AUGUST 2015 ISSUE 170 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 http://socialjustice.catholic.org.au. FROM THE SECRETARIAT: Asylum seekers from across the sea This year's Social Justice Statement challenges us to rethink our response to asylum seekers, especially those who come to Australia by sea. Its title is drawn from the National Anthem: For Those Who've Come Across the Seas: Justice for refugees and asylum seekers, the statement was inspired by Pope Francis' 2013 Lampedusa sermon: 'Has any one of us wept for these persons who were on the boat?' ISSUES: 'Dropping of the Edge' maps disadvantage in 2015 The 2015 update to previous reports in 2007, 2004 and 1999 studies population areas in every state and territory to identify pockets of location-based disadvantage, and the unique web of challenges faced by these communities. It can help governments, decision makers and the community to set priorities for the targeting of resources. PUBLICATIONS: ACSJC taking orders for Social Justice Statement 2015-16 The ACSJC website contains an order form for this year's Social Justice Statement on refugees arriving by boat. There is also a letter from the President of the Bishops Conference and summary material, and - prior to Social Justice Sunday - Liturgy Notes, a PowerPoint presentation and community and education resources. EVENTS: 3-6 Aug, #laceitup for Homeless Persons Week The aim is to raise awareness of youth homelessness in Australia and vital funds for Youth Off The Streets. #laceitup is a simple moment in your daily routine - tying up your laces, and letting it act as a symbol for the thousands of young people that battle cold streets every day. NEWS: Success for priest's campaign to ease refugees' financial burden The coordinator of the Marist Asylum Seeker and Refugee Services said NSW Premier Mike Baird's decision to grant travel concessions to Sydney's 7000 asylum seekers was wonderful news. DIARY: 9 Aug - International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples This day is observed each year to promote and protect the rights of the world's indigenous population. The date marks the day of the first meeting, in 1982, of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations. AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC SOCIAL JUSTICE COUNCIL PO Box 7966, Alexandria NSW 2015. Tel: (02) 8306 3499, Fax: (02) 8306 3498, 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, send an email to admin@acsjc.org.au |
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