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The Cries of the Earth and the Cries of the Poor October 2021

News from the Catholic Justice & Peace Commission of the Archdiocese of Brisbane which has been mandated by successive Archbishops to promote understanding of Catholic social teaching in the areas of justice, peace and the environment since 1985.

COP 26 Approaches

The formal meetings of world leaders at the COP 26 in Glasgow are days away. Our world is faced with immense challenges because of dangerous climate change. The scientific evidence is overwhelming. Swift and decisive action is needed.

Many of you have already been working to impress on our leaders the need for urgent action. What is certain is that our work will not end when COP 26 in Glasgow ends. We will need to continue our advocacy well beyond this year. As Christians, we will also need to direct attention to the way we live and to the spirituality which shapes our outlook.

Nothing about Us without Us!!!

In their recent Social Justice Statement, Australia’s Bishops have stressed the importance of listening to the voices of First Nations people about caring for the earth. It is essential that our work for justice, peace and care for creation prioritises the concerns and advice of First Nations people in Australia and of Pacific peoples. They are already facing the harmful consequences of climate change and they have the least responsibility for it. In humility and respect, we should acknowledge their leadership in the struggle for climate justice. Unless we are committed to this way of acting, we have not heard the core message of Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’. The Holy Father calls for a commitment to integral ecology. We need to hear the cries of the earth and the cries of those who are poor. In this current crisis, those who are the most vulnerable and have the least power must be at the heart of action to address it!

First Nations elders in Brisbane have been saying to us, loudly and clearly, “Nothing about us without us!” They are leading action to address the climate crisis and the social problems they face in Australia. The peoples of the Pacific are also seeking to shape the regional and global response to the climate crisis. They are living with the impacts of climate change right now. We need to listen to them and support their leadership in the struggle for justice.

In this spirit, I am sending messages on behalf of the Commission to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders and leaders and to church leaders in the Pacific offering our continued support for their priorities and their leadership during and after COP 26.

Supporting First Nations Leadership in Australia

The Commission encourages you to offer your support to campaigns led by First Nations people including:

Common Grace is running a number of actions on climate change as well as important issues like First Nations deaths in custody:

Our Islands, Our Home Torres Strait Islanders are campaigning for climate action to save their island homes from rising seas. Support the #TorresStrait8 who have taken action against the Australian Government at the UN for its failure to take action on climate change:

Get Up First Nations Team is taking action to support traditional owners who don’t want fracking on their country. They are also taking action to provide food security in remote communities, to address the on-going shame of First Nations deaths in custody, and to protect sacred sites from being damaged by the activities of mining companies

The Wangan & Jagalingou Traditional Owners Council has waged a David and Goliath struggle against the Adani company so they can protect sacred sites on their country in central Queensland. Queensland Police recently declared that they would not remove Wangan & Jagalingou people from their country as they had a right to perform traditional ceremonies on their country under the Human Rights Act. I had the privilege of spending 2 weeks last year on country as part of the solidarity contingent in their Standing Our Ground campaign. Wangan and Jagalingou people are on country now, performing ceremonies. They invite us to come and join them in solidarity as they continue to defend their right to be on their country and protect their sacred sites. . You can offer your support in a variety of ways including going up to country as part of the solidarity contingent.

Supporting Pacific Leadership

In the days leading up to COP 26, the Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC) has issued a call for climate action. It is the result of 2 years of consultation across the Pacific. Please share this statement in your community, in your networks and with your MP. It may be found here.

Listening to the Call of Church Leaders

Pope Francis, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew recently issued a joint declaration offering us guidance in our response to the climate crisis. They called for 3 responses:

· Prayer for world leaders in the lead up to COP 26;

· Meaningful sacrifices by individuals for the sake of the planet;

· Actions by leaders which focus on people-centred profits and which lead us to a just and sustainable future.

As you reflect on their challenge, ask yourself how you will respond. You can read more here.

Calling for Action from Our Political Leaders

Please join the Commission which is sending messages to all Federal MPs in the Archdiocese. We are calling on them to support strong, urgent and decisive climate action which responds to the calls of First Nations people and of the peoples of the Pacific. E-mail them, ring their offices and even make an appointment to meet them to tell them what they should support. You can find contact details for all Federal MPs here.

A Climate Story from the Solomon Islands

A journalist friend in the Solomon Islands, Jeremy Gwao, has been investigating the impact of climate change on people living on Wagina Island in the Solomon Islands. They make a living by growing kelp, but things are changing as the climate changes. Jeremy’s article underlines the urgent need for decisive climate action. It’s well worth a read:

Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor

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The Australian Catholic Bishops’ Social Justice Statement 2021-22: Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor, affirms that “we human beings need a change of heart, mind, and behaviour”. It draws from Scripture, from the theological tradition, from Catholic Social Teaching, and from the wisdom of the world, including the insights of the First Nations.

The Social Justice Statement 2021-22 provides theological foundations to ground and inspire efforts to care for creation while responding to the needs of the disadvantaged and excluded. The Statement reflects on creation in and through the Trinity; the sacramentality of all created things; the wonder and beauty available to the contemplative eye; and the need for conversion and change of life.

In the Statement, the Bishops invite the whole Catholic community to join them in taking up Pope Francis’ invitation to a seven-year journey towards total ecological sustainability, guided by seven Laudato Si’ Goals. These Goals are: response to the cry of the earth; response to the cry of the poor; ecological economics; sustainable lifestyles; ecological spirituality; ecological education; and community engagement and participatory action.

The Statement especially encourages Catholic families, communities and organisations to: listen to the First Nations; reflect on the theological foundations offered in Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor; and plan their next steps towards the Laudato Si’ Goals.

Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor will be a useful resource throughout our seven-year journey to total sustainability. Your help in promoting it through your networks would be greatly appreciated.

Brisbane Launch of the Statement

The 2021 Social Justice Statement was launched in Brisbane by Bishop Ken Howell with a response from Dr. Maeve Louise Heaney

A Facebook Live video of the launch can be viewed here

Images from the Brisbane Launch can be viewed here

Five people standing in a line — Members of the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace with Bishop Ken Howell and Dr. Maeve Louise Heaney .

Commission to Screen Queensland Documentary on World Environment Day

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Friday 1 June 2012

Brisbane’s Catholic Justice and Peace Commission will host a World Environment Day screening of a documentary film depicting the struggle of Central Queensland communities against coal and gas extraction in their region.

Directed by US-based filmmaker Michael O’Connell, the film, Bimblebox, follows the story of Paola Cassoni, a resident of Alpha, Queensland, and co-owner of the Bimblebox Nature Refuge.

Bimblebox Nature Refuge is an 8000 ha property north of Alpha and directly in the path of the proposed ‘China First’ coal mine, an operation that, if given the go ahead, will be the world’s largest coal mine.

The documentary features interviews with leading academics, scientists, and former miners, as well as members of the communities impacted by mining. , It builds a picture of the broader implications of Australia’s mining boom, while focussing on one woman’s fight to protect the land she loves.

“This documentary was born out of the necessity” Ms Cassoni said, “to let the broader public know that our bush, our communities, our farms and our waters are going through a radical transformation.”

“It shows the daily battles and frustrations of ordinary people in dealing with both mining corporations and indifferent Governments,” she said.

It’s more than a hint that we need a new direction in energy consumption both at home and globally,” she added.

Mr O’Connell is an experienced environmental documentary film maker, having previously made Mountain Top Removal, a documentary which focussed on the issue of coal mining in the US region of Appalachia and received numerous awards including the ‘Reel Current’ award, presented by Al Gore, at the Nashville Film Festival.

“After making my film Mountain Top Removal I wanted to look at the global issue of mining and also explore the alternatives to fossil fuels. Australia was a perfect place to do that,” Mr O’Connell said.

The Justice and Peace Commission’s Executive Officer, Peter Arndt, said that the Commission was keen to promote the broadest possible discussion of the issues surrounding coal mining and gas extraction in Queensland.

“This film gives us the chance to hear the views and feelings of people living in the central west of Queensland whose lives and lands will be directly affected by very large mining developments,” Mr Arndt said.

“Christians have a responsibility to care for the earth and to defend the human dignity of all people now and in the future,” he said.

“It is not only the very powerful voices of Government Ministers and mining company executives which must be heard, but also those of graziers, workers and families living in areas affected by the decisions and actions of government and business,” he said.

Bimblebox will screen at the Aspinall Centre, St Bernard’s Parish, Klumpp Road, Upper Mt Gravatt, at 7 p.m. on World Environment Day, Tuesday 5 June.

A panel of speakers will discuss the film after its screening and light refreshments will be served.

Donations to help cover costs will be gratefully accepted. Bookings to help with catering may be made by e-mailing em.fl@bne.catholic.net.au or by phoning Sandi on 3336 9174.

Kathy Kelly Brisbane Events

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The 2011 Pace e Bene Australia
NATIONAL INSPIRITOR TOUR
Kathy Kelly and Friends
13 October – 27 November

Pace e Bene Australia are pleased to announce that Kathy Kelly will be traveling across the country for 6 weeks visiting schools, universities, churches, public meetings, facilitating retreats and other various groups. Every 2 years Pace e Bene Australia invites a world renowned nonviolence practitioner and educator to inspire us in the journey from violence to wholeness. Kathy will be drawing on her experiences from witnessing wars, leading teams on peace campaigns in conflict zones and standing against war in her own country the US in order to help inspire us us as we attempt to create a peaceful and less violent society here in Australia.

Please follow us here or on Facebook or Twitter for information about events in your state as they unfold. Or contact us for more information.

BRISBANE

The Cost of War the Price of Peace.
Thursday 27^th Oct.
7.15 pm for 7.30pm start
Parliamentary Annexe, Alice St., Brisbane.
Cost $15 waged $10 unwaged
Co sponsored by Believing Women for a Culture of Peace.

Just Peace 10^th Anniversary Dinner (Guest Speaker)
Friday 28^th Oct.
2^nd Floor TLC Building 16 Peel St. Sth. Brisbane
contact Annette on 0431597256

Nonviolence Workshop for Young adults
Saturday 29th Oct. 10am-4pm Nonviolence
West End Uniting Church, Cnr. Sussex and Vulture St. West End
Cost waged $10 Unwaged $8
Lunch provided by Food not Bombs
RSVP by Oct. 24^th to Elizabeth on 0408 742 694 or elizabeth.florence@uqconnect.edu.au

Co sponsored by Project Hope, Waiters Union.

Afternoon Tea : Cost of War on Woman and children in Afghanistan
Sunday 30^th Oct.
2pm-4pm Afternoon Tea,
West End Uniting Church, Sussex St, West End.
Cost $15 or $10 concession.
Co sponsored by Womens International League for Peace and Freedom (Brisbane)

Click Here To Download The Brisbane Flyer

For more information about events in QLD please contact :
Carole Powell
(07) 5498 5247
peacedove@bigpond.com

South Coast Catholic Environmental Network to Form

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Friday 8 July 2011

A gathering to form a Catholic sustainability network on the Gold Coast will take place at Marymount College, Burleigh Waters, at the end of July.

The gathering has been organised after several months of discussions and planning between the Archdiocesan Justice and Peace Commission and a small group of Gold Coast Catholics committed to environmentally responsible practices.

The Commission’s Executive Officer, Peter Arndt, said that the Commission has placed a high priority on supporting Catholics to embrace ecological sustainability in their parishes, schools, homes, workplaces and the community.

“Pope John Paul II called for an ‘ecological conversion’ in 1990 and we are trying to help Catholics to respond to that call,” Mr Arndt said.

The gathering will take place on Sunday 31 July from 11 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. in the Doyle Centre at Marymount College, Burleigh Waters.

“It seems very appropriate for us to hold this first gathering at the place where the Commission launched our very successful environmental project, Cool Communities, in 2003,” Mr Arndt said.

“Over 400 Catholic households participated in that project which helped them to find ways to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.

“In the current circumstances where the impact of climate change is already being felt, it is important for us as Catholics to take action to care for the earth so that future generations do not face great difficulties,” he said.

The Director of Catholic Earthcare Australia, Luke Edwards, will speak about the ASSISI sustainability program at the gathering and the Gold Coast City Council and local environmental groups will give a presentation on what resources, opportunities and support is available for Catholics interested in promoting ecologically sustainable practices.

Mr Arndt said that an important part of the day would be discussions about what local Catholics are already doing in their schools, parishes and the community, what they would like to do in the future and what they need to take further steps.

It is also hoped that a number of local environmental groups will have displays at the gathering.

“The Commission wants to ensure that an opportunity for on-going gatherings, support and collaboration is provided,” he said.

“The Commission will endeavour to be a resource to support the maintenance and growth of this local network and its actions,” he said.

“If we get a good response on the South Coast, we hope this can spread to other parts of the Archdiocese,” he said.

“We think we can do a better job if we work with Catholics collaboratively in the communities where they live their faith,” he said.

Lunch, morning and afternoon tea will be provided. Participants are asked to make a small donation to help with costs.

Bookings are appreciated. Bookings and enquiries may be made by contacting Peter Arndt at arndtp@bne.catholic.net.au or 3336 9173.

For further information, please contact Peter Arndt on (07) 3336 9173 or 0409 265 476.

NB This release is issued with the approval of the Commission or its Executive under the provision of its Mandate which enables it to speak in its own right. The views expressed in it do not necessarily represent the views of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane.

Commission Expresses Concern over Queensland Nickel and West Papuan Environmental Damage

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Monday 4 July 2011

Brisbane’s Catholic Justice and Peace Commission expressed its concerns about the environmental impact of nickel ore mining on an immensely significant marine ecosystem in the Indonesian province of West Papua. The ore is shipped by Australian company, Queensland Nickel, for refining in Australia.

Queensland mining billionaire, Clive Palmer, heads Queensland Nickel.

Reports in the Sydney Morning Herald and the Melbourne Age on the weekend suggested that the mining of the nickel laterite used by Queensland Nickel is threatening the health of Raja Ampat, an immensely significant marine ecosystem which is home to over 600 islands, expansive coral reefs and countless fish species.

The Justice and Peace Commission’s Executive Officer, Peter Arndt, said that Queensland Nickel should urgently investigate the environmental impact of nickel mining in Raja Ampat and the Australian Government should encourage the company to do so.

“Raja Ampat is an extraordinarily beautiful and important ecosystem which the reports indicate is being seriously damaged by clay soil being washed into the sea and onto the reefs as the mining process strips ore from islands in the region,” Mr Arndt said.

“Australian companies ought not to be involved or benefit, either directly or indirectly, from overseas mining operations which cause environmental havoc,” he said.

“Queensland Nickel says that it is committed to sustainable development and minimising environmental damage and we hope this means they will look into these reports urgently to ensure that their nickel ore suppliers are doing the right thing for the sake of this precious ecosystem,” he said.

“The report also indicates there may be corruption involved in the granting of mining licences in the area and squabbles within the local community as a result of the competing bids of various mining companies,” he said.

“West Papua is a troubled province which has been a concern for the Commission for some years,” he said.

“It is plagued by conflict, human rights abuses by the Indonesian security forces, corruption and exploitation of the local tribal groups and the environment,” he said.

“There is nothing wrong with Queensland Nickel making a profit, but it needs to ensure that the rights of the local people and the security of the important ecosystem of Raja Ampat are fully protected in the process,” he said.

“We would also urge the Australian Government to assist Queensland Nickel to ensure that its overseas suppliers are looking after the interests of the people of West Papua and of the local environment,” he said.

“We would encourage Catholics to take an interest in such matters not only because they involve the welfare of our fellow human beings, but because caring for the earth is an essential part of living our Christian faith,” he said.

For further information, please contact Peter Arndt on (07) 3336 9173 or 0409 265 476.

NB This release is issued with the approval of the Commission or its Executive under the provision of its Mandate which enables it to speak in its own right. The views expressed in it do not necessarily represent the views of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane.

Last Days to Sign Petition re Sri Lankan Human Rights Violations

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Friday 20 May 2011

Brisbane’s Catholic Justice and Peace Commission, in collaboration with Pax Christi Queensland, has launched a campaign to encourage the Australian Government to press for the full implementation of the recommendations of a report on accountability for human rights violations committed in the final stages of the bloody Sri Lanka conflict which ended two years ago.

The report was prepared for the United Nations Secretary-General by an advisory panel of three experts and was delivered to the Secretary-General in April.

The report found that there were credible allegations of serious violations of human rights law and humanitarian law committed by both the Sri Lankan Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE).

Allegations against the Government included that it shelled civilians in “safe zones”, that it shelled hospitals and humanitarian facilities and that it denied humanitarian assistance to victims of the conflict.

Allegations against the LTTE included that it killed civilians trying to flee LTTE-controlled areas, that it recruited child soldiers and that it recruited forced labour.

The advisory panel recommended that the Sri Lankan Government conduct a thorough investigation of these allegations in line with international standards and that the United Nations establish international mechanisms to support these investigations.

The panel also recommended that the Sri Lankan Government adopt a number of short term accountability measures which ensure respect and dignity for the victims and survivors of the conflict.

It also recommended a number of long term measures including a formal apology by the Sri Lankan Government for its human rights violations and the provision of reparations to survivors of the conflict.

The Justice and Peace Commission’s Executive Officer, Peter Arndt, said that its campaign seeks to encourage the Australian Government to become a committed advocate of the full implementation of the report’s recommendations.

“Our fundamental concern is for a lasting peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka,” Mr Arndt said.

“Hundreds of thousands of people were put through the most horrifying and appalling experience at the hands of both the Sri Lankan Army and the Tamil Tigers,” he said.

“There can be no healing unless those on both sides who were responsible for their suffering are held to account,” he said.

“The UN panel judged that the investigations and reconciliation processes put in place by the Sri Lankan Government to date are inadequate and flawed,” he said.

“We believe that Australia must play its part in ensuring that peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka is possible,” he said.

The Commission and Pax Christi Queensland launched their campaign last night at a prayer service at St Oliver Plunkett Church in Cannon Hill.

The campaign encourages people to sign a petition to the Senate and to contact their local MPs and Senators calling on them to encourage the Australian Government to support the UN panel’s recommendations.

“We have also asked that people pray for the people of Sri Lanka and especially for those who are still suffering including the thousands still in detention two years after the war,” Mr Arndt added.

Download copies of the Sri Lanka petition 2011 and the Sri Lanka info sheet 2011 (1)

For further information, please contact Peter Arndt on (07) 3336 9173 or 0409 265 476.

NB This release is issued with the approval of the Commission or its Executive under the provision of its Mandate which enables it to speak in its own right. The views expressed in it do not necessarily represent the views of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane.

Commission Issues Call for Climate Action

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Monday 6 June 2011

Brisbane’s Catholic Justice and Peace Commission today issued a statement calling for urgent and effective action on climate change.

The statement also called on Catholics to get involved in promoting effective action by government, industry and the community to address the serious threats posed by climate change.

The Commission’s Executive Officer, Peter Arndt, said that the Commission is concerned that too much time is being wasted by ill-informed debates about climate science and by self-interest.

“We think it is time for people in the community and the Church to stop wasting time debating whether climate change is happening and whether human beings are the cause,” Mr Arndt said.

“The reality is that the proposition that the earth is warming is supported by the vast majority of scientists who are prepared to publish their findings in scientific journals and subject themselves to the searching scrutiny of their fellow scientists,” he said.

“They also agree with almost total certainty that human activity has caused this,” he said.

“We cannot waste any more time because the consequences of delay will be dreadful for future generations,” he said.

The Commission’s statement refers to a recent report of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences which summarises information about the current evidence for climate change and recommends urgent action to reduce carbon emissions.

Mr Arndt said that the Commission did not feel it had the capacity to make judgments about the different mechanisms being proposed for bringing about a transition in the Australian economy in which carbon emissions are drastically reduced.

“We do, however, feel strongly that policies need to bring about significant reductions in carbon emissions and that this means a move away from burning of fossil fuels and towards the use of renewable energy as the Pontifical Academy of Sciences report recommends,” he said.

“The Commission also sees the need for an adequate response,” he said.

“Both sides of politics are currently committing to a 5% reduction in carbon emissions and this is not likely to be enough if we are to avoid massive problems down the track,” he said.

“The Commission also stresses that the plight of those already suffering the consequences of climate change such as those in Pacific island nations need to be remembered,” he said.

“Those who are poor and vulnerable in Australia also need to be protected from the economic consequences of a transition to renewable energy,” he said.

“The Commission calls on everyone to work together to come up with a plan which effectively addresses the threats of climate change,” he said.

“We want to see political and economic self-interest put aside in favour of protecting the long term interests of God’s creation, the whole human family and all the precious ecosystems which sustain us,” he said.

For further information, please contact Peter Arndt on (07) 3336 9173 or 0409 265 476.

NB This release is issued with the approval of the Commission or its Executive under the provision of its Mandate which enables it to speak in its own right. The views expressed in it do not necessarily represent the views of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane.

Solidarity with South Sudan

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The Sudanese Bishops at their last meeting in Jubathis May have outlined a program and prayer in the lead-up to becoming the world’s newest nation on July 9^th.

The campaign is launched on Saturday May 28^th with Eucharistic processions. The next day Sunday 29^th becomes a Day of Reconciliation as described

“Preaching on reconciliation at all levels social, political and religious. Reconciliation among tribes – mending differences through traditional and religious reconciliation rituals and symbols”.

On Pentecost Day there will be blessing and planting of trees as symbols of new birth. Dioceses, families, institutions, school, and parishes will be encouraged to plant a tree.

Some trees will produce medicine, a sign of healing from trauma and war. Other trees will give fruit as signs of hope and promise.

On June 29^th a novena will focus on the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.

Please join them in your prayer. There have been some violent incidents in the border areas over the past 5 months. They pray for peace, courage and hope.

Parishes, schools, agencies and households are invited to pray for them in their times of prayer and in their Eucharistic prayers of the faithful. The set prayer below may be helpful for those wishing to incorporate prayer for Sudan into their times of prayer.

Prayer for the Republic of South Sudan

God of Mercies, we thank you for your great love for us.

We ask you to guide our leaders in the process of nation building.

Grant them wisdom, compassion and fortitude.

Loving God, give us courage to reject ethnic resentment

as well as ethnic conflicts.

Through the intercession of St. Josephine Bakhita, help us

to overcome hurt, hostility and bitterness in our hearts

so that we become reconciled citizens in our new nation.

Renew in us the will for honest and hard work,

and bring us closer to you in the spirit of service,

unity and lasting peace.

Lord, we pray for our heroes, our martyrs and all innocent people

who died during the long years of war.

We pray in thanksgiving for all those who stood by us

in solidarity to bring about peace.

Unite us from every tribe, tongue and people.

Send your Holy Spirit upon us and may your will be done in us.

God bless our new nation;

Bless theRepublic of South Sudan.

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

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Brisbane Launch of the Statement

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Social Justice Sunday 2011 – 25 September

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NB This release is issued with the approval of the Commission or its Executive under the provision of its Mandate which enables it to speak in its own right. The views expressed in it do not necessarily represent the views of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane.

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NB This release is issued with the approval of the Commission or its Executive under the provision of its Mandate which enables it to speak in its own right. The views expressed in it do not necessarily represent the views of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane.

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NB This release is issued with the approval of the Commission or its Executive under the provision of its Mandate which enables it to speak in its own right. The views expressed in it do not necessarily represent the views of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane.

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