Living the Gospel in Times of Social Division

“Living the Gospel in Times of Social Division” is the second of two Social Justice Statements to be released in 2026, the first being “The Cost of our Living: Economic and Social Justice for the Common Good” released in February 2026

Australia’s Catholic bishops have urged a renewed focus on ways to make Australia a more cohesive society.

Each year since 1940, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has issued a statement for reflection and discussion in the lead-up to Social Justice Sunday (August 30) on a key issue in society.

The latest statement, Living the Gospel in Times of Social Division, was released in Brisbane on August 7.

“This statement invites us to see our current social climate as an opportunity to witness to the Gospel,” writes Conference President, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB in the preface to the statement.

“We offer Jesus and the hope born of his death and resurrection. When we choose forgiveness over enmity, hospitality over isolation and solidarity over vilification, we help to create the conditions in which a more peaceful society can prosper.”

The statement explores recent developments in Australia including the Bondi Beach attack of December 2025 as well as the alarming rise in Islamophobia and other forms of racism.

It also lists a range of actions to build social cohesion, which it argues can only come through practising a “culture of encounter”.

Read the Statement here