Justice Conference 2009
The Mercy Justice Conference held in Queanbeyan, November 6-8, 2009, an initiative of the Institute of the Sisters of mercy of Australia, was attended by over 260 delegates from across Australia.
The Keynote Speakers very willingly and generously accepted the invitation to address the conference. Delegates were challenged, engaged, humbled, informed, uplifted and given cause to reflect by the speakers' presentations and, through the engaging discussions on the issues of:
Women and Poverty, Eco Justice, Displaced Peoples, and Indigenous Concerns.
The rituals,visual images and, the life-stories of those seeking justice from all over the world easily moved delegates into their heart space; a space for all humanity; a place for prayer, reflection and action.
The Presentation by Sister Jan Gray rsm will be published in the December edition of Listen
Some of the Open Space discussion groups put forward action to be taken by individuals or groups.
The suggested actions included:
Writing to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd expressing concern about the situation on the Oceanic Viking and asking him to take decisive action by ensuring the asylum seekers be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve in line with Australia's duty as a signatory on the UN Convention 51 and, pro actively facilitating the dissemination of factual information about asylum seekers coming to Australia so as to reduce the fear and anxiety generated by un-informed media and spokespersons on this issue.
Calling for an end to the financing of cluster bombs which cause deaths and injuries. Denise Coghlan rsm highlighted the impact of cluster munitions and the importance of addressing the issue with companies who provide money to producers of cluster bombs. More
Conference responses and other action will continue to appear as items in Mercy M@tters
Contact: Carmel Heagerty RSM, Institute Justice Co-ordinator
Email:Institute.Justice@mercy.org.au
