On corruption: for a just, transparent and fraternal society

Corruption is neither an isolated deviation nor an exceptional problem. Above all, it is a structural wound that harms the social tissue, destroys the reliance placed on institutions and undermines the ethical basis of the political order. As the General Commission for Justice and Peace of Spain, we raise our voice serenely and firmly, encouraging citizens and institutions to take a path of change towards truth, justice and the common good. Therefore, we suggest:

1. To intervene at the origin of corruption: the appropriation of the common good.

Every corruption is created in an perverse logic: the privatisation of the common good for the benefit of particular interests. Everything that belongs to the community is stripped to reward a minority. This logic is the opposite of justice and the spirit of the Gospel: "And all that believed were together, and had all things common" (Acts 2,44). Where the sense of common is lost, corruption is germinated. There is no corruption without a previous action of illegitimate appropriation of what belongs to the community.

2. Raise the voice against corruption as a modus operandi of the neoliberal order.

In the neoliberal configuration of the world, of totalitarian populisms and the systems that question democracy, corruption is not exceptional, it may become a common method of operation. The current neoliberalism has reduced politics to economic management and profit is the only criterion for action. Competence becomes into tenet because of this model, and in this framework, corruption is shown as an easy devious method. This way, an order that benefits the strongest, legitimises abuse of power and transforms fraud into efficiency is established.

3. To bring to light the service of politics to the common good.

Corruption is the radical denial of politics as the service to polis, to the community. In the most prominent sense, politics looks for the common good. However, corruption perverts it to the point of transforming it into a fight for privileges and prebends. Furthermore, those who corrupt it (offering bribery, funding campaigns in exchange for favours, designing structures to avoid control, making discretionary appointments without either objective proofs or offers of public and transparent profiles) and companies, which are part of "corrupt" to mediate and obtain contracts or benefits, are more responsible than those who suffer from it. As Jesus states in the Gospel: "If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck" (Mt 18,6). The public scandal of corruption rusts the hope of citizens.

4. Social and personal transformation: the only way to eradicate corruption.

The eradication of corruption is not possible just with laws. A deep transformation is needed, both personal and social, which gives centrality back to others' respect and ethics. Just from a citizenship made up of truth, justice and solidarity will be able to form a society free of corruption. As Saint Paul exhorts: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Rom 12,2).

5. An appeal for the truth in the media.

The media is the guardian of truth and the main participant in the defence of the common good. However, when it is subjected to economic or partisan interests, it stops providing the truth and contributes to the lack of information and social cynicism. We appeal to the professional sector of communication to exercise their work ethically responsible, knowing that "the truth will set you free" (Jn 8,32), and the manipulation of information is also a type of corruption.

6. The creation of a national body for ethical vigilance

In the presence of the spreading of corruption practices in numerous levels of public life, it is necessary to create an independent national body that guards public practices from ethical criteria, with the ability to report and suggest structural reforms. It is not about creating more bureaucracy, but establishing a reliable instance that safeguards institutional responsibility, justice and transparency.

7. A fair distribution of wealth policy.

Structural corruption is based on the excessive accumulation of wealth, which leads to inequality, social violence and exclusion. A society that allows a minority to own everything while there is a lack of what a lot of people need, is a fertile ground for corruption. In the presence of this model, it is urgent to create a redistribution policy that guarantees the community's dignity and equality. As Jesus teaches us: "You cannot serve both God and money" (Mt 6,24). Serving money leads to trampling the environment's life, serving God leads to sharing, constructing and healing.

In conclusion, corruption is a moral disease, a social pathology and a betrayal of the common good. Facing it is not just an ethical demand, but a requirement to coexistence justice and peace. We appeal to everyone, believers or not, to join this task of regeneration. May this critical moment be an opportunity for a new beginning, based on truth, justice and fraternity. May hope not be extinguished and may justice flow as an endless river (cf. Am 5,24).

General Commission for Justice and Peace of Spain