The majority of Australia’s homeless are not sleeping in doorways or tents in parks, but in less conspicuous settings, such as cars, couch-surfing or low-cost boarding houses or motels.

The figures are part of a dataset captured in the Australian Childhood Maltreatment Study (ACMS) which revealed that 1 in 250 Australians have been sexually abused by a leader or other adult in a religious organisation in childhood.

In preparing the original document, the bishops consulted widely with a range of people including church leaders and health professionals. The bishops have also worked with the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.

During her time as CEO, Kirsty stewarded the organisation through a pandemic and transitioned to new governance with the incorporation of Caritas Australia.

Archbishop Costelloe said the commission did not appear to have sought constitutional legal advice despite submissions detailing the problems with abolishing Basic Religious Charities.

Speakers include global AI thought leader Professor Joel Pearson, motivational speaker and
London bombing survivor Dr Gill Hicks and renowned health economist Dr Stephen Duckett AM.

National Centre for Evangelisation Director Malcolm Hart said a range of resources were being developed to assist parishes in using sport to reach out to their communities.

Peter’s Pence also aims to support a range of charities which bring aid and comfort to the poor, children, families, the elderly, the marginalised, victims of war and natural disasters, refugees and migrants.

Stella Maris is the official maritime welfare agency of the Catholic Church. In 1922, Pope Pius XI approved the first constitution of the movement, known as Apostleship of the Sea. Stella Maris now operates in more than 300 ports across the world.

Award-winning US-based author and media literacy educator, Sister Rose Pacatte, will deliver the opening keynote address and lead masterclasses at the 2024 Australian Catholic Communications Congress.