Social Justice Statement, 2023-2024: Listen, Learn, Love: A New Engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Most significant for the referendum year.
The Statement is in two parts: From NATSICC, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council and from the Bishops. The Statement invites all to listen to the Voices first.
The Statement was launched by Biahop Vincent Long. OFM.Conv:
The Statement I launch today on behalf of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference entitled “Listen, Learn, Love: A New Engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples” encourages us to apply the wisdom of St John Paul II to our lived reality. It offers Catholics and all Australians a constructive approach to take in relation to the upcoming referendum. Even more importantly, to the way non-Indigenous Australians will engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in the months and years following the referendum.
One of the objectives of this statement is that we want Catholics to understand that Catholic Social Teaching and Catholic social action are not simply theoretical and academic exercises.
Listening and learning is also an essential part of the synodal approach which the Holy Father is inviting us to embrace. We tried to keep this in mind, too, as we wrote this statement.
Vinnie Yes poster
One big difference you will notice in this statement is that we Bishops step aside for a significant portion and invite members of NATSICC to speak directly to us all. This is inspired by Pope Francis’ promotion of a culture of encounter and synodality.
Whatever the outcome of this year’s referendum, we ask the Church in Australia to make efforts to lead the way for our fellow Australians. Our attitudes and actions towards First Nations Peoples need to be grounded in justice, love, and humility. “Doing justice, loving kindness and walking in humility” as the prophet long ago urges us.
