eConnections - July 2015

Connecting Peace, Ecology and Justice from the Gospel Perspective - July 2015


Image source: iStock

Being Prophetic about Economic Justice

The readings for July highlight Jesus as prophet and some of what it means to follow in his footsteps. Pope Francis is such a one who is practising prophetic leadership. It is clear that the dominant economic model is destroying the planet, creating injustice and contributing to conflict. In his much awaited encyclical, Laudato Si’ (Praised Be), Pope Francis names these realities and urgently appeals, “for a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet. Human beings and material objects no longer extend a friendly hand to one another; the relationship has become confrontational. This has made it easy to accept the idea of infinite or unlimited growth, which proves so attractive to economists, financiers and experts in technology. It is based on the lie that there is an infinite supply of the earth’s goods, and this leads to the planet being squeezed dry beyond every limit.” # 106 Read Columban Media Release after Laudato Si' was released.

This Month we focus on those who are being prophetic about the need for economic justice for people and the Earth in the face of powerful corporations and people. The Tax Justice Network is Making Inroads for Tax Justice. Jubilee Australia is shining a light on the Australian Government’s approach to economic development and its impacts on local communities and ecological systems in the Asia Pacific region. The Faith Ecology Network is holding a Multifaith event in Sydney in July on faith responses to the growth economy.

Anne Lanyon
Co-ordinator for Peace, Ecology and Justice Centre

	Peace, Ecology and Justice Across the globe, the gap between the rich and poor is continuing to increase. A new report by ACOSS  highlights the facts in Australia. The Oxfam report from January this year tells us that the richest 1% hold half the global wealth. This is structural sin. The demands of justice call us to act for change. Making Inroads for Tax Justice (read more) Promoting Accountability - More than $ and Cents (read more) Endless Growth on a Finite Planet (read more)
	Reflection We need the kind of biblical faith that challenges excess and inequality and demands a much more enlightened stewardship of the world’s resources. No more so than in the area of food production and distribution. (read more)
	Growing a Culture of Peace Bulletin If we in the wealthy world continue with our current consumption and production patterns we will need three planet Earths. (read more)
	News from the Centre FEN is holding its annual public forum on Thursday July 23 at 6:30pm at the Sydney Mechanics School of Arts, 280 Pitt Street Sydney. The theme this year will be: ‘Healthy Earth, Endless Growth - Are they compatible?'.(read more)
	Take Action Tax provides the money needed for essential services.  Some wealthy individuals and multinational companies engage in large scale tax dodging, avoiding paying hundreds of billions of dollars in taxes globally.  (read more)

Read other eConnections editions:

• November 2015
• October 2015
• September 2015
• August 2015
• July 2015
• June 2015
• May 2015
• April 2015
• March 2015