For a more just and compassionate Victoria
"Charity that leaves the poor person as he is, is not sufficient. True mercy, the mercy God gives to us and teaches us, demands justice, it demands that the poor find the way to be poor no longer." - Pope Francis
The Church, through social service agencies, improves the wellbeing of the more than 200,000 people who we work with in Victoria each year. Inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, we focus on the dignity of each person, and work for the common good. We highlight the plight of those most in need.
There are many Victorians who, over short periods or the long term, find themselves on the margins of our society, or with particular needs for assistance. It is those people we are called to help. Their voices, through the agencies that serve them, have been used to inform the social policy statements found here.
What follows are the policy positions we have developed to benefit our must vulnerable, and to support children, young people, families and our broader community. These will be updated over time, and supporting materials will be added.