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ACSJC Briefing No. 3 - June 2000

ACSJC BRIEFING
No. 3 - June 2000

From the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council, the national social justice and human rights agency of the Catholic Church in Australia - www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au

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IN THIS ISSUE
From the Secretariat -- Ten challenges for teaching Catholic Social Teaching in the Pacific -- Three simple actions against torture -- Blasphemy laws in Pakistan -- Tiananmen Mother's Campaign -- Fiji Coup: Archbisihop's Statement -- 'Building Bridges' Conference -- May News Monitor -- June Social Justice Calendar -- Reflection - Reconciliation: Covenant Prayer with The Land

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FROM THE SECRETARIAT
By the time you receive this Briefing, I'll be in New York attending the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Gender, Development and Peace in the Twenty First Century, otherwise known as Beijing +5. 
  
SPECIAL STATUS: As the ACSJC has Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC (the Economic and Social Council of the UN) ACSJC Member Maree Rose and myself will be able to attend the UN Session as Observers and will take part in a number of the NGO activities surrounding the event. It will be interesting to see how governments and NGOs around the world have been addressing the Beijing Platform for Action.

NEW WOMEN'S COMMISSION: Our own Bishops have made some action decisions in relation to the research report Woman and Man: One in Christ Jesus.  So far they have announced that a Commission for Australian Catholic Women will be established. The details of this, and of other action decisions, will be set out in the Social Justice Sunday Statement for this year. So, you'll have to wait until September and make sure that your parishes and social justice groups order plenty of copies of Australian Catholics in order to find out what exactly has been decided!

BISHOP BRENNAN NEW ACSJC CHAIRMAN: Another very important outcome of the Bishops Conference was a change of Chairman for the ACSJC. After six years as the Chairman of the ACSJC, Bishop Kevin Manning has been succeeded by Bishop William Brennan. Bishop Brennan has been deeply involved in the area of justice, development and peace work for many years. He was the first Chairman of the ACSJC and served for several years as the Chairman of the Bishops' Committee for Justice, Development and Peace. The ACSJC also welcomes Bishop Chris Saunders as a new member of the Council.
  
OCEANIA CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING SEMINAR: The Oceania regional seminar on Catholic Social Teaching took place in Melbourne at the end of last month. A good crowd from various parts of the region attended, and Archbishop van Thuan, President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, was an inspirational keynote speaker, sharing with the group his experience of persecution and imprisonment for the faith. The organisers diligently collected as many written texts as possible from speakers and will make them available in one way or another (see 'Ten Challenges' below).

CORROBOREE 2000: Bishop Brennan was straight into the action as Chairman attending the Corroboree 2000 event at the Opera House with Marg Zucker and myself. Unfortunately other commitments in his diocese prevented Bishop Brennan from walking with us across the Harbour Bridge the next day. Our reconciliation prayer cards were so popular that we had distributed all 10,000 copies prior to the beginning of Reconciliation Week. More are being reprinted (they may even be available by the time you receive this). They will be of on-going use as we continue to pray and to work for reconciliation. For copies, contact Maureen in our office.  We are not charging for these cards but would appreciate a donation if you are in a position to make a contribution towards the cost of printing them.

- Sandie Cornish (Chief Executive Officer)

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TEN CHALLENGES FOR TEACHING CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING IN THE PACIFIC
1. Walking the walk as well as talking the talk: being credible and effective witnesses to the Gospel and its social implications in deeds as well as words.
2. Integrating the work for justice and peace into the whole life of the whole Church.
3. Interpreting social realities in the light of faith applying CST.
4. Moving beyond 'analysis paralysis and translating principles into practical responses.
5. Respecting a plurality of options for action.
6. Engagement with our cultures affirming what is good and transforming what is not.
7. Dialogue with other systems of belief.
8. Interpreting the universal teachings in our own Pacific contexts and contributing to the development of the universal teachings from our local learnings.
9. Using appropriate means of learning and of teaching in each context.
10. Understanding our roles in teaching and acting and respecting those of others.

- Sandie Cornish (presented at May's Oceania Catholic Social Teaching Seminar in Melbourne)

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THREE SIMPLE ACTIONS AGAINST TORTURE
The Asian Human Rights Commission invites us to:
• Write to governments that have not yet ratified the UN Convention Against Torture. Ask them to speed up the process (the Convention states that torture is not a valid means of achieving political ends).
• Get Aware: find out about torture in the region - talk about it, read about it, visit websites (World Organisation Against Torture www.derechos.org/omct, Asian Human Rights Commission www.ahrchk.net, Amnesty International www.amnesty.org)
• Get involved in actions related to torture in Australia.
   The ACSJC can assist with a two-page printout on this campaign and a campaign poster. Be warned though, the poster is a bit gruesome.

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BLASPHEMY LAWS IN PAKISTAN
Christians Rashid and Saleem Masih were accused of blaspheming against the Prophet Muhammad during a dispute with a street vendor. On 12 May they were sentenced to 35 years imprisonment and fined $A2943. Another Christian is also under arrest and awaiting trial for 'offering insult to the Prophet Muhammad'. In 1990, the Pakistan Penal Code was amended to provide for the death penalty or life imprisonment for blasphemy. Human rights groups have demanded the repeal of the relevant Section of the Act because it is often used against religious minorities or in personal vendettas and land disputes.
   Please write polite letters to the High Commissioner for Pakistan (His Excellency Mr Khawar Zaman, 4 Timbarra Crescent O'Malley ACT 2606) expressing concern about the cases of Rashid and Saleem Masih and of Ashiq Masih alias Kinghari and asking to be kept informed about the progress of these cases.

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TIANANMEN MOTHERS CAMPAIGN
On 14 May - Mother's Day in Hong Kong - the Justice and Peace Commission of the Catholic Archdiocese of Hong Kong, Human Rights in China and the Christian Industrial Committee (all NGOs) launched the 'Mothers' Campaign', to support the Tiananmen Mothers' Group. The group has been asking the authorities to investigate the 4 June massacre.  The Mothers have now identified over 160 killed or disappeared, and 70 injured. Go to www.hrichina.org/june4-10yr/menu.html

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FIJI COUP: ARCHBISHOP'S STATEMENT
We have received a copy of the Pastoral Letter of the Archbishop of Suva (reproduced below).  Please pray for the people of Fiji.

DEAR Priests, Religious and Lay People, Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
We are Fiji Islanders. The action of a terrorist group in the Fiji Parliament on Friday, 19 May surprised and shocked men and women of goodwill not only in Fiji but also worldwide. The Roman Catholic Church strongly condemns the overthrow at gun point of the democratically elected Government, the holding as hostages of Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, members of cabinet, of government, of opposition and others. Also, the Church condemns the discriminant destruction, burning of property and looting. Looting became, as someone called it, a "family affair", meaning the looters were old men and women, young people and school children. It is a tragic part of Fiji history. At this time I am ashamed to be known as a Fiji Islander.
   Our sympathy goes to our Indo-Fijian brothers and sisters who were the main target of the un-Fijian and unChristian behaviour. We extend a hand of friendship to them. I request every parish, community and individual to assure our Indo-Fijian citizens that they are our neighbours. The Bible teaches us who our neighbours are and how to treat them (Lk 10: 29-37; Lev 19: 13-15; Mt 19: 19; Mark 12: 31; Lk 10: 27; Rom 13:9).
   We hear the cry of frustration and anger of indigenous Fijians and we will journey with them until they feel secure in their identity, in their rights as indigenous people and in their stewardship of time, talents and treasures, including their land given by God to be under their care. We pray that inspite of their frustration and anger, they would be mindful of the Giver of Life who has gifted us as people with Fiji and all its resources. Fiji has come a long way, with help, as a small island nation in the Pacific and in the world. Let goodwill prevail, for we are a caring people. By putting God, and not money, at the centre of our lives we will avert infighting and divisions among ourselves. And let us not forget our neighbours.
   To our President, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, we say this: we acknowledge the legitimacy of your office as chief custodian of law and order in the aftermath of last Friday's events. We admire your unwavering courage and love for our beloved Fiji and its people of various races and religions. Ever mindful of this we thank you, Ratu Mara, for speaking out to calm a very shocked, shaken and frightened nation. Our prayers are ever with you and the Great Council of Chiefs as you strive together to solve, with a peaceful solution, the crisis we now face as a nation.
   We pray also for our brother, George Speight and his supporters, and for all Fiji Islanders that they may be touched by the Spirit of Christ and that they may always remember that peacemaking calls for us all to be actively engaged in creating a harmonious society where every person is valued and everyone's needs are met.

+ Petero Mataca, Archbishop of Suva

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BUILDING BRIDGES: COMMUNITIES OF FAITH WORKING TOGETHER IN MULTICULTURAL AUSTRALIA
This conference, organised by the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office and the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council, is scheduled for 7-9 July, St Joseph's College, Hunters Hill, Sydney. It will focus on practical ways in which people of faith can build bridges between various communities. There will be an emphasis on sharing experiences of positive action and ideas for further action.
  Speakers will include: Bishop Barry Hickey (Chairman, Catholic Bishops' Committee for Migrants and Refugees), Tan Le (Young Australian of the Year 1998), Neville Roach (Chairman, Council for Multicultural Australia), Robert Fitzgerald (Community Services Commissioner NSW), Margaret Piper (Executive Director, Refugee Council of Australia), and more.
  Please contact the ACSJC Secretariat if you do not receive an application form (contact details at the foot of this newsletter).

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MAY NEWS MONITOR

ACSJC URGES PRAYER AND LINKS WITH ABORIGINAL GROUPS: CEO Sandie Cornish said the Church's contribution to Reconciliation will not be complete without prayer and the forging of more links with aboriginal organisations. The Australian Catholic Social Welfare Commission wants to see the 'symbolic action' of the Sydney Harbour Bridge walk 'bear fruit'. Director of the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office, Fr John Murphy, says the success of the walk has given the forthcoming Church Conference on multiculturalism a heightened sense of purpose.

WORKERS THREATENED: The Australian Catholic Commission for Employment Relations (ACCER) says new workplace relations legislation fails to allow workers and employers to freely pursue industrial agreements.

SOUTH AFRICAN BISHOPS SET EXAMPLE ON LAND REFORM: Moves towards returning mission land to local black communities.

CATHOLIC CHURCH CONDEMNS FIJI COUP: Archbishop Petera Mataca says: 'I am ashamed to be known as a Fiji islander'.

US CARDINAL URGES DEATH PENALTY STUDY: Los Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahony seeks moratorium.

EAST TIMORESE BISHOP HONOURED: Bishop Basilio do Nascimento of Baucau receives award from NY Interreligious Understanding centre.

OCEANIA HUMAN RIGHTS SEMINAR: Took place in Melbourne on the theme of "Promoting Human Dignity in Oceania".

SPEAKERS CALL FOR NEW CHRISTIAN FEMINISM FOR THIRD MILLENNIUM: At Rome conference.

EAST TIMORESE BISHOP BELO SAYS DEMOCRACY NEEDS PRESS FREEDOM: And solidarity among the organisations of civil society.

ROLE OF ETHICS IN EDUCATION STRESSED IN COMPUTER VIRUS AFTERMATH: Filipino bishop says incident highlights lack of ethics in IT education.

ARCHBISHOP HICKEY CRITICISES TREATMENT OF 'TEMPORARY' REFUGEES: The Chairman of the Bishops' Committee for Migrants and Refugees, Archbishop Barry Hickey, has said the Federal Government's failure to provide adequate access to basic community services for holders of temporary protection visas's is discriminatory.

BISHOPS’ TO ESTABLISH A COMMISSION FOR AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC WOMEN: The Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference has agreed to establish a Commission for Australian Catholic Women, one of several responses to the Report into the Participation of Women in the Catholic Church, Woman and Man: One in Christ Jesus, which the Bishops received last year.

AUSTRALIA TO HOST WORLD DAY OF SICK 2001: The Vatican has requested that Australia host the celebrations in 2001.

UNFAIR TO PUNISH REFUGEES - MIGRANT OFFICE: The Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office has said that Federal Government policy aimed at deterring potential boat people is penalising those with legitimate claims.

WOMEN AND CHILDREN 'THE NEW HOMELESS': A St Vincent de Paul Society report has identified women and children as the new class of homeless people in Australia.

HOLY SEE PRESENTS COMPILATION OF SOCIAL DOCTRINE: The Vatican has launched "The Social Agenda: Collection of Texts of the Magisterium", a compilation of the social doctrine of the Church.

CATHOLIC ACTIVIST ATTACKED AFTER CONDEMNING ORGANISED CRIME: An internationally recognised Bangladeshi Catholic woman social activist was attacked after criticising both the government and organised crime at a seminar in Dhaka.

ARCHBISHOP FAULKNER CALLS FOR BROADER UNDERSTANDING OF 'PRO-LIFE': Adelaide's Archbishop has called for the pro-life campaign to be widened beyond the abortion and euthanasia debates to take in all "crimes against life", from violence against women to malnutrition and poverty.

THINK OF REDUNDANT WORKERS - BISHOP: Catholics should consider the rights of workers made redundant by company insolvencies and not paid their entitlements, according to a message written for the Feast of St Joseph the Worker by outgoing Australian Catholic Social Justice Council Chairman Bishop Kevin Manning.

CHURCH TAKES ON AFRICAN DEBT: The Catholic Church in Italy has set up a charitable fund to pay off debt owed to Italy by two of the poorest African countries, Guinea and Zambia.

- courtesy Catholic Telecommunications, stories in detail at www.cathtelecom.com/news/005

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JUNE SOCIAL JUSTICE CALENDAR
1 "Environmental Sabbath" - proclaimed annually by the UN Environmental Program
3 Death of Pope John XXIII, 1963; High Court Decision in Mabo Case, 1992; Catholic and Anglican Martyrs of Uganda, 1886; Day of Prayer for Catholic and Anglican Reconciliation; International Day for Children who are  victims of aggression
4 Ascension of Jesus; Day of Social Communications; Jubilee Celebration for Journalists
4 - 11 "Pilgrimage to the Heart" commences - NCCA Church Leaders and Young People - Canberra to Uluru
5 World Environment Day
6 Assassination of Senator Robert Kennedy, 1968
7 St Marcellin Champagnat, founder of the Marists
10 Alcoholics Anonymous established in New York, 1935
11 Pentecost Sunday; Day of Prayer for Collaboration among different religions
18 Trinity Sunday; Parish celebrations for Jubilee 2000; Opening of the International Eucharistic Congress
19 Equal Pay for Women in Australia, 1969
22 Destruction of the Berlin Wall, 1990
24 Birth of St John the Baptist
25 Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)
26 International Day against drug abuse and drug trafficking; International Day in support of Victims of Torture
29 Saints Peter and Paul
30 Introduction of unemployment benefits in Australia, 1945; Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

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REFLECTION - RECONCILIATION: COVENANT PRAYER WITH THE LAND  
Today, we make a covenant with this land.
As a branch is grafted onto a mature stock,
So we want to be grafted onto the ancient heritage of this land,
So that its life may flow through us.
We commit ourselves to the land we live in and to all who belong to it,
Most particularly our Indigenous people
And also the newcomers to this country,
Who have bound themselves to this land.
We will care for it with gentleness, patience, simplicity and compassion,
Rather then merely something to be bought and sold.
We will see the land as a gift for which we are truly thankful,
And undertake the privileged duty of respecting and looking after it.

We thank God, the Great Creator Spirit, for all the earth provides:
Water, food, and all the riches above and below the ground.
We undertake to use them sparingly and thoughtfully.
As we enter more deeply into the Spirit of the land,
We see the land as a Sacrament and Icon of our mothering Creator Spirit.
Be still.
Listen to the breath of the Spirit which has blown through it for ages past,
Today, and always;
For this is: The Spirit of the Dreaming.

- Betty Pike

For more Reconciliation prayers, go to our website - http://socialjustice.catholic.org.au

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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) 9956 5782, Email: admin@acsjc.org.au