ACSJC BRIEFING
No. 43 - February 2004
From the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council, the social justice and human rights agency of the Catholic Church in Australia. To download a printer-friendly version of this newsletter, go to http://socialjustice.catholic.org.au/briefing
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IN THIS ISSUE
• From the Secretariat
• Latest publications
• Current issues
• February Notices
• December-January News Monitor
• February Justice Calendar
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FROM THE SECRETARIAT
Dear Friends,
Many would be aware that the Pope dedicates the first day of each year to pray for peace in the world. The World Day of Prayer for Peace was first celebrated by Pope Paul VI in 1968, when he outlined his intention to mark the beginning of each year by outlining the path of human life in events to come and bringing a message of peace as a source of hope and promise in world affairs.
THE TRADITION OF THE WORLD DAY OF PEACE: In his first message, Pope Paul VI highlighted some key characteristics of this annual event:
“First among these is: the necessity of defending Peace in the face of dangers which always threaten it: the danger of the survival of selfishness in the relations among nations; the danger of violence into which some populations can allow themselves to be drawn by desperation at not having their dignity recognised and respected; ... of recourse to frightful weapons of extermination, which some nations possess, spending enormous financial means, the expenditure of which is reason for painful reflexion in the presence of the grave needs which hinder the development of so many other peoples; the danger of believing that international controversies can not be resolved by the ways of reason, that is, by negotiations founded on law, justice, and equity, but only by means of deterrent and murderous forces.”
(http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/messages/peace/documents/hf_p-vi_mes_19671208_i-world-day-for-peace_en.html)
The World Day of Peace messages issued by Paul VI and John Paul II have addressed diverse challenges. Some of these challenges have included: global conflict; civil war; terrorism; arms proliferation; ecological disaster; racism; radical individualism; poverty; international debt; totalitarianism; crimes against humanity; violence against women and children; breakdown of respect for human life etc.
The Church’s response to these challenges is derived from Gospel values, its deep respect for human life, the dignity of the individual and the promotion of human rights necessary to foster peace. It is no coincidence that the messages often refer to the legacy of Pope John XXIII’s encyclical Pacem in Terris. In many respects, the recent tradition established by Paul VI and continued for many years by John Paul II is part of this legacy.
IS PEACE POSSIBLE? When responding to the fundamental question “is peace possible?”, especially in critical situations when it seems war or other catastrophes are inevitable, the Church had consistently answered “yes!”.
In this year’s message, the Holy Father says: “Today that appeal [for peace] is more urgent than ever, because men and women, in the face of tragedies which continue to afflict humanity, are tempted to yield to fatalism, as if peace were an unattainable ideal. The Church on the other hand, has always taught and continues today to teach a very simple axiom: peace is possible. Indeed, the Church does not tire of repeating that peace is a duty.” (http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/messages/peace/documents/hf_jp-ii_mes_20031216_xxxvii-world-day-for-peace_en.html)
This is an optimistic response to ominous world events. This optimism is realistic. It is realistic in its faith in the human desire for peace and the capacity of the human family to end conflict and address its causes.
The Pope again strongly affirms the importance of international legal order as a means for defending human rights and watching over global peace and security. He recognises the importance of the United Nations organisation in its “notable contribution to the promotion of the respect for human dignity, the freedom of peoples and the requirements of development, thus preparing the cultural and institutional soil for the building of peace”.
The scourge of terrorism over recent years has highlighted difficulties in the operation of the UN and its Security Council. There are many challenges – one of which is how the world community can find solutions to conflict emanating from groups or entities which cannot be defined as sovereign states. Nevertheless, the role of the UN is of vital importance for an international response to terrorism:
“...if it is to be won, the fight against terrorism cannot be limited solely to repressive and punitive operations. It is essential that the use of force, even when necessary, be accompanied by a courageous and lucid analysis of the reasons behind terrorist attacks. The fight against terrorism must be conducted also on the political and educational levels: on the one hand, by eliminating the underlying causes of situations of injustice which frequently drive people to more desperate and violent acts; and on the other hand, by insisting on an education inspired by respect for human life in every situation: the unity of the human race is a more powerful reality than any contingent divisions separating individuals and people”.
WHAT CAN I DO? In the face of world events that can appear beyond the hope of peace, it is reassuring to hear those words, “Peace is possible”. As Christians we are called to action – to work for peace. But how to influence world issues in the context of our daily lives can sometimes feel like a challenge. What difference can the individual make for world peace?
My predecessor, Sandie Cornish, spoke of a ‘culture of peace’ including a number of ‘cultures’ or levels – and that the work of cultivating a culture of peace occurs at different levels and in diverse ways. All are dynamically interrelated.
A culture of peace is a culture of life. It is about affirming and defending the sanctity of life – of the unborn, the sick and elderly, the criminal sentenced to death, and communities ravaged by poverty, famine or war.
The culture of peace is also a culture of human rights. Human rights build on a culture of life, affirming and promoting civil and political rights (such as the right to life, physical integrity and freedom from discrimination) as well as economic, social and cultural rights (such as access to food, housing, shelter and health).
More than this, a culture of peace includes a range of values, attitudes and beliefs such as respect for human dignity, rejection of violence, valuing diversity, sharing, listening and seeking understanding. A culture of peace is a spiritual quest that for us involves applying the Church’s social teachings and living the values of the Gospel in our world.
I feel that this understanding of a culture of peace is really helpful in identifying where our individual and local efforts can fit into the global picture. Affirming life is part of a culture of peace. Promoting human rights is work for peace. So is working for fair wages, resolving personal or community conflict, and striving for indigenous justice. Writing letters to the editor, calling talkback radio or participating in a public rally can be also. Prayer, reconciliation and participation in the life of local church are by no means an afterthought to this work.
We are called to start where we can.
Last year, the Holy Father emphasised the importance of “gestures of peace” made by women and men who live in hope as essential to world peace: “Gestures of peace are possible when people appreciate fully the community dimensions of their lives, so that they grasp the meaning and consequences of events in their own communities and in the world. Gestures of peace create a tradition and a culture of peace” (http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/messages/peace/documents/hf_jp-ii_mes_20021217_xxxvi-world-day-for-peace_en.html)
- John Ferguson (National Executive Officer)
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LATEST PUBLICATIONS
(orders Tel: 02 9956 5811 or email: admin@acsjc.org.au)
2004 SOCIAL JUSTICE CALENDAR
The 2004 Social Justice Calendar focuses on the theme “Cultivating a Culture of Peace”. This coincides with the theme for the 2004 Social Justice Sunday Statement.
The calendar includes dates of significant events, information, prayers and reflections.
Cost: $6.60 (inc. GST), plus postage. Order now! http://www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au/content/publications/social_justice_calendar.html
POSITION AND INFORMATION PAPER – DETENTION OF AUSTRALIAN CITIZENS AT GUANTANAMO BAY
Website paper available at: http://www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au/Content/publications/positionpapers/2003_11_28the_detention_of_australian_citizens_at_guantanamo_bay.html
BACKGROUND PAPER – AUSTRALIA & UNITED STATES FREE TRADE AGREEMENT
Available on the ACSJC website -
http://www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au/Content/publications/positionpapers/2003_9_5australia_&_united_states_free_trade_agreement.html
For full list of CATHOLIC SOCIAL JUSTICE SERIES PAPERS visit: http://www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au/content/publications/social_justice_papers.html)
(Postage rates for Catholic Social Justice Series Papers: 1 copy $1; 2-3 copies $1.45; 4-5 copies $2.45)
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CURRENT ISSUES
MEDIA RELEASE – AUSTRALIA’S LEADERS SHOULD RENOUNCE DEATH PENALTY – 19 December 2003
Bishop Christopher Saunders has urged Australian politicians condoning the use of the death penalty in overseas jurisdictions to think again. The Council reiterated the recent opposition of a Vatican official and the secretary-general of the United Nations to capital punishment regarding the future trial of former dictator Saddam Hussein.
Bishop Saunders said, “The news of Saddam Hussein’s capture offers the promise that he will be tried for horrific alleged crimes against the people of Iraq. However, the justice sought by Iraqis must not be demeaned by the spectre of capital punishment. The death penalty is an offence against the dignity and sanctity of all human life which must be respected, even in those who have done great evil. Nothing is gained through capital punishment. Indeed, use of the death penalty undermines respect for life and contributes to a culture of revenge. Such thoughts of revenge exist in contradistinction to our belief in life as a gift from God which is celebrated so vividly at this time of Christmas”.
http://www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au/Content/media_releases/2003_12_19_1072095434.html
MEDIA RELEASE – HUMAN RIGHTS – EVEN AT GUANTANAMO BAY – 10 December 2003
On Human Rights Day, the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council has called on the Federal Government to do more to secure the fundamental rights of two Australians detained by American authorities at Guantanamo Bay. Council Chairman, Bishop Saunders said, “Our Government recently won significant concessions for the Australians should they appear before a US military commission not least of which is protection from the death penalty. However, strong concerns remain about lax rules of evidence, lack of judicial review and appeal rights which will impede natural justice.” The Council repeated earlier calls for Government to use its close ties with the US to end the legal limbo which has denied the detainees of Camp Delta their most basic legal and human rights.
http://www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au/Content/media_releases/2003_12_10_1071055890.html
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FEBRUARY NOTICES
FROM FEBRUARY 1: SCREENING OF “MOLLY & MOBARAK” at Schonell Cinema, University of Queensland, St Lucia. Sunday at 3.30pm (refer: http://www.active.org.au/brisbane/calendar/?display=zoom&event=148)
FEBRUARY 5: EXHIBITION, “ON THE BORDER”. An exhibition of local and refugee art. Opening 6.00pm, Creators Artspace, Gateway Village, Albury Wodonga (refer: http://www.safecom.org/albury-2004.htm)
FEBRUARY 6 – 8: CONFERENCE, “A FAIR GO – JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS FOR REFUGEES”. National Conference 2004 of Rural Australians for Refugees. An action-focussed conference concerning working with refugees, changing the system, getting the message across, and meeting our responsibilities. Speakers include Fr Frank Brennan SJ, Julian Burnside QC, Marc Purcell and Morag Fraser. Charles Sturt University, Guinea Street Albury. (refer: http://www.safecom.org/albury-2004.htm)
FEBRUARY 7: CONCERT, “DARWOOD SARKHOSH – SINGING FOR REFUGEES and refugee supporters”. 7.00pm, Robert Blackwood Concert Hall, Monash University, Clayton Campus, Willington Rd, Clayton, Melbourne. (refer: http://www.acc.asn.au/DS.htm)
FEBRUARY 7 – 26: SUMMER SCHOOL, “CROSS CULTURAL MINISTRY”. This three-week course is being run by the Sisters of St Joseph and St Columban’s Mission Society in Baulkham Hills, Sydney. Cross cultural ministry is a critical component of most pastoral ministry. Emphasis will be given to the challenge of living as well as ministering in a new culture. For further info, contact Sr Joan Healy rsj on (02) 8912 4872.
FEBRUARY 9 – 10: CONFERENCE, “FROM RHETORIC TO REALITY: MAKING HUMAN RIGHTS WORK”. Speakers will provide an overview of human rights concepts and mechanisms, including the UN Treaty System, human rights in the Australian context, and human rights in the context of service delivery and advocacy. Community Advocacy Unit, School of Social Science and Planning, RMIT University, Melbourne. (refer: http://advocacy.tce.rmit.edu.au/Rhetoric2RealityText.htm)
FEBRUARY 11: ADDRESS, “HOPE AND HISTORY: MAKING PEACE IN IRELAND”, by Mr Gerry Adams, 12.00 – 2.00pm, National Press Club, Canberra (refer: http://www.npc.org.au/speakers.htm)
FEBRUARY 11: INTERNATIONAL COLLOQUIUM, "MANAGING MUSLIM - CHRISTIAN RELATIONS: Educational Policy Options". Archbishop Peter Carnley AO and Professor Abdullah Saeed will explore some of the key opportunities and challenges facing Muslim - Christian relations in the current global environment. This free event will be held from 6.00 - 7.30pm at the Main Theatre, Sidney Myer Asia Centre, The University of Melbourne. RSVP essential (refer: http://events.unimelb.edu.au/view.php?eventID=117)
FEBRUARY 13: RALLY, “DEFEND AND EXTEND MEDICARE”. Melbourne rally commencing 12pm at Victorian State Library – Cnr Swanston and La Trobe Streets, Melbourne (refer: http://www.defendandextendmedicare.org/rally.php)
FEBRUARY 14: CONCERT, “DARWOOD SARKHOSH – SINGING FOR REFUGEES AND REFUGEE SUPPORTERS”. 7.30pm, The Hills Center, Carrington Road, Castle Hill, Sydney. (refer: http://www.acc.asn.au/DS.htm)
FEBRUARY 15: DOCUMENTARY, “BREAKING THE SILENCE: TRUTH AND LIES IN THE WAR ON TERROR”. The screening of this documentary will be followed by a discussion with John Pilger (documentary maker) and Andrew Wilkie (former Australian intelligence head). Commencing at 6.00pm at the Clancy Auditorium, University of New South Wales (Gate 9) High Street, Kensington, Sydney. Bookings essential. (refer: http://www.stopwarcoalition.org/news/news_items.php?shownews=3)
FEBRUARY 19: PUBLIC MEETING, “PADDY’S ROAD – LIFE STORIES OF PATRICK DODSON”. Gleebooks and ANTaR presents Kevin Keeffe (biographer) in Conversation with Patrick Dodson at Valhalla Cinema, 166 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe, Sydney. 7.00pm.
(refer: http://www.antar.org.au/events.html)
FEBRUARY 24: SEMINAR, “VOICES OF POVERTY IN AUSTRALIA”. Seminar Room 3.096, 1.00 – 2.30pm Social Policy Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney (refer: http://www.sprc.unsw.edu.au/seminars/2004s1.htm)
FEBRUARY 25: ASH WEDNESDAY LAUNCH OF “PROJECT COMPASSION”. The 2004 Project Compassion theme is ‘Building Peace, Bringing Hope’. For further information contact Caritas Australia on 1800 024 413 (refer: http://www.caritas.org.au)
FEBRUARY 25: ADDRESS, “CORSETS TO CAMOUFLAGE: WOMEN AND WAR”, by Ms Katie Adie, BBC’s Chief News Correspondent. National Press Club 12.00 – 2.00pm, Canberra (refer: http://www.npc.org.au/speakers.htm)
FEBRUARY 26: PUBLIC FORUM, "TRUTH, JUSTICE AND COMPASSION 2004 FORUM". A Public Meeting convened by the Pennant Hills Peace Group with speakers including Andrew Wilkie and Rev Bill Crews. Thursday from 7.00pm at Pennant Hills Community Centre, Ramsay Rd, Pennant Hills, Sydney (refer: http://www.chilout.org/events/index.html)
(email news of your forthcoming social justice event to: admin@acsjc.org.au)
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DECEMBER-JANUARY NEWS MONITOR
VATICAN LOBBIES FOR CHEAPER AIDS DRUGS: A senior Vatican official called for public pressure on pharmaceutical companies to lower the price of drugs to fight the spread of AIDS in poor countries.
MEDIA SHOULD SEEK TRUTH NOT JUST RATINGS – NEW VATICAN SECRETARY: The new secretary of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, Bishop Renato Boccardo, said people who work in the media should consider themselves at the service of truth and not just be concerned about capturing the largest audience.
PHILIPPINES' BISHOPS SPEAK OUT AGAINST CORRUPTION: The Catholic Bishops in the Philippines have issued a strong pastoral statement on corruption in the lead-up to the May elections.
GOVT REPORT SIGNALS BIG RISE IN REPORTS OF CHILD ABUSE: A Federal Government report said reported cases of child abuse in the general community have surged by more than 60,000 in the past year to just under 200,000.
CATHOLIC SOCIAL ACTION OFFICE PUSHES WATER POLICY: The Catholic Social Action Office in Queensland says water and water management needs to be a major consideration for voters in the lead up to the State election.
CARDINAL COMMENTS ON ABSENCE OF A SOUND MORAL AND ETHICAL BASIS FOR BUSINESS DEALINGS: Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the president of the Italian bishops' conference said the Parmalat business scandal exposed "an unexpected vulnerability in our economic and financial system," caused largely by the absence of a sound moral and ethical basis for business dealings.
SEAL OF CONFESSION: TERRY O'GORMAN BACKS BISHOP: Prominent Australian civil liberties advocate, Terry O'Gorman, has backed the comments of Bishop Brian Heenan regarding the wisdom behind the seal of the confessional.
COST OF HEALTH CARE NOT "ROCKET SCIENCE" – CATHOLIC HEALTH CEO: Catholic Health Australia CEO Francis Sullivan slammed both the government and the opposition saying the costs of health care in Australia are not "rocket science".
WORLD TO FALL SHORT OF UN CHILD HEALTH TARGETS: Fewer than one-in-five developing countries are on track to meet UN targets for sharply reducing child and maternal mortality by 2015, the World Health Organisation and the World Bank warned.
CARDINAL SAYS SADDAM TREATED LIKE A COW: Cardinal Renato Martino, head of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, said he felt compassion for Saddam and that the world should have been spared the images of his medical examination after his capture.
POPE INSISTS PEACE REMAINS POSSIBLE: Stressing that peace remains possible, Pope John Paul II has said the war against terror must be waged on both political and educational fronts, and include clear analysis of the reasons behind terrorist attacks.
CENTACARE DISMAYED AT CARR CAPITULATION ON EASY ALCOHOL: Centacare Catholic Community Services in Sydney expressed its "alarm and dismay" at "the simple announcement by Premier Carr that NSW has been 'forced' to deregulate access to liquor".
MARIST BROTHER RETURNS ORDER OF AUSTRALIA TO STATE GOVERNOR: Sydney Marist Brother Gerry Burns handed back the Order of Australia he received a year ago because he felt hypocritical holding onto an award for his services to children because he believes Australia's dealing with the children of asylum seekers has been shameful.
MELBOURNE COMMISSION'S REGISTER OF FADING HUMAN RIGHTS: Australia is retreating from children's rights and political ignorance of human rights generally is at its worst in 50 years, according to the annual human rights register of Melbourne Archdiocesan Commission for Justice, Development and Peace.
COUNCIL URGES GOVT TO INSIST ON HUMAN RIGHTS AT GUANTANAMO BAY: The Australian Catholic Social Justice Council issued a Human Rights Day call on the Federal Government to do more to secure the fundamental rights of two Australians detained by American authorities at Guantanamo Bay.
JESUIT ALARMED BY VIC GOVT BROKEN PROMISE ON CHILDREN IN ADULT PRISONS: Fr Peter Norden of Jesuit Social Services pointed out that Victoria's Bracks Government is continuing to allow adult criminal courts jurisdiction over 17 year olds, despite its election pledge at the last two State elections to change the age jurisdiction to 18.
TEMPORARY REPRIEVE FOR REFUGEE SCHOOLGIRL FACING DEPORTATION: A refugee schoolgirl from Hobart's St Mary's College, who feared deportation to her native El Salvador, was granted a student visa to remain in Australia until March 2005.
FAILED SCHOOL EXCURSION ALLEGEDLY SPARKS RIOT: A failed Mandurah Catholic College excursion to the Port Hedland Detention Centre was reported to have sparked a riot that left two centre staff with suspected spinal injuries.
RETURNING DEPORTEES SAY AFGHANISTAN WAS "LIKE HELL": Two Afghan asylum seeker students from an Adelaide Catholic school who were deported from Australia in October described their homeland as being like something out of hell.
RELIGIOUS URGE FREE TRADE WATER EXCLUSION: The Social Action Office (SAO) of Queensland religious congregations called on negotiators and Federal Cabinet to exclude water from the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Australia and the USA.
POPE BACKS CAMPAIGN AGAINST DEATH PENALTY: Pope John Paul II added his voice to support the renewal of the international campaign against the death penalty.
COMMISSION PROMOTES ACTION FOR DEBT CANCELLATION: Brisbane's Catholic Justice and Peace Commission encouraged Catholics to contact their Federal MPs and Senators to demand that Australia cancels debt owed to the country by poor nations.
JESUIT CHALLENGING STATES ON "PRISON" YOUTH STRATEGY: Jesuit Social Services Policy Director Fr Peter Norden said several State and Territory authorities are spending tens of millions of dollars incarcerating the poor and the homeless in juvenile remand facilities, instead of providing community-based housing and support services at a much cheaper rate.
- courtesy Church Resources' CathNews, stories in detail at http://www.cathnews.com/news
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FEBRUARY SOCIAL JUSTICE CALENDAR
FEBRUARY 2 WORLD WETLANDS DAY: The aim of this day is to promote the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local, regional and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world. This year the theme is: From the Mountains to the Sea – Wetlands at Work for Us. It is an opportunity to focus on the diversity of Australian wetlands, discovering their multiple functions and the varied wetland products that we utilise on a daily basis. For more information: http://www.ramsar.org
FEBRUARY 5 CAPE YORK HEADS OF AGREEMENT: This landmark agreement was signed by the Cattlemen's Union, the Wilderness Society, Australian Conservation Foundation, Cape York Land Council and the Peninsula Regional Council on 5th February 1996, then refined in 2001 when the Queensland Government signed. It is an agreement designed to ensure coexistence and to protect cultural heritage and environmental values, while also providing for greater certainty and more effective management of the pastoral industry.
FEBRUARY 6 WAITANGI DAY: Unlike Australia, whose national day marks the settlement at Sydney Cove by Europeans, and is often viewed as "Invasion Day" by the Aboriginal people, New Zealand’s national day commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on 6 February 1840.
FEBRUARY 11 WORLD DAY OF THE SICK: Celebration of the World Day of the Sick occurs on this day, which commemorates the apparition of Our Lady of Lourdes. On this occasion, the Church reminds us to face the great mystery of pain and illness, recognising it as an opportunity for developing and promoting the culture of life within ourselves and our society.
"A model of society appears to be emerging in which the powerful predominate, setting aside and even eliminating the powerless: I am thinking here of unborn children, helpless victims of abortion; the elderly and incurable ill, subjected at times to euthanasia; and the many other people relegated to the margins of society by consumerism and materialism. Nor can I fail to mention the unnecessary recourse to the death penalty . . . This model of society bears the stamp of the culture of death, and is therefore in opposition to the Gospel message." - Message of John Paul II for the 11th World Day of the Sick, 11 February 11 2003
FEBRUARY 12 THE FREEDOM RIDE: The tour focused national attention on racism that had been generated and supported by the White Australia Policy. Indigenous people were often denied service in shops, separated from whites in cinemas, banned from hotels and clubs and excluded from swimming pools being used by white people. The Freedom Riders experienced hostility in most towns and violence in some. Eventually, ‘White Australia' was formally ended as government policy in 1972 and the Race Discrimination Act was passed in 1975.
FEBRUARY 21 INTERNATIONAL MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY: On February 21 1952, police opened fire on a mass rally of people who had gathered to advocate that their mother language, Bangla, become one of the State languages of what was then Pakistan. Two years later, Bangla was an official language. Responding to an official proposal from Bangladesh, in 1999 UNESCO declared February 21 as International Mother Language Day.
The aim in celebrating this Day is to encourage all forms of promotion, development and teaching of the mother language. Languages are the most powerful instruments of preserving and developing our tangible and intangible heritage. A culture of peace will only flourish where people enjoy the right to use their mother language fully and freely in all the various situations of their lives. Encouraging linguistic diversity and multilingual education and developing awareness of linguistic and cultural traditions throughout the world can inspire solidarity based on understanding, tolerance and dialogue.
FEBRUARY 25 ASH WEDNESDAY: Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a time of preparation for Easter and the coming of the risen Jesus into our life and our world.
Each year, through Project Compassion, Caritas Australia offers us the opportunity to share what we have with those who have less. This year, the theme is: Building Peace, Bringing Hope
It has been estimated that during the twentieth century at least 180 million people died as a direct result of war. Today, the majority of wars are civil wars. In the words of Pope John Paul II, Peace is more than the absence of war. Peace is about freeing people from poverty and oppression and the hatred each of these can produce. Building peace involves standing in solidarity with the oppressed and empowering people to help themselves to work towards a sustainable way of life. Peace is vital to the development of any community. Caritas Australia works in partnership with many communities at the grass roots level to promote leadership, peace and stability. Building peace is about working with people to restore balance, truth and justice. By supporting projects that seek to address the root causes of poverty and assist people to help themselves, Caritas Australia is committed to building peace.
For more information: www.caritas.org.au Phone: 1800 024 413
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Australian Catholic Social Justice Council Leo XIII House, 19 MacKenzie Street, North Sydney NSW 2060. Tel: (02) 9956 5811, Fax: (02) 9954 0056, Email: admin@acsjc.org.au Website: http://socialjustice.catholic.org.au ** ACSJC Briefing is sent by email at the beginning of each month (except January). To subscribe or unsubscribe, go to the front page of the website Comments and contributions are also welcome.