By Bruce Duncan
Just when we thought demonising of asylum seekers was moderating, the Opposition’s spokesman on immigration, Scott Morrison, plunged the debate lower. He contended that, because an asylum seeker living in Sydney on a bridging visa had assaulted a young woman, all asylum seekers in the community should have to notify police of their whereabouts, and neighbours should be informed. He also called for a freeze on bridging visas which allow asylum seekers to live in the community.
To read this article in full, click HERE.
Photo Christmas Island Immigration Detention Centre by DIAC Images, flickr cc
Bishop Vincent Long launches Bruce Duncan’s Social Justice: fuller life in a fairer world
Bishop Vincent Long launched Social Justice by
Fr Bruce Duncan on 1 March at the Cardinal Knox Centre in Melbourne. Bishop Long studied with Bruce at Yarra Theological College more than 20 years ago. Speaking to an audience of about 60 people, Bishop Long said :
“This book shows how concern for social justice is central to Christian faith, as the Scriptures insist. Jesus is the prophet of justice par excellence. As he declares in the Last Judgement scene in Matthew 25, God identifies with the sick, hungry, naked, the stranger. The parable of Lazarus and the rich man again emphasises that God takes very seriously our response to the poor …” To read this article in full, click HERE.
Photo Bishop Vincent Long
SPC Forums
Held at the Study Centre, Yarra Theological Union
34 Bedford Street, Box Hill
Tea/coffee and snacks provided afterwards
Emeritus Bishop Pat Power
Canberra Goulburn
What I have learned about the churches & public policy
Wednesday 17 April 7:30pm
Australia in the Asian Century?
A 10-week course with Professor Joe Camilleri
On Wednesday evenings from 1 May to 3 July in Collins Street Melbourne. Speakers include former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser and former Foreign Minister Gareth Evans. Applications close 18 April. For information, see www.mire.org.au.
Invitation from the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project
How do the courts help give asylum seekers a ‘fair go’?
Tuesday 12 March 7:30-9:30pm
St Joseph’s Hall, 274 Rouse Street, Port Melbourne
Special guest Matthew Albert, barrister and lecturer in public law at Melbourne University Law School
Help Support SPC
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You can help by making a donation in one of these ways…
– Send your cheque or money order to our office at PO Box 505, Box Hill, Victoria 3128
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Books available at SPC
NEW! Social Justice: Fuller life in a fairer world by Bruce Duncan
$35, or $28 for financial members of SPC, plus $5 postage and handling.
Outlines social justice in the Scriptures, how later generations lived these values, and issues today of the economic crisis, equity, global poverty, hunger, climate change, peace, and indigenous issues. It highlights the contributions of Frederick Ozanam, Barbara Ward, Rosemary Goldie, Helder Camara, Joseph Cardijn, and Aboriginal activist ‘Mum Shirl’.
Sufficient for the Day: Towards a Sustainable Culture
By Geoff Lacey.
$20 plus postage.
Geoff Lacey has something new and important to say about the roots of the environmental crisis and the way forward. His combination of deep reflection and practical attention to problems provides a much-needed corrective to a sustainability debate dominated by narrow economic perspectives. Paul Mees, Senior Lecturer in Planning at RMIT.
Towards a Better World
By Arthur Gibbs.
$15 plus postage.
An SPC member, Arthur worked as an economist. “Towards a Better World is a cautionary tale of what can happen when world leaders and corporations jump on an ideological bandwagon with little reflection about the long-term consequences for all.” Anne Tuohey.
Social Policy Connections featured video
Faith, values, & social policy
Fr Bruce Duncan CSsR
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