On Sunday 27 September when we are enjoying school holidays, Social Justice Sunday will be celebrated around Australia. This 2009 statement is entitled "And You Will Be My Witnesses: Young people and justice".
The document reflects upon the enormous contribution that young people make fighting for the cause of justice in the world, but also sadly acknowledges that they are among the most vulnerable to injustice. Over twelve months ago, young people all over the world were issued with a challenge by Pope Benedict XVI at World Youth Day in Sydney: What will you leave to the next generation? What legacy will you leave to young people yet to come? What difference will you make? Social Justice is not an optional extra for followers of Jesus.
At Catholic College Bendigo, our young people have many opportunities to learn about what both justice and injustice look like and to develop skills that allow them to critically evaluate their world and participate fully in their communities, so that they can work towards a society where justice and peace are a reality for all. The Social Justice Statement asks us what our response will be ‘to a divided and fragmented world? How can we offer the hope of peace, healing and harmony to the places of conflict, suffering and tension in the world?”
The statement is also accompanied by a brochure that provides ‘Ten steps towards being witness to the Gospel’. As people who have committed ourselves to ‘live the good news’, I offer these steps for your reflection.
1. Take seriously the call to be witnesses to the Gospel of life. This challenges us to address the human need before us, to be a force for change to institutions that divide society, undermine human dignity and cause human poverty and disadvantage.
2. Be witnesses. Let their stories change our heart. When we are changed, and reflect deeply on the causes of oppression, we encourage others to examine their lives and values.
3. Deepen an appreciation of the power of the Gospel. This enables action to emerge from Gospel values.
4. Incorporate a commitment to justice into your prayer. This reminds us that we are all interconnected and reaffirms the dignity of all human life.
5. Imagine a better world and bring this vision to fruition. This challenges us to use our creativity and imagination to develop new thinking, ideas, structures and institutions to liberate others from unjust structures.
6. Develop a more ethical lifestyle. This challenges us to integrate our responses to one another, our world and the environment.
7. Be committed to nonviolence. Act responsibly and with integrity. Gentleness and peace builds strong relationships and community.
8. Honour Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander peoples. Be committed to reconciliation, based on mutual respect.
9. Care for the vulnerable and the marginalised. This challenges us to work towards inclusion for all people in our community, bridging our divisions and building upon our hopes.
10. Engage in sustainable development. Return to harmony with nature.
The Social Justice Sunday Statement is available online from www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au and I commend it to you. Wishing you safe and happy holidays.
Peace & Blessings Rachel Lechmere Director of Catholic Identity
Living the Good News