Fax: +229 01 21 30 99 62
contact@iajp.bj