Social Justice Trends

Latest news from the Office for Justice, Ecology and Peace

Dear Friend,

In November, Social Justice Trends focuses on current actions for justice in the world.

FROM THE OFFICE

2021-22 Launch invitation for Social Justice Statement

Now is the Time to Act

In his message to COP26, Pope Francis said that “now is the time to act, urgently, courageously and responsibly.” Dr Sandie Cornish suggests that rather than being a cause for despair, the modest outcomes of COP26 should serve as a call to renewed action by every part of society. She reflects on COP26 and enrolling in the Laudato Si’ Action Platform.

EVENT

Front cover of the Social Justice Statement

A Day of Prayer for Myanmar

The Bishops Conference invites you to participate in a day of prayer for Myanmar on 28 November. After decades of violence and trauma, the people of Myanmar have now been under military rule for most of 2021. The day of prayer will see members of all faiths pray for peace and hope. A liturgy resource has been created and an ecumenical event has been planned for 7.30pm AEDT.

RESOURCE

International Day of People with Disability

The International Day of People with Disability is on 3 December and the ACBC is offering resources. The theme for the day is "Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world". Over 4.4 million people in Australia live with a disability. This day aims to increase awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and to celebrate their achievements.

EVENT

Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor Action Card heading

60th Anniversary of First Raising of Morning Star Flag

On 1 December 60 years ago the morning star flag was first raised in West Papua. The flag was raised by West Papua legislators promised independence, however, Indonesia invaded the area in 1962 and since then the flag has been a sign of resistance and outlawed. The day is usually celebrated with marches, flag raisings and prayer services however, there is currently an outbreak of violence in West Papua. Peter Arndt speaks to the current situation.

NEWS

5 prayer cards for the Social Justice Statement 2021-22

Signs of the Times Project

The Catholic Justice and Peace Commission of the Archdiocese of Brisbane and the Office for Justice, Ecology and Peace have partnered in a project named The Signs of the Times. It aims to bring to life Pope Francis’ call for a "Culture of Encounter". The launch of a theological framework and website of resources for parishes and schools takes place on 30 November. Bishop Vincent Long will be the keynote speaker.

EVENT

Anniversary of Gaudium et Spes

7 December will mark the anniversary of the release of Gaudium et Spes, the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World. Promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1965, this key document of Vatican II called all to holiness and to integrate their life so that their deeds and words align privately and publicly. Placing the value and dignity of people at the centre, it rejected the splitting of worship and mission in the world.

REFLECTION

First Sunday of Advent - A Reflection by Andy Hamilton

In this reflection, Andy Hamilton SJ reflects on how Advent and times of fasting and feasting reflect the difficult and joyous times in our own lives. While we wait for the joy and celebration of Christmas, we may experience difficulty, but we wait in hope for Emmanuel. Just as Jesus’ coming gives us hope in the dark, our compassion and care for others, particularly refugees and asylum-seekers experiencing oppression and difficulty, can be that hope.

NEWS

Compendium of Modern Slavery Statements

Globally over 40 million people are in slavery-like conditions. The Australian Catholic Anti-Slavery Network (ACAN) was created to eradicate modern slavery from the supply chains of Catholic agencies in Australia reflecting the commitment of both the Pope and the Australian Government to end modern slavery by 2030. The recently released report, ACAN Modern Slavery Statements, is a compendium of reports from 45 different Catholic Agencies.

COMING SOON

- Human Rights Day – 10 December
- International Ignatian Ecospirituality Conference – 25-30 April 2022

FEEDBACK

If you have any feedback for the Office for Justice, Ecology and Peace please contact our Editor Sandie Cornish at sandie.cornish@catholic.org.au.

BISHOPS COMMISSION FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE, MISSION AND SERVICE

Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM Conv (Chair), Bishop Paul Bird CSsR, Bishop Terence Brady, Bishop Karol Kulczycki SDS, Bishop Bosco Puthur, Bishop Donald Sproxton.

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DISCLAIMER
The Office for Justice, Ecology and Peace facilitates this newsletter in good faith. Its aim is to promote adult faith formation, awareness and action in relation to social, economic and ecological justice issues. Factual information is presumed free of error. If this is found to be incorrect please contact the OJEP for purposes of rectification. The reference to news items and the provision of links to other websites is solely for the user's convenience. The OJEP assumes no responsibility for, nor does it necessarily endorse, these items or websites, their content, or their sponsoring organisations.

Social Justice Trends is a publication of the Office for Justice, Ecology and Peace and is distributed monthly. Our aim is to provide news of interest to you. If you have suggestions or feedback about Social Justice Trends please don't hesitate to get back to me.

Dr Sandie Cornish
Office for Justice, Ecology and Peace
sandie.cornish@catholic.org.au

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