Hope for Globalization Without Marginalization
SYDNEY, Australia, SEPT. 18, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Australians as global citizens must do their part to ensure that globalization takes place without marginalization, said a leader of that country's bishops' conference.
Bishop Christopher Saunders of Broome, the chairman of the episcopal conference social justice council, said this in a statement titled "Who Is My Neighbor? Australia's Role as a Global Citizen."
The bishops' statement was launched in anticipation of Australia's Social Justice Sunday to be celebrated Sept. 30.
The statement focuses on challenges that confront Australians as global citizens, including foreign aid and development, climate change and humane refugee policies.
In the statement, Bishop Saunders said: "When Jesus Christ spoke to the people, he set a higher standard than that of the law of the day.
"His disciples were called upon to extend the new commandment of love so that it embraced the stranger, the outcast and even the most despised enemy.
"Like the young lawyer who questions Jesus in the Gospel of Luke, we might ask ourselves 'Who is my neighbor?'"
Good Samaritan
"As individuals and as a nation," explained the 57-year-old prelate, "we are invited to consider the response Jesus gave in the parable of the Good Samaritan."
The statement calls for Australia to act more in the interests of its neighbors who do not share the nation's prosperity and security.
"Our multiculturalism is an aspect of national life that makes Australia great, reflecting our solidarity with all peoples of the world and a generosity of heart in responding to those in need," said the bishop.
"Globalization is good news, but it is not all good news," Bishop Saunders said. "The challenge is to ensure globalization in solidarity -- globalization without marginalization.
"Trade justice is one area where Australia has obligations and opportunities as a global citizen."
"Even in times of crisis or in the face of the seemingly insurmountable challenges of war, terrorism, hunger and disease," Bishop Saunders concluded, "we are called to recommit ourselves to our neighbors and to act in the interests of people who do not share our prosperity and security."
ZE07091807 - 2007-09-18