Social Justice Sunday, 30 August
Prayer: Jesus, you invite us all into the fullness of life. May we support one another to flourish in body, mind and spirit. Strengthen our commitment to ensure that nobody falls through gaps in our systems of care.
People called you mad. Help us to recognise you in those who suffer mental ill-health today. Show us how to eliminate stigmatisation of mental ill-health from our parishes, schools, communities and organisations.
You drew near to those who were suffering in body or mind. May we too feel your nearness when we struggle with mental health challenges. May we be one as members of Your Body.
You invite us to share in your ministry of love and true compassion. May we be empowered by your Spirit to reach out to all people in need. May we build communities of welcome and inclusion. Amen
Sunday, 30 August marks Social Justice Sunday. The Social Justice Statement 2020-21, To Live Life to the Full: Mental health in Australia today, encourages faith communities, governments and individuals to make mental health a priority.
Parishes and local communities are called to be places of welcome and inclusion, overcoming the barriers and stigma often faced by people experiencing mental ill-health. It demands the commitment of governments and policy-makers to prevent so many people falling through the cracks of the mental health system.
It also calls for the nation’s commitment to address those policies that exacerbate the already precarious circumstances of First Australians and refugees and asylum-seekers.