In a tradition reaching back to 1940, the Australian Catholic Bishops release major social justice statements each year in time for Social Justice Sunday. Through this tradition they contribute to the development of local Catholic Social Teaching. The statements encourage the Catholic community to reflect and act on social, economic and ecological issues. They remind us of the social dimension of the mission of the Church.
Previously Social Justice Sunday was celebrated on the last Sunday in September. From 2020, Social Justice Sunday will be celebrated in Australia on the last Sunday in August.
Recent Social Justice Statements
Social Justice Statement 2020-21
To Live Life to the Full: Mental health in Australia today The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the mental health of many members of our parishes, schools and communities. In fact,…
Social Justice Statement 2019-20
Making it Real: Genuine human encounter in our digital world The Australian Catholic Bishops’ Social Justice Statement for 2019 – 2020, Making it Real: Genuine human encounter in our digital&helli…
Social Justice Statement 2018-19
Social Justice Statement: A Place to Call Home: Making a home for everyone in our land The Australian Catholic Bishops’ Social Justice Statement for 2018–19 is titled A Place to…
Social Justice Statement 2017-18
Everyone’s Business: Developing an inclusive and sustainable economy Pope Francis has called for an economic system that places men and women at the very centre – one that meets the…
Social Justice Statement 2015-16
The Social Justice Statement 2015-16 invites us to reflect on the call of Jesus to welcome those in most need and to give comfort to those who come to us in flight from fear and suffering.
Social Justice Statement 2014-15
A Crown for Australia: Striving for the Best in Our Sporting Nation The Australian Catholic Bishops’ Social Justice Statement 2014–2015 challenges us to look at the place of sport in… …
Social Justice Statements 1988 – 2013
The full text of the Social Justice Statements for this period are conveniently collected in one fully indexed volume titled Building Bridges.
Download Statements for 2000 to 2013
2013-14
Lazarus at Our Gate: A critical moment in the fight against world poverty
2012-13
The Gift of Family in Difficult Times: The social and economic challenges facing families today
2011-12
Building Bridges, Not Walls: Prisons and the justice system
2010
Violence in Australia: A message of peace
2009
And you will be my witnesses: Young people and justice
2008
A Rich Young Nation: The challenge of affluence and poverty in Australia
2007
Who is my Neighbour?: Australia as a Global Citizen
2006
The Heart of our Country: Dignity and justice for our Indigenous sisters and brothers
2005
Jesus, light for the world: Living the Gospel today
2004
Peace be with you: Cultivating a culture of peace
2003
A generous heart in the love of Christ: Challenging racism in Australia today
2002
A New Earth: The environmental challenge
2001
A just and peaceful land: Rural and regional Australia in 2001
2000
Woman and Man: The Bishops Respond