The astonishing result of the Queensland elections has confirmed widespread dissatisfaction with the Coalition parties. After the way the federal Coalition hammered Julia Gillard for failing to keep key promises, many Australians have been dumbfounded by the numerous broken promises of the Abbott government.
Read this article in full.
Where there is hope
Peter Whiting
Pope Francis highlights social justice, inequality, & climate change
Bruce Duncan
Pope Francis visited Sri Lanka and the Philippines in mid-January, urging reconciliation and renewed efforts to fight poverty and hunger. He highlighted the need for economic policies to promote increased equity in the distribution of resources, and called for urgent measures to deal with the threats from climate change. His candid comments during his plane trips also touched on the need for responsible parenthood. Read this article in full.
SPC Forum
Australia’s refugee crisis: what now?
Phil Glendenning
President of the Refugee Council of Australia
Director Edmund Rice Centre for Justice & Community Education Sydney
The Study Centre, Yarra Theological Union, Box Hill (best entry via 34 Bedford St)
Refreshments afterwards. Entry free, donation welcome.
Pope Francis & British PM David Cameron: the right to freedom of speech
Brian Johnstone
The shocking killings of the staff of Charlie Hebdo has raised urgent questions about the right to free speech, and when this may need to be restrained by the rights of others not to be grossly offended or insulted, or even to suffer physical harm as a consequence. Brian Johnstone examines contrasting views of David Cameron and Pope Francis, and the ethical and religious issues involved. Read this article in full.
The 1% are bad for your health: it’s time to tax them more
Kate Pickett
Professor of Epidemiology at University of York
The level of inequality in the world has reached “staggering levels”, according to Professor Kate Pickett of York University. In the article reprinted from The Conversation, she argues that growth without increased equity will be self-defeating, resulting for many people in declining wages and living conditions. She contends that the major countries need to prioritise social equity and insist that the rich pay their fair share of taxes. Read this article in full.
A tribute to Dorothy Santamaria
Kevin Peoples
Kevin Peoples once worked with Bob Santamaria in the National Catholic Rural Movement, as he recounts in his book Santamaria’s Salesman. Here, he met Bob’s loyal secretary, Dorothy Jensen, who would become Bob’s wife in 1983, after the death of his first wife Helen. Kevin himself married Margaret Murray, as Kevin explains, by coincidence a niece of Dorothy’s. Read this article in full.
Science & Religion: conflict
or consonance?
You are invited to follow or join in
the online forum
Moderated by Revd Stephen Ames & Kristian Camilleri
Hosted on the website of Emeritus Professor Joseph Camilleri.
Insights & challenges: religion & ecology
Professor Heather Eaton
PhD Coordinator Conflict Studies Saint Paul University Ottawa
Friday 6 March 4-5:30pm
Seminar room Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation
Monash University 8th Floor Building H Caulfield Campus
RSVP john.dalton@monash.edu
Download a flyer.
Hosted by Professor Constant Mews and Dr Scott Dunbar, Monash University Centre for Religious Studies, School of Philosophical Historical & International Studies, in conjunction with the Forum on Religion & Ecology at Monash.
Books available at SPC
NEW Social Justice & the Churches: Challenges & Responsibilities Edited by John D’Arcy May $25 + $5 postage and handling.
Young People, Faith, & Social Justice Joan Daw $20+$5 postage & handling.
Towards a Better World Arthur Gibbs $10+$5 postage & handling.
