Australia’s Catholic bishops say peace is possible if people commit to telling the truth and redouble efforts to end the war.

The Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference has published a Social Justice Statement for 2024-2025 entitled Truth and Peace: The Gospel Word in a Violent World.

Each year the bishops strive to make insightful commentary on a key social issue, and this year the focus is on promoting peace and the need for truth in public life.

“Words are never enough to achieve peace – action is required,” Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference president Archbishop Timothy Costello told SDB.

“Words like those found in this statement can help us understand the current situation and how we might work together to create a world that better suits both human desires and the divine plan.”

The statement addresses rising tensions around the world, the nature of truth, the spread of disinformation and disinformation, the arms race, internal cohesion, the need for dialogue and peace education.

It also lists practical actions you can take to achieve real results.

Bishop Vincent Long, Chairman of the Bishops’ Commission on Social Justice, Mission and Service, said: “The violence in Australia and other parts of the world makes it all the more urgent that all who believe in Jesus Christ work together with all people of good will. to everyone who loves the truth, to show the world that there is a real path to peace, real peace built on telling the truth and building trust.”

A copy of the application and other resources can be found here.