Social Justice Trends | December 2022

Latest news from the Office for Justice, Ecology and Peace

Dear Friend,

In this edition of Social Justice Trends we reflect on this advent period and how we can live a Laudato Si' Christmas.

FROM THE OFFICE

2021-22 Launch invitation for Social Justice Statement

Advent and Christmas Reflection

Peter Arndt, Director of the Office, reflects on Advent and particularly on seeing God with us each day. The hustle and bustle of this time of year can stop us seeing and hearing God in our day-to-day lives. He urges us to keep Christ in our celebrations of Christmas by remembering and including people excluded from society and our brothers and sisters in the environment. Peter farewells Patrice Moriarty from the team.

NEWS

Front cover of the Social Justice Statement

New Closing the Gap Report

The first Commonwealth Closing the Gap report has been released after the National Agreement on Closing the Gap in 2020. The National Agreement focuses on prioritising partnerships between governments and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community-Controlled Organisations with four priority areas. There are also 17 socio-economic outcomes, only four of which were on target.

NEWS

The New Budget and How it Affects Asylum Seekers and Refugees

The Albanese federal government has released their 2022-2023 budget ahead of the 2023-2024 budget next year. Judy Houston, the Research and Policy Advisor of National Council of Churches in Australia presented a summary of the implications of what is sometimes termed a mini-budget for asylum seekers and refugees.

NEWS

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

Francis' Message on International Day of People with Disability

Pope Francis released a message on the International Day of People with Disability. He speaks of people with disability’s role in teaching the church about their own experience, on building a welcoming, warm and inclusionary Church, as well as the gift of their strengths and faith to the church. "With regard to the disabled – there can be no us and them, but a single us, with Jesus Christ at the centre, where each person brings his or her own gifts...”

EVENT

Elimination of Violence against Women

On 25 November, the Office held an event to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. A number of excellent speakers shared their thoughts about what needs to be done to eliminate domestic violence.

NEWS

Laudato Si' Christmas

How do we continue to seek ecological conversion during Christmas, a time that can easily become about consumption and materialism? This reflection gives you ideas for how to have a Laudato Si’ Christmas. “Invite Christ who became human just like us to replace our longing for stuff with a longing for a simple and sustainable life, for justice and peace in our world and for a commitment to caring for our common home.”

COMING SOON

- World Day of Peace - 1 January, 2023

FEEDBACK

If you have any feedback for the Office for Justice, Ecology and Peace please contact us at ojep@catholic.org.au

BISHOPS COMMISSION FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE, MISSION AND SERVICE

Bishop Vincent Long van Nguyen OFM Conv (Chair), Archbishop Mark Coleridge, Archbishop Julian Porteous, Bishop Martin Ashe, Bishop Michael Kennedy, Bishop Tim Norton SVD

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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 contact us.

Peter Arndt
Director
Office For Justice, Ecology and Peace
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference
ojep@catholic.org.au

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