Bishops release annual social justice statement

The Australian bishops have released their annual social justice statement ahead of Social Justice Sunday on 28 August. The statement, titled Respect: Confronting Violence and Abuse, focuses on the scourge of domestic and family violence.

“The teaching of Christ urges us to promote relationships marked by respect and freedom rather than coercion and control,” Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB said.

“The message of the Gospel is not a message of domination of one person over another but a message of mutual esteem and kindness.”

Citing the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the bishops’ statement explains that family and domestic violence “affects people of all ages and from all backgrounds”, but also notes that it “predominantly affects women and children”.

“The respect due to each member of a family, household or community should reflect the respect and care shown for others by Christ,” the statement says.

It also acknowledges that the Catholic Church is a major provider of services for all people affected by domestic and family violence through its dioceses, agencies, religious institutes and other organisations.

The bishops’ statement can be read at: www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au