In listening to young people today, we can detect a growing anxiety because of what they are seeing happening in the global village, Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton has said.
Speaking at the Perth launch of the 2024 Australian Catholic Bishop’s Social Justice Statement, Thursday 5 September, Bishop Sproxton recalled when peace was threatened during the years from 1955-1975.
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference released the Social Justice Statement for 2024-25, entitled Truth and Peace: A Gospel Word in a Violent World this week Tuesday 20 August.
The Perth launch was coordinated by Justice, Ecology and Development Office Director, Carol Mitchell, with Noongar Elder, Aunty Sandra Harben providing the Welcome to Country.
“The Vietnamese American War became the first war to be televised daily: we saw it being waged each evening on our television. It was brought into our lounge rooms,” Bishop Sproxton recalled.
Every year, the bishops seek to make a substantive comment on a key social issue and this year the focus is on the promotion of peace and the need for truth in public life.
A schoolboy at the time of the Vietnam War, Bishop Sproxton noted that even then, he was questioning what he was seeing and asking – is there no other way than war and conflict?
“This all had a bearing on what I came to do in the future.
“My decision to go to the seminary to try, what I felt, was a call to priesthood.
“It was during those years that I came to know how to find the truth and the source of truth. And how to know what is not true. I became aware that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life,” Bishop Don explained.
The 2024 statement examines rising tensions around the world, the nature of truth, the spread of misinformation and disinformation, the arms race, domestic cohesion, the need for dialogue and education for peace.
It also lists practical action which can be taken to make a real difference.
Our Statement, said Bishop Sproxton, gives an answer.
“The way is that of Christ Himself: the way of listening, hearing both sides, engaging in dialogue, negotiating for peace, being committed to resolving issues and truth-telling,” Bishop Sproxon explained.
“Truth and Peace contains a list of suggestions for action that each person and community can reflect upon over the next 12 months.
“Essentially, they help us become more attuned to the teachings of Jesus. Our hearts can be changed by this reflection to the extent that we can be the Gospel for others. Our compassion, forgiveness, patience, justice and love will be from Christ,” he concluded.
Also speaking at the Perth launch was Western Australia Director, Catholic Mission, Francis Leong, and Dominican Sister Margaret Sharf OP.
A copy of the statement and other resources can be found here.