Social Justice Sunday calls Australians to action every last Sunday of August. This week-long observance, rooted in Catholic social teaching, encourages reflection on societal inequalities and inspires initiatives for a more equitable world. Learn how to participate, support vital causes, and advocate for change.
Want to sponsor Social Justice Sunday? Learn how
History of Social Justice Sunday
Social Justice Sunday observance by the Catholic Church in Australia has a long tradition. Since 1940, catholic bishops have teamed up practically every year to issue major social justice pronouncements. The Australian Catholic Social Justice Council (A.C.S.J.C.) was created in 1987 by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (A.C.B.C.), as the Catholic Church’s national justice, peace, and human rights institution. The Bishops Commission for Justice and Development holds the A.C.S.J.C. accountable to the A.C.B.C.
The A.C.S.J.C.’s activities are divided into three categories: diocesan awareness and networking, education and formation, research, advocacy, and public policy. The Social Justice Statement’s media rollout calls on the entire Catholic Church to act with greater urgency and to be guided by Laudato Si’s integrated social and ecological vision. On this day, dedicated individuals, religious institutes, schools, and organizations that have long worked on environmental issues are affirmed, praised, and utilized as a model for the Catholic community to follow.
The Australian Church’s commitment to inspiring engagement and effective responses among the Catholic community is exemplified through the Social Justice Statement. The Australian Catholic Social Justice Council works with and supports a nationwide network of contacts appointed by each diocese, as well as keeping in touch with the Holy See’s Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development. The Office for Justice, Ecology, and Peace’s responsibilities include implementing initiatives and programs on behalf of the Bishops, assisting the Bishops in their advocacy on social justice issues, raising awareness of issues, and collaborating with others working to promote social, economic, and ecological justice.
Social Justice Sunday timeline
The Australian Catholic bishops team up to issue major social justice pronouncements on social justice Sunday.
On June 21, 1966, the Holy See approves the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.
The Australian Catholic Social Justice Council (A.C.S.J.C.) is created.
The A.C.B.C. successfully lobbies for the Apology to Australia's Indigenous Peoples for the Stolen Generations, which was a watershed moment in Australian history.
The conference submits a response to A.S.I.C. in July 2013 regarding the continuation of exemptions for charity investment fundraising (C.I.F.s), with Catholic funds being the largest C.I.F.s.
Social Justice Sunday FAQs
When is Social Justice Sunday?
In 2026, Social Justice Sunday begins on Sunday, August 30, and continues through September 6. This week marks a dedicated period for reflection and action on critical societal issues.
What is Catholic Social Teaching?
Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is a body of doctrine developed by the Catholic Church on matters of human dignity and the common good in society. It encompasses principles like the dignity of the human person, solidarity, subsidiarity, and care for creation, guiding actions towards a just world.
How many Social Justice Statements has Australia's Catholic Church issued?
The Catholic Bishops of Australia have issued an annual Social Justice Statement almost every year since 1940, meaning over 85 statements have been released. These statements address contemporary issues and offer guidance for action.
Is Social Justice Sunday observed globally?
While the concept of social justice is universal in the Catholic Church, ‘Social Justice Sunday’ as a specific annual observance on the last Sunday of August is primarily a tradition of the Catholic Church in Australia. Other regions may have similar observances under different names or at different times.
How to Observe Social Justice Sunday
Make donations
Support social justice Sunday by making donations to the appropriate organizations. These donations are used in tackling and supporting the issues raised by the A.C.S.J.C.
Share on social media
The fastest way to disseminate information is to post it online. Share the work of the A.C.S.J.C. and help in raising awareness.
Read social justice statements
The A.C.S.J.C. website has Social Justice Statements and related resources that you may view and download to better understand this observation. You can also read the A.S.C.J.C.'s book on how to build bridges.
5 Important Facts About Social Justice
Religious catholic nuns and brothers
There are 4,161 religious catholic nuns in Australia and 679 religious catholic brothers.
Australian priests
In 2018, there were 2,900 priests in Australia.
Over a thousand parishes
In the Catholic church, there are 1,394 parishes.
Population of Australian catholics
The Catholic population of Australia makes up 22.6 percent of the overall population, according to the 2016 Australian Census.
Thirty-four dioceses
In Australia, there are 34 dioceses under the direction of a bishop.
Why Social Justice Sunday is Important
It has a long history
The Catholic Church is the western world's oldest institution. It has an almost 2,000-year history. Similarly, the Australian Catholic Church's social justice Sunday movement has a lengthy history, dating back to 1940.
It is a worldwide institution
The word "universal" comes to mind when thinking of the word "Catholic." You can go to practically any place on the planet and find a Catholic church to worship at. It's the same tradition and belief all around the world.
It encourages people to be compassionate
The Social Justice Sunday initiative encourages all to be compassionate. An act of kindness can go a long way in transforming a person's life.
Social Justice Sunday dates