The Australian Catholic Social Justice Council’s (ACSJC) Briefing for November is now up on the website. The Briefing covers issues of Catholic Social Teaching in November 2019, highlighting resources, media items and diary events. It can be read here (ACSJC_Monthly Briefing_No 217)
Welcome to the monthly news and information briefing from the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council, the social justice and human rights agency of the Catholic Church in Australia. This email contains highlights only. The full Briefing is online.
IN THIS ISSUE
From the Office for Social Justice
Current Issues/Resources
ACSJC Publications
Social Justice Events:
National | ACT | NSW | NT | QLD | SA | TAS | VIC | WA
News Monitor
Social Justice Diary
From the Office for Social Justice
Francis says the ‘arrogant and ungodly’ are responsible for inequity
In his message for this month’s World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis says the unequal distribution of wealth undermines human dignity. He says that since ancient times, ‘arrogant and ungodly people [have] hounded the poor, seeking to take possession even of what little they had, and to reduce them to bondage’. Modern economic crises have not prevented large groups of people from accumulating fortunes that often appear all the more incongruous when, in the streets of our cities, we daily encounter great numbers of the poor who lack the bare necessities of life and are at times harassed and exploited. … read more From the Office for Social Justice
National drought prayer campaigni
The Catholic Church in Australia is dedicating the month of November as a time to pray for those affected by crippling drought conditions and to pray for the gift of rain. Parishes, schools, families and other Catholic communities across the country are being encouraged to participate in the National Prayer Campaign for Drought, which also invites people to provide assistance to those most in need. Prayer resources have been developed for parishes, schools, communities and families to participate in the National Prayer Campaign. … see more Current Issues/Resources
2020 Social Justice Diary orders open
Our Social Justice Diary includes the dates of significant events, anniversaries and special days which celebrate particular aspects of social justice. It provides a social justice program for the full year. Information and ideas for prayer and reflection are included. It is an essential resource for teachers and parishes, and a great Christmas gift.. … see more Publications
Share God’s love through the Christmas Bowl
In June 2019, the number of people displaced worldwide by conflict or persecution reached over 70 million – more than any time since records began. But, through the Christmas Bowl Appeal, we are actively responding to this injustice. Over the past 70 years, we have seen that real change is possible and we will continue to respond as the church across Australia and commit to loving our neighbours around the world. The Christmas Bowl is an ecumenical appeal bringing together the 18 member churches of the National Council of Churches in Australia. … Read more
All events:
National | ACT | NSW | NT | QLD | SA | TAS | VIC | WA
This includes information about social justice events by various organisations around Australia. Event details may have changed since being posted – please confirm with the organiser.
Pope Francis ‘clearly cares’ for LGBT people
Pope Francis met with US Jesuit Fr James Martin, who has dedicated most of the past three years to ministering to LGBT Catholics, whom he describes as the “most marginalised group” in the Church. Martin is the author of the 2017 book Building a Bridge: How the Catholic Church and the LGBT Community Can Enter into a Relationship of Respect, Compassion, and Sensitivity. He said the pontiff was an ‘incredibly attentive listener’ who, based on the questions he asked his fellow Jesuit, ‘clearly cares for’ LGBT people. … see more News items
Dorothy Day, radical friend of the poor
29 November is the 39th anniversary of the death of Dorothy Day, Founder of the Catholic Worker Movement, a nonviolent, pacifist movement that continues to combine direct aid for the poor and homeless with nonviolent direct action on their behalf. Her family lived in Oakland, California, until the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906 destroyed her journalist father’s workplace and he lost his job. The earthquake’s devastation and how people helped homeless victims became strongly ingrained in the young Dorothy’s memory. … see more Diary items
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