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We are called to sharpen our engagement with church and world - A word from Chris Burke, Provincial Leader, Loreto Sisters Australia.

One of the three calls of the IBVM General Congregation, Peru 2006, was “to sharpen our engagement with church and world”. As we have often said, these calls speak to a much wider audience than professed Loreto Sisters.

In Australia we have the opportunity to do this. The forthcoming election is a key time for those of us who are not politicians to engage in the political process: to take seriously our responsibility as citizens.

On Social Justice Sunday, the bishops of Australia focus our attention on: Who is my neighbour? The Queensland Social Action group of religious congregations, the NSW Social Justice Core Values Statement, PolMin the religious congregation sponsored research and advocacy group, the Centre for an Ethical Society and a variety of other organisations have put out questions which can be used to focus the awareness of local members on areas of concern. The Nuclear debate, Environment, Climate change and its likely refugee impact, the War in Iraq, Industrial Relations Laws, Housing, Indigenous affairs, our exclusion of Asylum seekers who land on our shores… all these and more can be connected at various points with the Gospel challenge and commitment to the Common Good. Our website today gives a number of links which can help anyone seeking to use this time to work for a better Australia.

This month saw the release of Bishop Geoffrey Robinson’s book: Confronting Power and Sexual Abuse in the Church. Bishop Robinson writes honestly, clearly, and strongly. He says aloud what many of us have said in private. He names the problems that come from a system where power is not balanced by dialogue. He raises questions about celibacy, ordination of women, papal power, and sexuality. He will without doubt attract a great deal of negative response from many quarters. Part of our engagement might be to support him in his stand, and let him know the relief it is to have an ordained leader (even if he has retired) speak from his heart and his head on such important matters.

What impact might it have if every visitor to this website actually “sharpened her or his engagement with church and world” by voicing concern on issues which we feel are critical in shaping the future?

Here are some resources that may help:

A just and fair society: Questions to ask our nation's leaders (Polmin)

Questions for political parties on key social justice issues (CES - Centre for an Ethical Society)

CRA website: www.catholicreligiousaustralia.org

Chris Burke ibvm