2014 saw the ongoing development of a movement against consumerism, as an economic model that results in waste and the unsustainable use of resources. This debate becomes especially acute around Christmas time when forces are strong to buy-buy-buy.

We also witnessed a swelling movement over the last six months of 2014 for peace, with Macarthur Social Justice Network holding “Getting to Peace” workshops, the institution of the Illawarra People for Peace in Wollongong, and the genesis of the Macarthur Interfaith Network.

Once again the Macarthur Social Justice Network was been able to make (small) financial contributions to the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal and the Catholic Aboriginal Ministry in Ruse and Airds. Thanks to all who attended meetings with their gold coin donations.

Also the Social Justice Handbook that was developed by workshop participants at MSJN meetings has been through many iterations but is now in the final revisions of the draft. Thanks to everyone who has had input. Which is not to say that this resource is static. It will naturally continue to grow and develop with the addition of further topic starters.

Looking forward in 2015, the Wollongong Catholic Diocese and Justice Ecology and Peace Council strategic focus for the year is Family. The 2012-2013 social justice statement “The Gift of Family in Difficult Times” will be a great resource for all local groups to use in this regard.

Pope Francis continues to lead by example and to speak out on the many troubling issues of our time. He remains an inspiration and a beacon.

Let us all make 2015 another year of growth in social justice. The following 5-minute TED talk I found quite inspiring - http://www.ted.com/talks/clint_smith_the_danger_of_silence?language=en – hope you do, too.

 

Peace,
Sean Donovan
Chair