29 The common good is the sum total of all those conditions of social living – i.e. economic, political, social, cultural and technological, which make it possible for all women, men, and children to fully achieve their natural potential by growing physically, emotionally, psychologically, intellectually and socially. The role of the Church is to contribute to the common good and must be understood in this way. The Church has sometimes allowed itself to be intimidated and persuaded to withdraw from this role. Or if it is allowed or encouraged to take up this role, it has been given instructions on how to do it. For example, it has been told to participate in health and education but not in politics or economics. The conditions which encourage the full growth of human capacities presuppose respect for the human person, the social wellbeing and development of the group, and the maintenance by public authority of peace and security. At the national level, promoting the common good requires creating employment for all, making sure that everyone has access to healthcare, education, recreation and cultural development. It requires caring for the impoverished, the marginalized, and the vulnerable. It also requires providing for the future. That is the Zimbabwe we want. Today, in an age of global interdependence, the principle of the common good points to the need for international structures and organizations that can promote development of a just human family across regional and national lines. 3.2.16 Option for the impoverished and marginalized This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other” (Zechariah 7:9 -10). Both Old and New Testaments exhort God’s people to pay special attention to vulnerable members of society like widows, orphans, aliens and the poor. The hunger that occurred in Jerusalem triggered a significant relief effort spearheaded by the Apostle Paul. Indeed God says: “I desire mercy not (ceremonial) sacrifice, and acknowledgement of God rather than burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:6). These exhortations are very relevant for our situation where the majority of our people are very poor while a few are very rich. We cannot meaningfully talk of love and harmony when there are so many uncared for orphans and widows due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and where so many unemployed people can only live through stealing or begging. The principle of the Common Good requires that all social, political, economic and cultural structures, systems and processes be accessible to all. However, in reality, some people are marginalized, impoverished and made vulnerable by the institutions we create. The preferential option for those in poverty is a conscious effort to correct the moral mistakes, failings and shortcomings of our social