Urgent need to reunite, say Bishops

“This statement invites us to see our current social climate as an opportunity to witness to the Gospel,” says Conference President Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB.

“We offer Jesus and the hope borne of his death and resurrection. When we choose forgiveness over enmity, hospitality over isolation and solidarity over vilification, we help to create the conditions in which a more peaceful society can prosper.”

Each year since 1940, the ACBC has issued a statement for reflection and discussion in the lead-up to Social Justice Sunday (August 30) on a key issue in society.

The statement mentions recent developments in Australia including the Bondi Beach attack in December and the disturbing rise in Islamophobia and other forms of racism.

Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service chair, Bishop Tim Harris, said the Church had a key role to play in building a culture of listening and inclusion. “Our starting point is the conviction that every person is created in the image and likeness of God and possesses an inherent dignity that can never be diminished by race, religion, culture, language or background,” Bishop Harris said.

“The Church serves society best when it creates spaces where people can encounter one another as neighbours rather than strangers.

“Australia has been enriched by successive generations of migrants, refugees and First Nations peoples whose stories form part of our national identity. Yet social cohesion cannot be taken for granted. It must be renewed through acts of solidarity, hospitality and mutual understanding.”

The statement and other resources can be found at Social Justice Statements

Source: ACBC Media Blog.

We encourage you to share and use this material on your own website. However, when using materials from Majellan Media’s website, please include the following in your citation:  Sourced from www.majellan.media