Written by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Chair of the Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service
My warm greetings to the Supporters of Social Justice Trends,
In this issue, I am sad to advise you that Dr Sandie Cornish, Director of the Office for Justice, Ecology and Peace has submitted her resignation.
Sandie has been offered and has accepted a full-time academic position with Australian Catholic University’s Faculty of Theology and Philosophy, a role that will make great use of Sandie’s expertise in the area of Catholic Social Teaching which she will commence shortly.
On behalf of the Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service and indeed the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, I would like to thank Sandie for the professional, dedicated and generous service she has rendered to the Church and the community in her role.
Justice in all its manifestations has been Sandie’s passion. Drawing on her deep knowledge of the biblical, theological and magisterial sources, she is able to articulate coherent and accessible explanations of complex contemporary justice trends. Her gifts and talents have been applied to a great breadth of issues, networks and collaborative endeavours, not least of which has been the major production of the bishops’ annual Social Justice Statement. She has positioned the Office for Justice, Ecology and Peace as a strong advocate for the dignity of every human person and a credible voice of the Church in the public domain.
As Sandie is moving to another chapter of her professional career, I wish her every blessing. This Commission and the Church in Australia are truly grateful for her witness, stewardship and service in challenging times.
All good things must come to an end. But as a people of faith, we believe that good things come to an end to make way for better things to happen. In thanking Sandie, I also acknowledge the generous support and collaboration of the staff and consultants who worked with her. I trust that with such strong legacy, enriched by leaders like Sandie, we can move forward towards greater things indeed. May God who journeys with us bring our Kingdom-building endeavour to a good end.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv.,
Chair, Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service
Dr Sandie Cornish finishes in her role on 11 July, 2022.