FROM THE SECRETARIAT: Fraternity focus for Pope's peace message

In his message for the Church's World Day of Peace, Pope Francis calls us to contemplate the principle of fraternity in the economy. He reminds us of the serious financial crises the world has experienced in recent years. He says these should lead us to 'a timely rethinking of our models of economic development and to a change in lifestyles'. Read more

ISSUES: Bishop calls government refugee policy 'a campaign of cruelty'

ACSJC chair Bishop Christopher Saunders says the Australian Government is in effect conducting a campaign of cruelty towards asylum seekers. 'The government's campaign, like that of its predecessors, has only one purpose: to deter desperate men, women and children from seeking protection from persecution and danger'. He adds that we are the millions of people in our region and around the world who need protection and security. Read more

PUBLICATIONS: ACSJC guide aids discussion of World Day of Peace message

Each year, the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council issues a brief discussion guide to help promote the Pope's World Day of Peace message. Pope Francis delivered his first World Day of Peace Message on New Year's Day 2014. A papal message to Christians and all people of the world has been given each year since 1968. The theme of the 2014 Message is: 'Fraternity: the Foundation and Pathway to Peace'. This guide consists of a brief summary of the message, some points for reflection and discussion, and prayer. Read more

EVENTS: Anniversary of 2008 Apology to the Stolen Generations

The National Sorry Day Committee holds annual celebratory events on the Anniversary of the Apology as a mark of respect of the achievement that was the apology to the Stolen Generations, but also as an act of reminder to the broader public, to the country's politicians and policy makers, that sorry is more than a word. Read more

NEWS: Pope urges Davos elite to improve lot of the world's poorest

Pope Francis challenged business leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos to adopt a 'renewed, profound and broadened sense of responsibility' towards the 'most frail, weak and vulnerable' of society. Read more

DIARY: International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation

6 February each year is a time to make the world aware of female genital mutilation (FGM). According to data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), an estimated 120 to 140 million women have been subject to this harmful practice and 3 million girls continue to be at risk each year. FGM is recognised internationally as a violation of human rights. Read more

AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC SOCIAL JUSTICE COUNCIL

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