2006 Social Justice Sunday Statement
Launch of Bishops’ Statement: The Heart of Our Country
(13/09/2006)
The 2006 Catholic Social Justice Sunday Statement will be launched on Thursday 14 September at 9.45 for 10.00am at the Reconciliation Church, 11 Yarra Road, Yarra Bay, La Perouse, Sydney. Mr Tom Calma, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner will launch the Statement. Fr Brian McCoy SJ who has worked for many years with communities including in Wadeye, will respond. The Statement, “The Heart of Our Country: Dignity and justice for our Indigenous sisters and brothers”, draws on the historic Alice Springs address of Pope John Paul II to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia. As we mark the 20th anniversary of that remarkable day in 1986, what has Australia achieved in responding to the Holy Father’s challenge to support Indigenous culture and pursue true reconciliation? Among many issues, the Statement focuses on the social and economic disadvantage that continues to be experienced by Indigenous communities. “How can it be that in this land of plenty, the average life expectancy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is 17 years less than for non-Indigenous Australians?” ask the Bishops. “In a nation that enjoys a vibrant economy, where governments boast of their careful financial management, the question remains: why have we not been able to eliminate these dire circumstances from the everyday experience of many Indigenous people?” Further Information: Social Justice Sunday is celebrated on 24th September. The Statement can be found at: www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au or www.acbc.catholic.org.au from 14th September |
