The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) Social Justice Statement 2023-2024

“It is an essential part of our Christian mission to infuse society with the love which Christ offers. This is a love which does not patronise or pity Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

It is a love which seeks them out where they are, listens to them and learns from their great wisdom and which walks with them to a place where we are together freed from every injustice and oppression.

In the  current moment, this is an invaluable example  that the Church can offer to all Australians as the way to reconciliation and peace in our land.” (ACBC Social Justice Statement 2023-24 p17)

In a spirit of love and humility, this year's ACBC statement - LISTEN, LEARN, LOVE reminds us of the way of Jesus. He deeply listened, especially,  to those on the margins. He learned from them through dialogue, without judging and he always acted through the lens of deep love for us as fellow children of God.

This coming Sunday, Social Justice Sunday, with the launch of the ACBC statement we hear from members of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Council (NATSICC) who speak directly and bravely about the history of injustice faced by the First Peoples of this country including the impact of loss of land and culture, the forcible removal of children and the high incarceration and suicide rates.

The statement also offers a  glimmer of hope for the future as the strength, perseverance and dignity demonstrated by the First Australians show a way forward to overcome these injustices and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.  The Statement calls for the First Australians to be welcomed from the margins into the centre so that they can lead the discussions about change and what needs to happen to bring about healing and justice.

Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters had been with our God on this continent for at least 60,000 years before Jesus was sent to live among us. As such, we have been gifted with much to listen to, to learn from and to love. 

May the inspiration of this Social Justice Sunday compel us to work towards healing, justice and reconciliation with  Australia’s First Peoples.

As we participate in the dialogue about the Voice referendum may we listen and learn intently and love our Aboriginal Torres strait islander sisters and brothers with great generosity and respect.

Reflection question:

What is my commitment to Listening to, Learning from and Loving our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community?