Social Justice Statement – Current
In 2026, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference is releasing two Social Justice Statements – one in February and the second in August ahead of Social Justice Sunday (August 30, 2026).
Social Justice Statement August 2026, “Living the Gospel in Times of Social Division”
This statement invites us to see our current social climate as an opportunity to witness to the Gospel. The Church can and must be a sign of unity: a community where every person feels at home and all are encouraged to use their gifts to build a more just, peaceful and cohesive Australia.
Launch of the Social Justice Statement
Bishop Tim Harris, Chair of the Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service, lauched the social justice statement, “Living the Gospel in Times of Social Division”, at the Francis Rush Centre in Brisbane on August 7, 2026.
SOCIAL JUSTICE STATEMENT PRAYER
You created every person in your image and call us to live as one human family.
In a world marked by division, fear and misunderstanding,
fill our hearts with the self-giving love of Christ.
Teach us to see one another not as strangers or opponents,
but as sisters and brothers, worthy of dignity, respect and compassion.
Give us the courage to build bridges where there is distrust,
to seek encounter where there is separation,
and to work for justice with humility and mercy.
Help us to listen with open hearts,
speak with kindness, and walk together in the way of peace.
May your Holy Spirit guide us to welcome the stranger,
stand beside those on the margins,
reject all forms of hatred and racism,
and become instruments of reconciliation in our communities.
Through the example of Saint Maximilian Kolbe and all the saints,
strengthen us to live the Gospel through sacrifice, generosity and love,
so that your light may shine through us and bring hope to our nation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.