When Catholic Christians give money or actively serve to assist the poor to overcome their material needs, they are performing charitable deeds. However, when we strive to reform the systems and structures that create poverty and need, we are seeking justice.

Justice is about removing the causes of human suffering. In other words it is concerned with working to change public policy and spreading awareness of the issues involved.

Catholic Social Teaching requires Christians to be vocal and active in the cause of justice and peace. The 1971 Synod of Bishops concluded that action on behalf of justice is demanded by the Gospel. When the St. Charles Social Justice Committee was formed, it saw its role as one of raising awareness on justice issues within the Parish community.

Accordingly, its members have spent considerable time and effort as a team to provide understanding of some of the issues pertaining to refugees and asylum seekers and of inter-faith dialogue with the Muslim community.

To help members grasp the background to Catholic Social Teaching, guidance sessions have been held on Jesus and the Gospels and on topics like the roles of women in scripture.

The St Charles Borromeo Ryde Justice and Peace Committee (previously known as the Social Justice Committee) maintains an ongoing relationship with the:

• Affinity Intercultural Foundation (http://www.affinity.org.au);
• Home Encounters Program (http://www.homeencounters.org.au) where we were founding partners; and
• Inter-Faith Sydney event portal (http://www.interfaithsydney.org.au).

We advertise events and other relevant information in the Parish Bulletin e.g the Annual Women’s Interfaith Dinner.

For further information on how to become involved in this ministry, please contact the Parish Office.