Justice Network
Grounded in Gospel values and inspired by Catherine McAuley, we are compelled by God’s spirit and our tradition to work, both individually and corporately, to bring about a more just and compassionate world.
At our last Institute Chapter in 2004, we renewed our commitment to the following issues:
As Sisters of Mercy we are disturbed by the fact that women bear a disproportionate burden of the world’s poverty. Inspired by the example of Catherine McAuley, we have always expressed a special concern for women in need, by providing education, accommodation, health care and other social services.
At our last Institute Chapter in 2004, we renewed our commitment to women who find themselves in needy and vulnerable situations.
New resources for reflection on Women and Poverty have been added to the News section of the site
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Sisters of Mercy have a long history of working alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in remote, regional and urban areas, at the coal face, in policy think tanks and in advocacy networks. In some parts of Australia we have been working in this way for over 70 years.
We believe that Indigenous Peoples have been disadvantaged hugely in Australian society. In the last 20 years, despite the best efforts of many, the socio-economic situation of Indigenous Peoples and their rights to self-determination, have improved very little.
At our last Institute Chapter in 2004, we renewed our commitment to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in their struggle for justice.
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As Sisters of Mercy we are disturbed by the massive numbers of people in our world who are refugees, displaced and seeking asylum. It is our belief that all people have a right to survive and thrive.
We have a long tradition of working with asylum seekers and refugees, both overseas and in Australia. Mercy Works Inc (MWI) is part of the relief and development work of the Sisters of Mercy. It serves without discrimination the uprooted and displaced peoples of the world. More than giving material assistance MWI accompanies refugees, listens to them, and enables them to have a voice.
Individual Sisters of Mercy also provide pastoral and practical support to asylum seekers in Australian detention centres and those on temporary protection or bridging visas living in the community.
At our last Institute Chapter in 2004, we renewed our commitment to asylum seekers and refugees. We will continue to support them and advocate for policies which are compassionate and just.
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Sisters of Mercy believe that the earth was created and is held in existence by God, and that as stewards of creation, we have a responsibility to respect, reverence and care for the earth.
We mourn the ravaging of the earth and the consequent poverty and dispossession of people. An active ministry to the earth is integral to our Mercy spirituality.
At our last Institute Chapter in 2004, we renewed our commitment to work for eco-justice.
“… we can’t simply do whatever we want with this earth that has been entrusted to us… we have to respect the inner laws of creation, of this earth, we have to learn these laws and obey them if we want to survive… This obedience to the voice of the earth is more important for our future happiness than the voices of the moment, the desires of the moment.” Pope Benedict XVI, 2007
The Institute’s Specific Issues Committees provide monthly articles on current aspects of the specific issue that enrich our living through information and reflection material that will impel us into action.
Contact Us
Specific Issues Committee, Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Email: asylum.refugees@mercy.org.au
Specific Issues Committee, Eco-Justice
Email: eco.justice@mercy.org.au
Specific Issues Committee, Indigenous Concerns
Email: indigenous.concerns@mercy.org.au
Specific Issues Committee, Women and Poverty
Email: women.poverty@mercy.org.au
