_{Social Justice Group:}

_{Catholic Social Teaching promotes a vision of a just society that is garlanded in biblical revelations, in the teachings of the leaders of the early Church and in the wisdom gathered from experience by the Christian community as it has responded to social justice throughout history.  Today we have a rich body of authoritative teaching documents.  Our group centers on the eight essential principles of catholic social teaching.} 

_{The eight principles are:}                  

• _{The essential dignity of the human person.  Human beings are created in the image of God and thus they all have a fundamental dignity.}               
• _{The Principle of Solidarity.  We are social beings living in society together.}                   
• _{The Principle of Subsidiarity.   Higher levels (e.g. National governments) should not perform functions which can be better provided at a local level (e.g. Local communities or families).}                    
• _{The Purpose of Government is the Promotion of the Common Good.  The state is required to intervene actively in society, including the economy, to promote and ensure justice.}                  
• _{The Principle of Participation.  Human beings are active shapers of history rather than passive recipients of other people’s decisions.}                   
• _{The Universal Purpose of Goods.  The goods of the world are meant for all.}                  
• _{The Preferential Option for the Poor.  Taking the option to understand the perspective from which those who are poor and oppressed see the world and their own situation.  It means a willingness to the action to remove injustices, which deprive them of their rights and it means recognizing the contribution they can make to society.}                    
• The Integrity of Creation.  The natural world, as created by God, is to be given due respect.  We are called to exercise responsible stewardship.We are a small group, which currently meets on an ad hoc basis.  Most recently we sought to make parishioners aware of the teaching of the Church on Social Justice through weekly articles in the Parish Newsletter over a period of twelve weeks and produced a number of issue papers which are inserted into the newsletter and placed on the notice board on refugees and asylum seekers, children in detention, the international debt issue and ecology issues.Our group always welcomes new people who wish to become involved. 

  Contact person:  Ross Hamilton on 4128 2136 or Anne Young on 4124 0897

Contact person:  Ross Hamilton on 4128 2136 or Anne Young on 4124 0897