AT their national conference Australia’s bishops have called on all Australians to “confront and combat” the social problems that face the nation.
Their call came as the St Vincent de Paul Society warned of a divided Australia if current trends are not reversed and of Queensland becoming the nation’s “poverty capital”.
At their conference, which ended in Sydney on May 11, the bishops issued a statement, The Catholic Church and the Centenary of Federation, as well as making a major statement on a national marriage preparation policy.
Their centenary statement covers the Church’s role in the lead up to federation and its desire “to share in the growth of a nation moulded on high ideals”.
The bishops then propose the centenary year as an ideal time to examine whether the nation has lived up to expectations – particularly on social justice.
The chairman of their Committee for Family and For Life, Archbishop Leonard Faulkner of Adelaide, said the bishops wanted to reinforce their support for marriage preparation and the important role it plays in the sacrament.
