INTERDEPENDENCE

Interdependence celebrates the giftedness of the individual person or community in relationship with others for the good of the greater whole. Interdependence thus affirms both autonomy and interrelatedness. From a Christian perspective, the notion of interdependence is most clearly addressed in St. Paul's doctrine on the body of Christ which tells us that: i) each person is gifted by the Spirit in a unique way - St. Paul refers to these gifts as charisms; ii) these gifts are fully realized when poured out for the good of others, after the pattern of Christ's self-emptying;
iii) when one member of the body is unjustly marginalized, the whole body suffers; iv) as we use our gifts for the good of others, we in turn are strengthened by one another. At a systemic or societal level, the notion of interdependence tells us that i) we are each better off by sharing (in community) the individual gifts that God has provided; ii) the whole of society will suffer when one component or individual is adversely altered or marginalized; iii) events occurring in any one component part or within a larger system can affect events taking place in other parts or components of that system; iv) as we are sustained and supported by others, we in turn, sustain and support others (mutuality). Interdependence recognizes that we benefit as individuals and as a collective from the diverse talents and gifts of our neighbours.

Related Concepts:

SOLIDARITY
MUTUALITY
AUTONOMY
RELATIONSHIP
INCLUSIVITY
COOPERATION
COLLABORATION
SERVICE
LEADERSHIP
HUMAN RIGHTS
PREFERENTIAL OPTION FOR THE POOR
EXPLOITATION
AUTONOMY / SELF-SUFFICIENCY
COEXISTENCE
PRODUCTIVITY
BODY OF CHRIST
HARMONY