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Transforming our world: the Sustainable Development Goals
In late September, nearly 200 countries will sign the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to continue the work of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Bruce Duncan summarises what has been achieved by the MDGs, and what still needs to be done. The new SDGs are developed and extensive, continuing the eradication of hunger and poverty, but with increased emphasis on sustaining the environment and ensuring increased equity.
For ideas on implementing Pope Francis’s views on protecting our environment, see Sufficient for the day: towards a sustainable culture by our local expert, Geoff Lacey. This book is available at our special SPC price of $15, plus $5 postage.
A super time for all?
Melbourne tax lawyer Tony French points out the major problems with our current superannuation and pension schemes, particularly from the point of view of social and inter-generational equity. He writes that superannuation was not meant to be a means to transfer wealth to one’s offspring, but to ensure a reasonable standard of living after being in the paid workforce. He suggests how we can improve superannuation and other retirement measures.
Did Pope Francis fudge the population issue?
The Pope has been criticised for not addressing the issue of rapid population growth. Bruce Duncan considers why the Pope is reticent on this for the moment when he is clearly aware how important this is, as climate change threatens to damage food production. Moreover, new UN reports indicate that population will likely grow much higher than anticipated a few years ago. He sketches Catholic teaching that if the common good requires it, couples would have a responsibility to raise smaller families.
A tribute to Hugh Stretton
Hugh Stretton was one of the great social scientists in Australia, with his insightful scholarship arguing for the necessity of moral values in the political and social sciences. His colleague, Lionel Orchard, traces the influence of Stretton in his many publications on politics, housing, economics, and the environment.
Living without weapons
The just-war tradition has long been part of the Christian story, but rejection of violence stems from the Gospel times. Redemptorist theologian, Brian Johnstone, traces Christian peace movements through the Middle Ages and into the modern period, from the Waldensians in the 12th Century to modern peace activists like Dorothy Day and Franz Jägerstätter who was executed by the Nazis for refusing military service.
Lecture series
Emeritus Professor
Joseph Camilleri OAM
A world in ferment, risks & opportunities
Tuesdays September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 2015 6-8pm
St Michael’s Hall 120 Collins Street Melbourne
$15 per lecture, $50 for the series. Book here. Program and all details here.
Conference
Pope Francis & prophetic voices: reshaping the public sphere
Thursday 17 & Friday 18 September 2015
St Michael’s Uniting Church
120 Collins Street Melbourne
Youth forum Wednesday 16 September 9am-5pm
Public forum Thursday 17 September 7:30-10pm
$125 for the Thursday and Friday conference plus the forum on Thursday evening.
Details here.
Speakers include Fr Frank Brennan sj AO, Dr Rachael Kohn, Professor Patrick Dodson, Fr Jerry Rosario sj (India), Dr Jenny Te Paa Daniel (New Zealand).
Conference
Ecological aspects of war:
religious perspectives from Australia
Monday 28 September 2015 8:45am-5:30pm
Trinity College Theological School
Trinity College Royal Parade Parkville
Planet Earth as a Victim of War, keynote by Dr Jenny Grounds, vice-president of the Medical Association for Prevention of War. Papers are in two streams: Engagement with sacred texts, and Religious and theological perspectives.
Registration $40 full fee, $30 concession.
Skype $15 (URL and password provided later)
Register before Friday 11 September
Launch of The Intervention: an Anthology
Thursday 24 September 11:30am-1pm.
Arena Publications 2 Kerr St Fitzroy.
Speakers Alastair Nicholson AO RFD QC, together with two of the writers, Nicole Watson (of the Birri-Gubba People), and Arnold Zable, who will launch the book.
RSVP by 18 September Pia info@concernedaustralians.com.au | 0419 541 733.
Books available at SPC
Social Justice & the Churches: Challenges & Responsibilities Edited by John D’Arcy May $25 + $5 postage and handling.
A World United or a World Exploited? Christian Perspectives on Globalisation Edited by Peter Price $20+$5 postage & handling.
Social Justice: Fuller Life in a Fairer World Bruce Duncan $25+$5 postage & handling.
Sufficient for the Day: Towards a Sustainable Culture Geoff Lacey $15+$5 postage & handling.
Young People, Faith, & Social Justice Joan Daw $20+$5 postage & handling.
Towards a Better World Arthur Gibbs $10+$5 postage & handling.
