Skip to content

Blog

Social Justice Statement 2023-24

In This years Social Justice Statement, Australia’s Bishops invite us to renew our engagement with the First Peoples of Australia. They have come to this view through much listening to the First Peoples and they encourage us all to listen to them in a spirit of love and humility.

Laudato Si Week 2023 May 16- May 24

Laudato Si’ Week 2023 Resources

Laudato Si’ Week, a celebration of Pope Francis’ encyclical on caring for our common home is taking place 16 May – 24 May this year. The ACBC Office for Justice, Ecology and Peace has created resources for individuals and groups to use throughout the week.

Statue of the Virgin Mary on an Altar with Candles

From the Director

Director Peter Arndt shares some information on a global survey of over 17,000 Catholic women about their experience of the Church and what they want to change.

Three images of women at a protest are pieced together, each with a green, purple or grey overlay. The text "Social Justice Statement 2022-23, Respecti, Confronting Violence and abuse" is in white at the top of the image. Australian Catholic Bishops Conference is written in small white writing at the centre of the image at the bottom with the corresponding logo.

Social Justice Statement 2022-23

  • by

Respect: Confronting Violence and Abuse points out that the roots of domestic and family violence “lie in the abuse of power to control and dominate others” and that “this stands in contrast to the relationships to which God calls us”. Our relationships should be “marked by equality and reciprocity rather than domination and violence, respect and freedom rather than coercion and control”. We reject the manipulation of religious teachings to justify violence and abuse. We support women in calling for respect in relationships; their lives and those of their children are sacred.

Lismore Flood Recovery: “Standing on Holy Ground”

  • by

A personal, on the ground reflection from Catholic Schools Diocese of Lismore Mission team on what Laudato Si’ means to them. They share their experience of ‘Standing on Holy Ground’ as they support each other to clean up after the floods and rebuild after catastrophic flooding where over 12 of their schools had damage to half of its buildings, and three completed inundated. You can support with prayers and responding to their appeal.

Season of Creation

Season of Creation 2024

In his letter to the Romans, Paul pictured the earth as a mother, groaning in childbirth [Rom 8:22], later echoed by Francis of Assisi when he referred to the Earth as our Sister and Mother in his Canticle of Creatures. Yet, in modern times, our relationship to the Earth is of subjection and exploitation, rather than nurturing and respect.

Bright aqua background with "Step up to clean up" written in a relaxed font. Clean up Australia logo above the main text.

Clean Up Australia Day 2024

 Clean Up Australia Day beckons communities nationwide to join hands in a collective effort for a greener, cleaner environment. As the event draws near, individuals, schools, businesses, and community groups gear up to tackle litter and waste in their local areas. This annual event, scheduled for March 3rd, serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of human activity on our ecosystems and the power of collective action.

Artist Rendition of AI

Artificial Intelligence and Peace

Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands as a double-edged sword in the quest for global peace. On one hand, its potential as a tool for diplomacy, conflict resolution, and humanitarian aid is immense. On the other, the unchecked proliferation of AI poses significant dangers, echoing the concerns of Pope Francis regarding a technocratic paradigm. As we navigate this terrain, understanding both aspects is crucial for a harmonious future.

Pope Francis reading message

Pope’s Lenten Message

Pope Francis’ Lenten message, Through the Desert God Leads Us to Freedom, for 2024 echoes the theme of freedom and liberation found in the Exodus story. He reminds believers that God’s message is always one of freedom, as seen in the words given to Moses on Mount Sinai.

Three women among rubble in Gaza

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.

Indigenous Artwork of a Cross

Closing the Gap Strategy Failing

Recent findings from the Productivity Commission’s Closing the Gap Review highlight the lack of progress made towards equality in Australia and remind us of the urgent need to address ongoing disparities faced by Indigenous Australians.

Peter Arndt smiles at the camera in front of a tree that is out of focus.

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.