The Role Religion Plays in the Public life of Australia or another nation Flashcards
Outline the role of religion in Australia’s secular system
role in public
services
entity
catholics
The Catholic Church can be described as having a role in public life as a provider of health and social welfare services , education and as a political entity that represents its interests and those of Catholics to different levels of governments
Define what is meant by the term ‘public life’
The concept of ‘public life’ refers to the social, cultural and political life of a nation that is visible to the public as opposed to private life. Included in public life are the processes by which a society discusses debates and decides upon important matters.
Explain the Catholic Church’s perception of its role in public life
Sees its role in public life as essential and proactive. “No one can demand that religion should be relegated to the inner sanctum of personal life without influence on societal and national life.”
The church is expected to “show concern for the building of a better world” and “work for change”
reflecting its commitment to justice and societal improvement.
Why does the Catholic Church percieve it has a role in the public life of Australia
4 points
The Catholic Church is an evangelical institution that percieves its purpose is to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ the Son of God.
The Church’s involvement in the public life is motivated by its belief that the inherent dignity of every human being should be promoted.
The Catholic Church seeks to play a role in Australian Society that helps create the social conditions under which human life flourishes for all
The Catholic Church desires to serve the poor
Why does the Catholic Church percieve it has a role in the public life of Australia
1.The Catholic Church is an evangelical institution that percieves its purpose is to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ the Son of God.
Everything the Catholic Church does is at the service of this proclamation
By living out Gospel in public life the Church hopes to witness the love of Christ and draw others to the faith.
Why does the Catholic Church percieve it has a role in the public life of Australia
2.The Church’s involvement in the public life is motivated by its belief that the inherent dignity of every human being should be promoted.
The Church teaches that faith is not a private matter but must be lived out in the world through acts of charity, justice , and service.
Aspires to be presence in human societies of compassion and mercy.
Why does the Catholic Church percieve it has a role in the public life of Australia
3.The Catholic Church seeks to play a role in Australian Society that helps create the social conditions under which human life flourishes for all
As the institution established by Jesus Christ, the Church expresses the values and beliefs modeled and taught by Jesus.
For example the Catholic desires a society where respect for the common good is upheld and will play a role in public life to fulfill this goal.
Why does the Catholic Church percieve it has a role in the public life of Australia
- The Catholic Church desires to serve the poor
Jesus Christ consistently emphasized care for the poor and marginalized throughout his ministry.
Explain the relationship between Catholic Social Teaching and the Church’s role in the public life of Australia
The role of the Church in public life in informed by the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. In participating in the public life of Australia, the Catholic Church attempts to preserve human dignity and the common good. The Church responds to the issue of homelessness by being influenced by CST like for example Preferential Option for Poor.
The needs of the socially disadvantaged and vulnerable should be prioritized.
Outline why the Catholic Church believes it has a responsibility to ‘pass moral judgements in matter related to politics.”
The Catholic church is unequivocal that it has a legitimate role in influencing government and that it should function as a political entity. T
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (para 2246)
explains that:
“It is part of the Church’s mission, to pass moral judgement even in matters related to politics, whenever the fundamental right of a man… requires it”
Outline two ways the Catholic Church functions as a political entity
“The Catholic Church’s involvement in schools, hospitals and welfare has constantly brought it face to face with governments in the area of policy, regulation and funding”.
From time to time, issues arising from there activities have become particularly volatile. In instances the Church has found itself in the roles of both of an interested party and of a teacher of an understanding of human life and action.
How does the Church function as a poltical entity in Australia
The Church lobbies , or presents its viewpoint with the intention of influencing government policy, on social issues such as marriage, euthanasia and homelessness.
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) and groups within the Catholic Church such as ACRATH represent the Catholic Church’s view on legislation to government. For example, ACRATH attempted to influence the federal government to introduce legislation to eradicate slave labor from the supply lines of Australian companies.
Explain the purpose of the Australian Catholic Bishops conference
ACBC is the national assembly of the Catholic bishops of Australia. It serves as the official body through which the Catholic Church in Australia coordinates its activities , discusses common issues and makes decisions affecting the Church throughout the country.
The ACBC provides leadership and direction for the Catholic Church in Australia.
It addresses issues of national significance and ensures a unified response to matters that effect the Church at a national level.
Summarize the organizations within the Catholic Church that have delegated authority to represent the interests of the Church to federal and state governments.
Catholic Health Australia (CHA) represents the nations largest non gov grouping of hospitals, aged and community care services.
Providing approximately 10% of hospital and aged care services in Australia.
CHA actively lobbies government. For example prior to the 2021 budget, CHA along with other providers of aged care lobbied the federal government to overhaul the aged care funding model and its workforce strategy.
Define the term social welfare service
A social welfare is a publicly or privately provided service intended to aid disadvantaged , distressed , or vulnerable persons or groups.
