The Catholic Justice and Peace Commission of the Archdiocese of Brisbane 2013 Report and Strategic Priorities for 2014-2016 - -
A Message from the Chair It has been my great privilege to serve as Chair of the Archdiocesan Justice and Peace Commission for the past ten years. The Commission is a group of Catholics for whom faith in Jesus Christ and his message of the boundless love and mercy of God is central. We come from parishes in different parts of the Archdiocese where we join with our Parish communities to celebrate Eucharist, to pray and to go out into the world to give witness to God s mercy and love and to offer the life of Jesus Christ. The witness of our Commission members has taken many forms here in Brisbane, in other parts of Australia and around the world. When we come together, I am in awe of the many stories of commitment to the struggle for justice, to cultivating a culture of peace and to the protection of creation. When we gather as one in the name of Jesus Christ who came to bring good news to the poor and to proclaim liberty and release for all those who are enslaved and oppressed, our stories form a rich, living tapestry of solidarity which gives witness to the transforming love of God. This report is evidence of the enormous dedication of our Commission members and our Executive Officer. We have only been able to do so much valuable work in a number of important areas because of their dedication and also the generosity and commitment of the gifted people who have volunteered to work on our working groups with Commission members. I thank all of them for their magnificent contribution and for what they have taught me. I believe that our Commission and its work is highly respected and valued within the Church of Brisbane and in the wider community. We are grateful for the many words of encouragement and support we have received from parishes. We are also humbled by the number of community organisations who approach us for support. One clear indication of the value of the Commission s work is the number of Parliamentary and Government doors which are open to our approaches. The value of this is understood more fully when we find that other community organisations with which we work approach the same political leaders and do not get a hearing. The responsibility placed on the Commission is enormous. It has a prophetic role which necessitates it taking a public stand which is often unpopular. Our opposition to the policies adopted by both sides of politics in relation to asylum seekers is a clear example of this. Our faith in God gives us the strength to cope with the difficulties and attacks which result from our unswerving commitment to the dignity of the human person and the integrity of God s creation. As you will see from this report, we welcome with great excitement and joy Archbishop Coleridge s determination to steer our Church into missionary territory. The publication of Pope Francis Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, has only increased our excitement. Exciting as the Pope s and the Archbishop s encouragement of a new missionary impulse is, we understand that this entails getting out of our comfort zone. The Commission has spent much of 2013 in prayer and reflection in order to prepare ourselves to take new directions and to cope with the stress and challenge that this will present. You will see at the end of this report, the fruits of our consultation, prayer, reflection and discernment. The outline of our strategic priorities for 2014-16 has a clear focus on leaving the comfort and security of our Commission meeting room and going out into the community with even more vigour than we have previously. We look back on our work in 2013 with a sense of great satisfaction, but we look forward to 2014 with - 2 -
great hope and a great desire for new challenges. We trust that, with the guidance and support of the Archbishop, the Auxiliary Bishops, the clergy and the good people of the Archdiocese who possess so much wisdom and rich experience,, we can find new and more effective ways to challenge the structures of sin which oppress so many of our sisters and brothers and participate in action which overcomes this oppression May we be always open to the Spirit s encouragement! RICK SHEEHAN Chair - 3 -
Introduction In the light of Archbishop Coleridge s desire for the Church of Brisbane to be fully engaged as a missionary Church, the Commission felt it was obliged to examine how it could best support the Archbishop in achieving his plan for the Archdiocese. During the Year of Grace and the Year of Faith, therefore, the Commission s formal meetings were devoted to a deep and extensive period of prayer, study, reflection and discernment. Focussed on Scripture and the last document of the Second Vatican Council, The Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, we renewed our commitment to Christ and the work of the Church in the world. The Council Fathers reminded us that the community of believers has a deep and inseparable bond with all of humanity. In speaking of the followers of Christ, they said: Indeed, nothing genuinely human fails to raise an echo in their hearts. For theirs is a community composed of men and women. United in Christ, they are led by the Holy Spirit in their journey to the Kingdom of their Father and they have welcomed the news of salvation which is meant for every person. That is why this community realizes that it is truly linked with humankind and its history by the deepest of bonds. The Gospel commits us to respect and promote the inviolable dignity of every person and to the notion that we are all one human family. It opens our eyes to the reality that there can only be genuine progress for humanity and our earth if we devote ourselves to the way of love embodied in Jesus Christ. In all the issues and problems which beset our world, the Council Fathers stressed the importance of broad and inclusive conversation and dialogue. The Synod of Bishops in Rome in 1971 also reminded us forcefully that action for justice is an essential part of the preaching of the Gospel: Action on behalf of justice and participation in the transformation of the world fully appear to us as a constitutive dimension of the preaching of the Gospel, or, in other words, of the Church's mission for the redemption of the human race and its liberation from every oppressive situation. At the end of our year of work in 2013, Pope Francis reinforced and developed this powerful teaching in his Apostolic Exhortation, The Joy of the Gospel. The Holy Father insists that a missionary Church must reach out first and foremost to those who are poor and oppressed in our world: There can be no room for doubt or for explanations which weaken so clear a message. Today and always, the poor are the privileged recipients of the Gospel, and the fact that it is freely preached to them is a sign of the kingdom that Jesus came to establish. We have to state, without mincing words, that there is an inseparable bond between our faith and the poor. May we never abandon them Our Archbishop has challenged us all to renew our commitment to become a Church single-mindedly committed to the preaching of the Gospel in our world. Indeed, he has recently said that the Pope s Apostolic Exhortation is the charter of the Archdiocese. Alongside the extensive reflection and prayer the Commission undertook, we also sought to consult as widely as we could with Catholics in the Archdiocese. Special attention was given to seeking the views of young Catholics. One of the most successful means of this engagement was a facilitated community cafe process held in July. We sought opinions and suggestions on how the Commission could more effectively fulfil its - 4 -
responsibilities and better work with parishes and young Catholics. Their assistance has been invaluable, but there is much more engagement we need to do in order to improve what we do and the way that we do it. We intend to continue this dialogue with Catholics around the Archdiocese in the coming years so that we can be more effective in the service of the Gospel. What follows is a brief overview of the Commission s work in 2013 in specific areas it has prioritised and a summary of the strategic directions it has identified for its engagement with parishes, young people and the wider community. - 5 -
2013 Activity Through work in particular working groups of the Commission or by work done by Commission members and the Executive Officer in collaboration with other groups, the Commission has focussed on a number of key areas throughout 2013: Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Peoples A number of Commission members work with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group to prioritise specific issues for action. Key activities in 2013 were: Organised the Apology Anniversary ceremony at All Hallows School with over 100 students from Catholic colleges in the Archdiocese Supported the Stradbroke Island community's anniversary celebration in May Promoted National Sorry Day ceremonies Helped to arrange National Reconciliation Week prayer services Issued a statement encouraging parishes, schools and agencies to respond to the Archbishop's Stradbroke Island call for Catholics to embrace Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and welcome them Supported the NATSICC consultation on incorporation of acknowledgement and welcome to country and cultural symbols in liturgies Organised school and community forums on constitutional recognition Organised a forum on closing the gap in health standards Arranged the NAIDOC Mass in the Cathedral Distributed the NATSICC liturgy and education resources for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Sunday Co-hosted two election forums on Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander issues Continued research on deaths in custody and over-representation in prisons Refugees The Commission s Refugee Working Group has been heavily engaged in advocacy on this prominent public policy issue. Key activities in 2013 were: Continuing development of the Brisbane Refugee and Asylum Seeker (BRASS) Network, a network of churches, refugee support agencies, refugee communities, refugee advocacy groups and individuals supporting refugees, which the Commission was instrumental in forming in 2012 Development of a comprehensive booklet "Walking Together with Refugees, a guide to opportunities for people to help and support asylum seekers Efforts to find legal support for asylum seekers for judicial reviews Meetings with Ministers, Shadow Ministers, MPs and Senators to promote humane and just refugee policies and to advocate on behalf of various asylum seekers Development of materials for advocacy on refugee issues during the election campaign and to raise concerns about new policies since the election Our Executive Officer s participation in the Australian Churches Refugee Taskforce's work on political advocacy nationally Our Executive Officer s participation in the National Asylum Summit as one of only two Catholic representatives from around Australia Participation in the Refugee Lantern Parade Assistance given to parishes seeking help with their support of asylum seekers in the community Earth Matters The Commission s Earth Matters Working Group was engaged in a number of activities to promote Bl Pope John Paul II s call for ecological conversion. Major activities were: Organising the Fr Dennis Edwards Eco-Theology Lecture Tour of the Archdiocese On-going work supporting the relocation of a climate change affected community through participation in Friends of Tulele Peisa and its activities - 6 -
Participating in the work of Friends of the Earth Brisbane's Climate Frontlines Collective's Torres Strait Islands communities consultation project Supporting the Qld Conservation Council in its work with the Climate Commission (now Climate Council) in community education about the impacts of climate change Collecting of information on groups and organisations in the Pacific which focus on climate change with a view to establishing dialogues Support of the work of the Cathedral Precinct Sustainability Learning Community which has focussed on developing an audit tool for the precinct and the promotion of recycling Participation in the activities of the Qld Churches Environment Network Dissemination of information on action and advocacy on such issues as coal seam gas, proposed coal mines in the Galilee Basin, the Great Barrier Reef and the elimination of the use of plastic bags Peace and Human Rights Commission members and the Executive Officer have been involved in activities promoting peace and human rights in a number of specific areas, viz., abolition of the death penalty, promotion of human rights in Sri Lanka and West Papua and promotion of the rights of outworkers in the clothing industry. Abolition of the Death Penalty Since 2008, the Commission has been involved in a small, but significant effort to promote Church teaching on the death penalty and to offer support to Australians and others on death row in Indonesia and around the world. Our work in 2013 involved: On-going monthly death penalty prayer vigils at Graceville Holding another well-attended death penalty prayer vigil on Good Friday Sending messages of support and prayer to Andrew Chan, Myuran Sukumaran and Titus Ani - 7 -
2013 Activity (cont d) Sri Lanka Since 2009, the Commission, through our Executive Officer, has worked with others in the Church and the community to promote justice and a durable peace in Sri Lanka following the country s brutal civil war. This is a significant issue for Australia and the local Brisbane community because so many Sri Lankans have fled to Australia for protection in the last 5 years and many of these asylum seekers are living in Brisbane awaiting processing of their applications for protection. Work in 2013 included: Participation in the organisation of a memorial ceremony for those killed during the civil war On-going engagement with Australian MPs and Senators, the Foreign Affairs Minister, some Sri Lankan MPs, the Church in Sri Lanka and the UN Human Rights Council with a view to bringing about implementation of the Sri Lankan Government s Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission recommendations and the establishment of an independent investigation into war crimes and human rights violations committed during the civil war On-going relationship building with the local Tamil community and with various legal and human rights groups working on human rights issues in Sri Lanka West Papua For over 10 years, the Commission has sought to promote awareness of the human rights situation in the Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua where there has been brutal military repression of those promoting human rights and selfdetermination in the former Dutch colony for over 50 years. The situation is very similar to what occurred in East Timor prior to independence. The Commission s Executive Officer works with a number of Catholics and other Christians in the West Papua Solidarity Group to promote awareness about the violence and human rights abuses in the region and to foster action which promotes resolution of the conflict there. Work in 2013 included: On-going development of relationships with Church and community contacts in West Papua Running street and market information stalls Participation in the working group which organised the Biak Massacre Citizens Tribunal in July On-going engagement with other groups and individuals promoting human rights and peace in West Papua On-going engagement with Parliamentarians supporting human rights in West Papua Provision of funds to assist with medical treatment and other forms of practical support for political prisoners in West Papua Outworkers Outworkers in the clothing industry in Australia are often exploited by contractors. Since 2001, the Commission has worked with a national umbrella organisation promoting the rights of outworkers, FairWear, to raise community awareness about the plight of outworkers and to ensure that Parliaments enact legislation to strengthen protections for their benefit. The only work done in this area in 2013 involved lobbying of the Queensland Government and MPs in an effort to overturn the Attorney-General s decision to repeal the Mandatory Code of Practice for Outworkers in the Clothing Industry. The Commission was a key participant in the campaign to have this Code introduced in 2011. Unfortunately, the Parliament did not disallow the Attorney-General s repealing of the Code and outworkers now have much less protection. Militarisation and Peace Although there has been little work done in this area in 2013, the resort to growth in military capacity in our region and globally is a serious threat to peace as Church teaching has emphasised for many decades. - 8 -
During 2013, the Commission supported and assisted the formation of the Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN) as a forum in which discussion about alternatives to militarism could take place. The Commission has promoted and participated in a number of the activities of IPAN in 2013. G20 Brisbane As a result of the Commission s reflection on the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World during the year and, particularly, its teaching on economic justice, it agreed to develop a project focussing on the G20 meeting in Brisbane in November 2014. The broad aims of the project are to: Provide opportunities for the voices of poor and marginalised peoples to be heard at the time of the G20 meeting in Brisbane Offer Catholics catechesis on the Church s social teaching on economic issues Offer Catholics meaningful opportunities to show their solidarity with those who face poverty and marginalisation globally Work to date has principally involved developing relationships with Church contacts in developing nations, with academics and with various Australian and international organisations with an interest in development and globalisation. Collaborative Networks The Commission has also been involved in a number of collaborative networks within the Church and ecumenically throughout the year. Parish Networks The Commission communicates with parishes, other organisations and individuals interested in justice, peace and the environment through its electronic - 9 -
2013 Activity (cont d) bulletins, JusticE-mail and Earth Matters. We continue to receive much supportive feedback on the value of these bulletins. During 2013, it also established Google Groups, one to enable Parish social justice groups to communicate with each other directly so they can share information and ask for assistance and one for Catholics wanting to share information and resources on the environment. A Commission Facebook page was also launched during the year. Parishes continue to seek support and assistance with the formation of social justice groups and information on Church teaching, issues and resources. National & State Diocesan Justice Networks Diocesan justice contacts gather in Sydney each year to examine the annual Social Justice Statement and to share information and resources. It is an excellent opportunity to get new ideas and to learn from the experience of other dioceses. Apart from this face-to-face connection, we communicate with other dioceses to seek assistance, share information and resources and to form collaborations. For many years, justice contacts in the five Queensland dioceses meet in Rockhampton. Information is shared on issues each diocese has prioritised and on resources which are available for us to work on these issues. The meeting is also a valuable opportunity to develop collaborative projects. In 2013, the network made a commitment to promote the tenth anniversary of the Queensland Bishops pastoral statement, Let the Many Coastlands Be Glad in 2014. Asia/Pacific Justice and Peace Workers Network Our Executive Officer attended this network s gathering in Sri Lanka in 2013. The meeting was an opportunity to learn first-hand about the plight of Tamils in the north and east of the country following the civil war. We drafted a joint letter to the President of the local Bishops Conference and an accompanying statement following our study and reflection. The gathering was also an opportunity to learn about the issues being dealt with by the Church in the region including: the impact of militarisation in various countries including Sri Lanka, Korea and Japan attacks on religious freedom in a number of countries the mis-treatment of migrant workers and asylum seekers in many countries the impact of poverty the lack of democracy in many countries Communication on various issues and collaboration between members of the network are continuing following the gathering. - 10 -
Strategic Priorities After a process of consultation and reflection during 2013 the Commission has identified the following five Strategic priorities for 2014-2016. These Directions will develop the capacity of the CJPC to contribute towards the evangelising mission of the Archdiocese. The Commission will therefore also be better placed to work with impact on its Priority Areas on specific issues of justice and peace. 1. Strengthening the place of justice within the evangelising mission of the Archdiocese. 2. Supporting and engaging young Catholics in their commitment to justice. 3. Supporting parishes and deaneries in their efforts to evangelise those who are poor and marginalised in the community 4. Promoting and supporting parish and Archdiocesan agency involvement in the Queensland Community Alliance. 5. Improving the ability of the CJPC to communicate strategically and effectively with the people of the Archdiocese and the wider community. The Commission is aware that circumstances may change within the Archdiocese over the next three years. This plan will therefore be adapted as necessary to reflect any such developments. Objectives The following tables summarise the key objectives that flow from each of our Strategic priorities. More detailed work plans will be developed for each area at the appropriate time. Lead persons will be identified by the Commission for each activity and it is expected that other Commission members and appropriately qualified people from outside the Commission will work with them to develop work plans and implement them. (See next page) - 11 -
Objectives (cont d) 1. Strengthening the place of justice within the evangelising mission of the Archdiocese. Objective 1. Approach deaneries to work collaboratively on the development of a process for exploring the implications of Evangelii Gaudium in each deanery. 2. Develop opportunities for prayer and liturgy in public spaces (including ecumenical ones). 3. Conduct a novena of prayer and action over the 9 days from Social Justice Sunday and engage Brisbane Catholic Education leadership on ways to enable schools to participate as follow up to its social justice policy review. This activity may overlap with Objective 1 above regarding opportunities for prayer and liturgy in public spaces. 4. Focus on the canonisation of Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II as opportunities for prayer, liturgy and faith formation linked to their key social teachings and significant dates. This activity may overlap with Strategies 2 and 3 above. When Begin March 2013 and proceed according to the times that suit Deaneries/Deans. Conduct at least one in 2014. Suggested timing is November 2014 in relation to G20 Summits in Brisbane. Conduct at least one in 2015. Conduct at least one in 2016. 2014: 28 September 6 October. 2015: 27 th September 5 th October. 2016: 25 th September 3 rd October. 1-2 of these activities to be conducted in the 12 months from 27 th April 2014. 2. Supporting and engaging young Catholics in their commitment to justice. Objective Establish consultations on methods and opportunities for engaging young Catholics seeking to embrace a commitment to social justice, peace and care for the earth as an integral part of their faith development. Hold separate consultations with youth (under 18), young adults, and youth ministry leaders. Identify specific opportunities to engage young Catholics in any of the Commission s parish and deanery engagements. Seek to recruit young Catholics as members of the Commission and to Commission working groups. When Consultation with Youth (under 18) Q3 2014. Consultation with Young Adults - Q3 2014. Consultation with Youth Ministry Leaders Q4 2014. Establish Working Group on Involving Young People Q1 2015. Ongoing. When Working Groups and/or EO report to Commission meetings on their work they must include information on this Objective. Ongoing Initiate recruitment for Working Groups in Q1 2014. - 12 -
3. Supporting parishes and deaneries in their efforts to evangelise those who are poor and marginalised in the community Objective 1. Seek to hold one or more Commission meetings each year in public spaces with the collaboration of local parishes to engage with those who are poor and marginalised. When Hold one each year. Aim for first in Q3 2014. e.g., Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and refugees and unemployed people in Inala or Woodridge. 2. Approach deaneries to work collaboratively on the development of a process for exploring the implications of Evangelii Gaudium in each deanery. Begin March 2013 as in Priority 1 3. Connect with every Parish in the Archdiocese over the three year period to offer a collaborative process for engaging them in the work of justice and peace in their local context as part of the evangelising mission of the Archdiocese (stressing Ch 4 of EG and taking advantage of canonical visits). This work will intentionally intersect with other Objectives and Priority Areas of the CJPC. Ongoing Q1 2014 Q4 2016. 2014: This Objective will be advanced through the identified plans for the year, which provide multiple options for Parish engagement. 2015: As in 2014, this Objective will be advanced through the identified plans for the year, which provide multiple options for Parish engagement. Additionally CJPC will identify those parishes not already in collaboration with the Commission and offer to meet with them to develop a process of support based on their local needs. 2016: Both of the processes for 2015 will continue in 2016. 4. Investigate the creation of Justice and Peace Support Teams to assist parishes. Begin investigation in Q2 2014. Proceed if appropriate in 2015 after initial investigations. - 13 -
Objectives (cont d) 4. Promoting and supporting parish and Archdiocesan agency involvement in the Queensland Community Alliance Objective 1. With the support and oversight of the Archbishop s nominee, assist in the formation of an Alliance core team for the Archdiocese. When Core Team is to be formed March/April 2014. Ongoing support for maintenance of Core Team may be necessary. 2. Promote awareness of and involvement by parishes in QCA training, assemblies and actions in both the districts prioritised by the QCA and in other parts of the Archdiocese where possible. Ongoing. 3. Work with QCA organisers to recruit more Catholics for QCA training. Ongoing. - 14 -
5. Improve the ability of the CJPC to communicate strategically and effectively with the people of the Archdiocese and the wider community Objective Develop a Communications Strategy for the CJPC. Q2-2014 When Establish an effective social media presence. Q2-2014 Re-establish a strong and effective web presence. Q3 2014 Develop the CJPC s media skills and networks. Survey CJPC members to find existing media skills and contacts. Q1 2015. Consult key contacts and experts including Catholic Communications Office and Catholic Leader. Q2-2015. Run training for CJPC members and Working Groups. Q3-2015. Develop Plan for future media skills and networks building activities. Q4-2015. Develop the CJPC s political lobbying skills and networks. Survey CJPC members to find existing political lobbying skills and contacts. Q1 2016 Consult key contacts and advisors, ensuring views from all political sides. Q2-2016. Run training for CJPC members and Working Groups. Q3 2016. Develop Plan for future political skills and networks building activities. Q4-2016. - 15 -
CALENDAR 2014 2015 2016 Q1 Approach Deaneries regarding collaboration on EG reflections. Begin establishment of QCA Core Team. Initiate recruitment of young people for Working Groups. Q1 Second Canonisation related event/activity. Establish Working Group on Youth Involvement. Survey CJPC members to find existing media skills and contacts. Q1 Survey CJPC members to find existing political lobbying skills and contacts. Identify and approach parishes not currently collaborating with CJPC. Q2 Work with Deaneries on EG as requested. Begin investigation of Justice & Peace Support Teams. First canonisation related event/activity. Develop CJPC Communications Strategy. Launch Social Media presence. Q3 Continue work with Deaneries on EG as requested. Consultation with young adults. Consultation with youth under 18. Commission Meeting held in Parish/Deanery community. Launch new web presence. Q4 Social Justice Sunday Novena (Sept/Oct). Consultation with Young Ministry leaders. G20 Summit public prayer/liturgy Q2 Consult key media contacts and experts. Identify and approach parishes not currently collaborating with CJPC. Q3 Run media training for CJPC members and Working Groups. Commission Meeting held in Parish/Deanery community. Q4 Social Justice Sunday Novena (Sept/Oct). Develop Plan for future media skills and networks building activities. Q2 Consult key political lobbying contacts and experts. Q3 Run political lobbying training for CJPC members and Working Groups. Commission Meeting held in Parish/Deanery community. Q4 Social Justice Sunday Novena (Sept/Oct). Develop Plan for future political lobbying skills and networks building activities. Abbreviations/Acronyms used in Calendar: EG = Evangelii Gaudium. QCA = Qld Community Alliance. Not yet timelined: Public Prayer/Liturgy event for 2015 Public Prayer/Liturgy event for 2016 Ongoing events and actions of QCA - 16 -