Social Justice

A challenge was issued after the meeting on Sunday for us, as a church, to consider more social justice issues and become involved.

The Salvation Army continues to be at the forefront of social justice issues. This year we have appointed an officer in Adelaide, Captain Bev Demopolous, to head this area of our activities. From time to time she will send through information to Corps and advertise activities that we are undertaking. Some examples include having a Salvation Army stand to support people at Sexpo, supporting the bridging the gap activities for indigenous Australians and actively campaigning against the current governments unwillingness to release parolled prisoners.

If you have a specific interest in social justice issues - please touch base with Bev.

In the meantime, also stay informed. I was alarmed last night watching the ABC to hear how ignorant people can be. A federal opposition MP, for example, stated that most people with mental illnesses are also unemployed and homeless. Thankfully the health minister, Nicola Roxon, challenged this errant statement. Then there was the discussion about the Israeli/ Palestinian situation that indicated how many people would do anything to spoil a potential 2 state solution.

Finally, the old refugee chestnut came up again. For the first time I heard a federal politician acknowledge that the majority of Australians wish our government were more generous toward genuine refugees that have been waiting in camps. This is a good point to start the conversation, rather than focussing on the (less than 5% of) asylum seekers that arrive by boat.

Either way - it's, in the first place, about being informed so that we can act for the reformation of society. Keep listening and looking.