The Social Justice research unit is an activity of the Anglican Community Services Commission (CSC), which is charged by the Church with responsibility for advancing social justice advocacy within the Diocese.
Why is there a Social Justice research unit?
The authority of the CSC for this activity comes from the Marks of Mission of the Anglican Church, which include the commitments “To seek to transform the unjust structures of society” and “To respond to human need by loving service”.
The Social Justice research unit is integrated within the Anglicare SQ Department of Mission and Social Justice. The department seeks to carry out the intent of the CSC’s current strategic plan, as captured in the following statement:
We will champion social justice through research, advocacy and intervention to benefit members of our community, especially those who are disadvantaged.
How does the Social Justice unit work?
Our research and advocacy activity is focused in areas where there are ‘gaps’. We aim to use our resources well by advocating in areas where others have largely not taken notice, or where a different voice expressing the authentic values and beliefs of the Anglican Church will add value to the conversation and generate benefits that wouldn’t otherwise be present.
We work closely with both the Diocesan Social Responsibilities Committee and with Anglicare Southern Queensland. Within the Department of Mission and Social Justice, we help to build the capacity of local faith-based and other community groups to promote and manage local responses to disadvantage and injustice.
Increasingly, we are also establishing research and advocacy networks with Anglicare Australia and Anglicare agencies in other states.
What is the Diocesan Social Responsibilities Committee (DSRC)? What is the relationship of the Social Justice research unit to the DSRC?
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The Diocesan Social Responsibilities Committee is responsible to the Archbishop and was formed in August 2009 to provide appropriate and timely responses to social justice issues raised within the community, media, Church Commissions, and Episcopal jurisdictions.
The SJ unit provides research and secretariat capacity to the Chair and Committee in their role and responsibilities. This includes advice on a range of social, moral, ethical and cultural issues as required, in order for the Anglican Church in the Diocese of Brisbane to be an active contributor to the proclamation of the Gospel message of social justice, reconciliation and hope.
Where can I get more information about the Social Justice research unit’s activities?
Contact us on socialjustice@anglicaresq.org.au, or read our newsletters and other work on our publications page.
Anglicare Southern Queensland is an Anglican not-for-profit organisation providing caring and supportive services to the community