IT’S a pity that Ciaron O’Reilly’s passion for reconciliation (CL 18/6/00) wasn’t informed by facts.
His cavalier dismissal of the march for reconciliation as “very fuzzy and sentimental without any direct demands” betrays his lack of familiarity with the Document of Reconciliation and the process that led up to the public demonstrations of support in the marches around cities and towns in Australia.
While I acknowledge that Mr O’Reilly’s time in prison has given him personal insight into the plight of indigenous peoples, I find it regrettable that he is unable to see the “real serious progressing of the issues” in the work of diocesan agencies such as the Brisbane Catholic Justice and Peace Commission, parish social justice networks and the many individuals and groups who work in solidarity with marginalised communities.
Mr O’Reilly is in a privileged position of being able to choose his country of destination, unlike most of those for whom he advocates. He represents a particular voice of Catholic social teaching that supports civil disobedience in the cause of justice. This is a valid practice that dates back to the early Christian refusal to engage in military service. However there are many other voices in the work of social justice that include prayer, lobbying, family life and the quiet revolution in the just households of many people.
The responsibilities of family and employment do not diminish in any way the ability of all Christians to be “activists” in the cause of social justice. The “ancient practice of hospitality without profit” is the core of the refuge offered in the shelters of the St Vincent de Paul Society. Those Catholics involved in political parties and social work that I have encountered seem to have the “faith-based practice” that Mr O’Reilly proposes.
The work of justice is integral to our celebration of Jubilee and the voices of people like Ciaron O’Reilly call us beyond the boundaries of respectability. Yet most of us are respectable people who have heard the cry of the poor and are working to bring about just reforms in our politics and culture. I suggest we too are activists in the Gospel spirit.
TONY ROBERTSON South Brisbane, Qld
