Social Justice Sunday Statement 2017

SOCIAL JUSTICE SUNDAY STATEMENT 2017

Everyone's Business - developing an

Inclusive and Sustainable Economy

SUGGESTED PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL

Below are draft Prayers of the Faithful based on the Australian Bishops' Conference Social Justice Sunday Statement on the economy. You may wish to consider the inclusion of one each week/fortnight throughout the year. The numbers indicate the pages in the Statement which contain the texts on which the draft prayers are based.

That the economy be like the reign of God as taught by Jesus, that is, open to all, generous and especially mindful of those left behind.

That the central purpose of the economy be the well-being of humans and all of creation.

That the economy engage all people as dignified, active contributors to sustainable and inclusive growth.

That, in accordance with the consistent call by Pope Francis, the economic system be restructured to ensure that people always remain the centre of concern, avoiding the social and economic exclusion of individuals or entire communities, when 'money becomes the end and motive of every activity and every venture'.

That instead of income growth being greater for the wealthiest households, as it has been for the last twenty years, it be greater for the poorest households.

That the impact of economic restructuring on the labour market be recognised, for example, the long-term decline in the wages of low-paid, insecure workers.

That our leaders ensure that minimum wage and award increases provide a 'living wage'.

That the disadvantages for women, particularly single parents, in the competitive labour market be removed so that they no longer have lower average earnings and limited opportunities for promotion.

That unemployment benefits, which have not increased in real terms since 1994, be raised to or above the poverty line.

That job seekers not be subjected to excessive demands nor to humiliating or shaming treatment.

That society will shoulder the burden of job creation equitably if the market does not generate enough jobs with just pay and conditions.

That the disadvantages suffered by victims of Australia's housing crisis be alleviated, whether the victims are:

young families wanting to buy houses

income-support recipients

low-paid workers

asylum seekers without work rights

older single women on low fixed incomes

people who are actually homeless.

That Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities be enabled to win their struggle with unimaginable social and economic burdens, such as their imprisonment rate, life expectancy and the lack of meaningful employment and development opportunities in remote and regional areas.

That our economy be made to work for the most disadvantaged of our sisters and brothers.

That respect for ethical standards be re-established in aspects of the operation of the banking and financial sectors and in tax evasion and avoidance by major private companies.

That the marginalised again become part of society, instead of being excluded from it.

That, in the words of Pope Leo XIII, the role of the State be to secure the common good with wise regulation and especially to protect workers and the poor.

That, in the words of Pope Pius IX, private ownership be brought into harmony with the needs of the common good of society

That nations recognise that, in the words of Pope John XXIII, their economic prosperity is not so much in their total assets in terms of wealth and property as in the equitable distribution of that wealth.

That nations recognise that, in the words of Pope Paul VI, humanity is not truly served if profit is the chief spur to economic progress, free competition is the guiding norm of economies, and private ownership of the means of production is an absolute right without limits or concomitant social obligations.

That nations adopt the idea of successive Popes of a 'person-centred, inclusive economy where all are entitled to enter the “circle of exchange'' '.

That nations, in the words of Pope Francis, develop a new economy, more attentive to ethical principles, and new ways of regulating speculative financial practices and virtual wealth.

That humanity develop a renewed vision of a world that best embodies our hopes and values, in real solidarity with all our brothers and sisters, particularly those in distress.

That human development and the integrity of creation not suffer as a result of people and resources being viewed simply in terms of their market value or as a means to maximise profits.

That the world heed the words of Pope Francis that respect for the dignity of the human person and care for creation demand 'more balanced levels of production, a better distribution of wealth, concern for the environment and for the rights of future generations'.

That our values challenge the current expectation of infinite growth and material progress with little sense of limits or restraint.

That the world reject an ideology of the market which ignores issues of social and distributive justice.

That nations recognise that the ownership of wealth and resources is never absolute and that everyone has the right to share fairly and responsibly in the bounty of God's creation.

That nations aim for an economy at the service of all, promoting development that is attentive to the social and environmental impacts of the market, now and for future generations.

That nations reject the current economic model which is prone to treating the poor and our environment as an 'afterthought' or as 'collateral damage'.

That more room is made for greater compassion and generosity in the way our businesses and economy work.

That individuals and communities most likely to be affected by economic plans or social policies be given a key role in deciding on them.

That poverty be ended and inequality be reduced

That sustainable patterns of production and consumption be established, with full, productive and decent work for all.

That we work towards God's kingdom on earth through just social transformation based on the great commandment to love God and to love our neighbour, especially the most vulnerable.

That we see others as God sees them, as unique and precious, and treat them accordingly.

That people be seen not simply as commodities, to be discarded when no longer commercially profitable.

That, in accordance with the call of Pope Francis, individual Christians and communities consider where the economy fails to serve the common good and where it excludes the vulnerable.

That individual Christians and communities answer the call of Pope Francis to be instruments of God for the liberation and promotion of the poor and for enabling them to be fully a part of society.

That Christians be informed about the plight of the 'poor' and avoid any condemnation of people in need as being undeserving or to blame for their own plight.

That Christians give voice to those who have been cast aside and, in solidarity, call for an inclusive economy at the service of all.

That all people use God's bounty wisely for the good of all – all his creatures and the planet we live in.

That, inspired by the Gospel, Christians take part in the transformation of the economy so that it better promotes a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable society.