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Welcome to the website for the Social Justice Commission for the Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba.
Our Commission was established 2002 as a key direction in the Diocesan Pastoral Plan – “embracing action for Social Justice”. Five aspects to our work are: spirituality, education, leadership, solidarity and research. In partnership with those affected by injustice the Commission works to analyse issues and reflectively advocate for action. The Commission is grounded in Catholic Social Teaching. Our current priorities are: justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, caring for the environment and support and advocacy for refugees. We work to promote human rights and our actions are informed by the dignity of the human person.
“How does your personal lifestyle represent a commitment to reduce your carbon footprint?” This was one of the more interesting questions posed at a recent candidate’s forum for the seat of Groom. Most candidates answered admirably. They spoke of bike riding, insulating, composting and using energy efficient hot water systems.
They say prophets are rarely recognised in their own towns and when it comes to people making efforts to reduce their carbon footprints there are a few prophets living in our midst. I think of Rama Naidu. This humble man has a passion to reduce the use of cars in our community. For as long as I have known Rama he has knocked on doors, written letters, taken up petitions, organised world car free days, advocated for better public transport and generally asked all of us to move away from four wheels. (To read more click here)
As Ajak and his friends approached the security he was refused entry. His three friends were given entry. With great courage and clarity of mind AJ politely asked why he was being refused entry. One of the security guards, stated, “I’m not allowed to let you in.” Another security guard supported this by saying, “We’re not allowed to let Sudanese in”. There it is – no misunderstanding, no miscommunication – a clear message – “You’re not welcome here and it’s because of who you are and where you come from.” To read more click here
Local Aboriginal artist Robert Wharton has been working hard on his upcoming album. Click here to have a sneak preview of some music that speaks of beauty, shared pain, history and love.
On Monday morning Mark Copland spoke with ABC Radio Southern Queensland's Belinda Sanders about the issue of asylum seekers. To hear the interview click here
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“The foundation of all the great religions were built upon us being custodians and caring for the earth. Australia and other developed countries need to address their historical responsibility for climate change by committing to strong pollution reduction targets and significant financing to assist poorer countries sustainable development and preparation for the unavoidable impacts of climate change.”
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Art Inside
In recent times a great initiative has sprung up through the Toowoomba Community Justice Group and the Darling Downs Correctional Centre. Local Aboriginal artists work with Aboriginal inmates to produce art while they are serving their sentence. This has greatly helped the inmates integrate into the wider community upon release and also improved self esteem. We all know about the disproportionate number of Indigenous prisoners in Queensland. As part of this project you can help by supplying much needed art materials. If you are interested and able to supply canvases and acrylic paint please get in touch with the Commission on the contact page of this website
Social Justice Sunday Statement
In this year’s annual statement, “And you will be my witnesses: young people and justice” the Bishops of Australia have pledged their support for young people's commitment to social justice, reasserting last year's World Youth Day central theme of witnessing through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Statement points out, young people are among the strongest fighters in the cause of justice, but at the same time, they can be among the most vulnerable to injustice. Free statements are available from your parish or from St Paul’s Bookstore, Ruthven St, Toowoomba. To download the statement click here
Write to Asylum Seekers on Christmas Island. There are over 2000 people being held in Immigration Detention on Christmas Island. A very real way of providing support for people in this situation is writing a letter. If you wish to do this get in touch with our Commission office
As you take your next step remember the first people who walked this land
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