The Journal of the Siam Society Vol. LXXI, Part 1-2, 1983 - Khamkoo

Koson Srisang, ed., Perspectives on Political Ethics, an Ecumenical Inquiry (World
Council of Churches, Geneva, 1983).
There is no need to introduce the World Council of Churches. As far as the
present volume, presented by this world organization, is concerned, it is necessary to
point out, as the editor does in the introduction that the World Council of Churches has
the mandate "to express the common concern of the churches in the service of human
need, the breaking down of barriers between people, and the promotion of one human
family in justice and peace." (p. ix)
Among the many Units of the WCC, Justice and Service has made, in the past
decade, many meaningful contributions. Programmes undertaken were e.g. transnational
corporations, human rights, militarism and disarmament, and the search for a
just, participatory and sustainable society. Publications of the results of discussions
and reflections have been appearing continuously. The present volume is the last one,
resulting from the follow-up of the former programmes kneiwn as "Just, Participatory
and Sustainable Society" (JPSS). The focussed issue is "political ~thics".: 'l;he volume
is a collection of papers and reports summarizing discussions, which took place in
Cyprus, October 1981. It is mentioned clearly that they are notes on the conversation
rather than a consensus statement. They are meant to explore the issue and work out
future agenda rather than produce a conclusive document. However, examining especially
the longest part of the volume on "Report of the Cyprus Consultation", it is a
"statement", maybe not a consensus or an official one. It is a document.
And if the
introductory paper on "Continuing an old discussion in a new context" is taken into
account, then there should be no 'conclusion" in the absolute sense. Political ethics is
an old argument. It has to be reexamined and rediscussed as the context continues to
change. Given this remark, it is meant here thf,lt the importance of any statement is
not its form, whether it is "official", "conclusive" or not.. What counts should be its
inspiration and insights which are interrelated to actions and the signs of the time. In
fact, it is also pointed out that "it is hoped that this initial report will contribute to the
continuing search for a just, participatory and sustainable society in general and to the
discussion of political ethics in particular." (p. 16)
Besides the report of the Cyprus consultation and the introductory or inspirational
paper of Konrad Raiser, the volume is highlighted also by various contributions
from different continents: Political ethics in Africa by Aaron Tolen, Reconstruction of
political ethics in an Asian perspective by Anwar Barkat, Some aspects of political
morality in the Caribbean by Neville Linton, Political ethics in the European context :
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