Listen, Learn, Love

Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) have launched their Social Justice Statement for 2023-2024 in advance of Social Justice Sunday, which falls on 27 August 2023.

The Statement's full title is Listen, Learn, Love: A New Engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

The theme for this year’s statement was chosen in May 2022, well before the Voice to Parliament referendum was mooted and before the timing of a vote was proposed. While the bishops don’t suggest how people should vote, Bishop Long says “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” in pursuing reconciliation. 

While the Social Justice Statement is a teaching document of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, a large part of this year’s statement was written by members of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council. It is part of the message’s exhortation to “listen”.

Access the Social Justice Statement for 2023-2024

READ

Bishops’ statement calls for ‘new engagement’ with First Peoples (ACBC Media Blog)

WATCH

The 17 August 2023 launch: https://www.youtube.com/live/jz_5pam7nBs?si=XV-ox6EyCatkD98J  

Anglican Diocese webinar recording

Discussion – Voice to Parliament 

Statement from the Heart: Recognition and Voice in Constitution  

An Afternoon With Noel Pearson

An informative presentation by Noel Pearson and Shireen Morris which was enjoyed by over 200 people online!

For those who missed it, here is the link to the recording. Please watch and share!

Australian Women Preach

Sherry Balcombe 

Turning the page in our nation’s history: Sherry Balcombe preaches on the Voice to Parliament

Djabugay/Olkola woman Sherry Balcombe delivers a powerful case for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament in this week’s episode of the Australian Women Preach podcast. 

Sherry is the Executive Manager of Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Victoria. It is a timely opportunity to highlight and listen to the voices of our First Nations people.

Sherry says, "We’re at an incredible time in Australia’s history... We’re about to turn a page."

Listen here:  https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/awp 

Please see attached a media release attached to this email.  For more information, get in touch with our media contact Rebecca Beisler  - 0450790218. 

Photo: Sherry Balcombe at the office of Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Victoria with a painting by her brother John Dunn