The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference recently launched the 2026 Social Justice Statement, titled ‘The Cost of Living: Economic and Social Justice for the Common Good’.
Social Justice Statements are an important part of the Catholic Church’s mission to promote human dignity, compassion, and the common good. Each year, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference release a statement to reflect on key social and economic issues affecting our communities, grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and guided by the values of the Gospel. These statements invite Catholics to consider how their faith calls them to respond to injustice, inequality, and suffering, helping move us beyond awareness to meaningful action through prayer, advocacy, and practical support for those most in need.
They remind us that living our faith means standing in solidarity with others, especially the vulnerable, and working together to build a more just and inclusive society.
The 2026 Statement highlights the very real challenges facing Australian families and communities amid rising living costs. Across communities, rising living costs are making everyday necessities, like meals, energy bills, and housing, hard to afford, placing strain on young people, parents, and older Australians alike. These are not just statistics; they are our neighbours, our communities, our brothers and sisters.
This year’s Bishops’ Statement calls on all Australians to reflect on the social and economic systems that contribute to inequality. It urges governments, businesses, and communities to work together to ensure that the basic needs of every person are met, and to advocate for policies and actions that support:
Economic decisions are moral decisions, and the Statement reminds us that the measure of a society is how it cares for its most vulnerable members.
We encourage you to read the full Statement and consider how you can contribute to a society that promotes the common good, where everyone has the dignity, security, and opportunities they deserve.
The Statement also offers some very practical suggestions for taking action to address the cost-of-living crisis (on page 6).
Read the 2026 Social Justice Statement here: The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference 2026 Social Justice Statement.
If you are interested in joining or finding out more about the Our Lady of Pentecost Parish Social Justice Group, please contact Michael Ryan on 0400 602 402 or at [email protected]
19 Brenbeal Street, Balwyn VIC 3103
Telephone: 03 9816 9291
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours:
Tue - Fri 9:00am – 5:00pm