Social Justice Trends

Latest news from the Office for Justice, Ecology and Peace

Dear Friend,

We in the Office for Justice, Ecology and Peace wish all our subscribers joy and peace at Easter. As we approach Holy Week and reflect on Jesus’ passion and death and as we celebrate the joy of the resurrection on Easter Sunday, let’s commit ourselves to seek Jesus in those on the peripheries of society, both here in Australia and around the world.

FROM THE OFFICE

A group of women, sitting in church pews

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.

NEWS

A rainy puddle, reflecting an urban skyscape

World Water Day

World Water Day is marked on March 22. We share some information on the impact on poor people of water scarcity.

NEWS

Prayer for Survivors of Abuse

The victims and survivors of sexual abuse are the focus of Pope Francis’ prayer intention for March. In speaking about it, the Pope sets out some significant challenges for the Church in how it treats victims and survivors.

NEWS

Multicoloured cutouts of people, on a black background

International Day for the Elimination of Racism

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is marked on 21 March. These days, in Australia, we mark this day as Harmony Day. This helps us to appreciate the benefits of a multicultural Australia, but it can also ignore the hard questions about how racism still exists in Australia and effects the lives of many people. We provide some information on how you can challenge racism in society.

NEWS

Getting Involved in the Yes Campaign

Faith leaders have issued an open letter to political leaders, calling for support for the referendum on an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. We share information on how and why you should get involved.

NEWS

Earth Hour

Earth Hour is marked on the last Saturday evening in March. It’s a simple way to demonstrate your commitment to effective climate action in Australia and globally.

NEWS

Project Compassion

We’re in the middle of Lent, but it’s not too late to support the development work of Caritas Australia, not only by your weekly contributions at Mass, but also by organising community fund raising events. Learn more about what you can do.

NEWS

Easter Greetings

An Easter message from the Office and a reminder about making ethical Easter egg purchases.

NEWS

Chalk drawing of a family fleeing through wire fence

National Refugee Week

We provide information about National Refugee Week, this year’s theme and how you can get involved. We also provide information on this year’s Palm Sunday Rallies for Refugees around the country.

EVENTS

A rally of people holding signs that say Social Justice

Learning More About Catholic Social Action

We offer some information about a new series of workshops which aim to help Catholics to ground their social and environmental action in the Bible and Catholic teaching. The workshops will also offer skills for taking action more effectively and strategically.

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

You are receiving this because you subscribed from the Office for Justice, Ecology and Peace (formally the Office for Social Justice) website. The OJEP is an agency of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.