Seeking Peace in a Violent World
The need for us to work for peace continues as war rages in Gaza, Ukraine and around the world.
Peter Arndt
Truth and Peace
In the 2024 – 2025 Social Justice Statement, “Truth and Peace: A Gospel Word in a Violent World”, Australia’s Bishops scrutinise the signs of our own troubled times, observe the violence around us, and ask why it is so. They also ask what is needed if there is to be peace.
From the Chair: World Refugee Day
At an ecumenical prayer service for World Refugee Day (June 20), Bishop Vincent Long OFM, Chair of the Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service, delivered a timely reflection:
Protecting Nature
The deteriorating state of Australia’s environment will not be helped by the recent Federal Budget. The Budget does provide significant subsidies to green industries, but there is little to help arrest the slide in the health of the environment itself.
National Reconciliation Week
May 27 – June 3 is National Reconciliation Week. This year’s theme is Now More Than Ever.
IDAHOBIT Day
The International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, IDAHOBIT Day, is May 17.
National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week
In time for National Sorry Day, Sunday 26 May, the Office has a new resource for those who want to learn more about the Stolen Generations and to take action.
World Refugee Week
World Refugee Week is an opportunity for us to re-commit ourselves to accompanying refugees at a time when Government policy is becoming increasingly harsh.
End the Violence in Gaza
Last week, the Prime Ministers of Australia, Canada and New Zealand issued a joint statement calling on the Israeli Government to initiate an immediate ceasefire in its war on Hamas. The statement comes as Israel prepares for a ground operation in Rafah.
Inclusion of People with Disabilities
Director of OJEP, Peter Arndt, reflects on his experience working with guide dogs, and the challenges and discrimations people with disabilities still face in daily life.