One of the basic principles of the Church's social teaching is "the Common Good". It stands there as a testament to our authenticity as Christians.
Religious life has been built on the premise of sharing all in common. Yes, sharing our specific way of life as well as our resources. So we who seek to live by this value are in a unique position to reflect upon it at this time of dramatic change in our world view and global responsibilities.
The "Common Good" is not only a Christian value but it is a value that also underlines any civil society.
Margaret Thatcher was once quoted as saying there is no society only individuals. I beg to differ as I think history attests that where there is strong civil society there is an awareness of the needs of all citizens. There, too, are strong associations of people caring for one another and a reaching out beyond one's own immediate needs and wants to create a society of mutual well-being.
How do we humans now respond to a global world where fences, constructed barriers or walls and coastal guards no longer provide exclusion from what is emerging to threaten our very existence in the polluted atmosphere that we all breathe and the consequences of rising temperatures and rising sea levels?
The atmosphere has no exclusion zones or borders along the lines of national boundaries.
Our current dilemmas require new understandings and approaches to this concept of the "Common Good".
We need to cross boundaries and borders, which previously were unthinkable.
We need to open our horizons to include all who dwell on this earth. In particular we need to bring those who are most vulnerable to the table of discussion.
These are indeed challenging times.
At the moment we, as a country, are again being challenged to rethink our own border protection policies, as those driven from war-torn countries, like Sri Lanka, are seeking a better life for themselves and for their families.
Our current policies seem inadequate, even unjust, when tested against this principle of the "Common Good".
Our country in the past has been enriched enormously, and continues to be enriched, by the diversity of culture, as it has been a place where all peoples can find a welcoming home. I think of the post World War II migration from Europe and the significant migration of boat people from Vietnam as just two examples where Australia has welcomed those in need.
As women and men religious we have a story of living for the "Common Good" in our own communities and beyond.
We have a credible voice that should be heard in these current debates and discussions.
Let us exercise our voice at the local, national and global levels, for a future of truly civil societies that can be built upon only on a deep understanding and practice of the "Common Good".
Clare Condon SGS
CRA President
