Social justice in an ageing society
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The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference launced the 2016-17 Social Justice Statement in Sydney on 6 September. 'A Place at the table’ celebrates the value and dignity of older people in Australian life.
The Statement calls for justice for the elderly and recognition of the substantial contribution they make to society which should not be viewed in economic terms only.
We pray with and for the elderly
A Prayer for all Ages
God of all creation, you are timeless and beyond all ages.
We who are growing old give thanks
for the years you have given us –
for family, friends and all those
who have enriched our lives.
We who are not yet old give thanks
for the older people in our lives:
for grandparents, loved ones, friends
and all who generously offer
the wise counsel of their years.
We who are growing old pray that we may be
patient with our ageing limbs
and difficulties in everyday tasks
we once did much more easily.
We who are not yet old pray
for patience and kindness
towards those who do not move as quickly
as we would sometimes like.
We who are growing old pray for good health
in our later years,
and forbearance when our health fails us.
We who are not yet old pray for good health
for those we love
and compassion towards those
who suffer ill health.
We who are growing old pray for prudence and sweet timing,
in offering our wisdom to the next generation,
while respecting their energy and creativity.
We who are not yet old pray for openness
and humility in receiving
the advice and guidance of our elders.
We who are growing old pray that we
may face our death with serenity and dignity.
We who are not yet old pray that we affirm
the sacredness of each person’s life
and accompany those who are dying
with gentleness and deep respect.
God of endless love, help us to understand
that we share a common life journey,
a call to live life to the full
and to strive to enable all creation to come
to the fullness of the Cosmic Christ. Amen
The structure of our communities is in a state of change with an ever increasing ageing population. It is estimated that the number of elderly Australians (aged over 65) will have more than doubled in the next few decades. As the proportion of older people in our population continues to increase there is the risk that our society will not be equipped to cope.
The Statement calls for justice for those who are most vulnerable and warns about a view of older people as burdensome or dispensable.
Read
Sr Patty Fawkner’s address at the launch
Resources
Visit the ACSJC website for more information