A compassionate and committed team

Published on Tuesday, 20 September 2011

The eight members of CRA’s Justice Network Reference Group bring many years of commitment and experience to their role supporting coordinator Sister Suzette Clark.

Established in June this year, CRA’s Justice Network aims to strengthen the voice of Australia’s Religious on social justice issues, and to enable effective and strategic influence on public and social policy.

Sister Suzette Clark rsc is leading the new network in consultation with a reference group of seven Religious and one lay woman, who were nominated by their congregations. The reference group will support Sister Suzette in carrying out the vision, goals and strategic plan of the Justice Network.

The group includes Mercy Sisters, Deirdre Gardiner rsm and Carmel Heagerty rsm, Sister of St Joseph Carmel  Hanson rsj,  Christian Brother Shane Wood cfc, Columban priest Father Charles Rue ssc,  Good Samaritan Sister Geraldine Kearney sgs,  Sister of the Society of the Sacred Heart Esmey Herscovitch rscj and  lay woman Michaela Guthridge, Justice Development Manager, Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand.

Meet the members of CRA’s Justice Network Reference Group:

Sister of Mercy, Deirdre Gardiner rsm

I am a Sister of Mercy with a history of involvement in healthcare as Medical Laboratory Technologist, Ethicist and Mission Director. From 1999-2002, I worked part- time at the Social Action Office, a project of the Queensland religious orders.  I have a belief that Christianity calls us to respect the dignity of each person. As Christians we have a responsibility to see that whenever this does not occur, we must act. My faith constantly challenges me to become involved in overcoming prejudice, injustice and insensitivity wherever it is manifest.

I am particularly interested in the issues surrounding our Indigenous people and those who have come to this country as refugees. These two groups are often treated with less than respect and dignity.  I see that justice towards our planet earth is one of the major issues that we need to address at this time in our history. I believe that the Good News that Jesus came to preach is that good does triumph over evil. Each one of us is called to witness to this in our own lives. We are to be the face of a loving, compassionate, caring God. That is the real challenge.

Sister of St Joseph, Carmel Hanson rsj

I have been involved in community and local area justice groups for many years. I work for the Society of St Vincent de Paul as a psychologist (working in people's homes) and as a solicitor. My main legal work is in the area of mental illness. I have worked as a psychologist in East Timor.
For the past 20 years I have lived in, and coordinated the House of Hospitality, a home for homeless men, women and children. We are celebrating 20 years of ministry on 25 September and acknowledging the 1000-plus people who have challenged and inspired us during their stay.

My main lobbying area has been in lobbying for more public housing and support services for those down on their luck. I acknowledge those on whose shoulders I stand in my thirst for justice:  my parents, my Sisters and mentors in the community.

Christian Brother Shane Wood cfc

I have been involved in social justice in one way or another for 20 years. Most recently I was the coordinator of the Office of Justice, Ecology & Peace for the Diocese of Broome. Sounds fancy, but I was the only person in the 'Office'! I held this position for 10 years, writing a monthly column in the Diocesan magazine, Kimberley Community Profile, and advising and researching for the Bishop. I was also involved in local justice and environmental groups and campaigns, both personally and on behalf of the Diocese, and was an Independent Prison Visitor, appointed by the Inspector of Custodial Services.

I am now the Coordinator of Justice and Advocacy for the Oceania Province of the Christian Brothers, and as a result was nominated by the Province Leader to be part of the Reference Group for the CRA Justice Network.  I was lucky enough to be involved in a training program in Geneva earlier this year around the use of the Universal Periodic Review mechanism as a means of effective lobbying and advocacy locally, nationally, and internationally.  I am happy to be connected into the wider social justice network of CRA through this new role, and to assist the Coordinator in any way I can.

Columban Father Charles Rue ssc

I was raised in Canowindra, educated at the local St Edward’s School and St Joseph's College, Hunters Hill. A farmer for four years, I was president of the local ‘Young Farmers’ before joining the Columbans. Ordained in 1968, I was appointed to South Korea. After language school, I worked in parishes. From 1980 I taught Liturgy at the Institute for Theology in Seoul after studies at Berkeley in the US.

I did mission education work in Australia from 1984-90 during which time I completed a Masters in Environmental Planning. Again, going overseas I worked as a parish priest in Jamaica WI from 1990-95. Returning to Australia I headed the Regional Columban History Project and was granted a doctorate for my work. I am presently the coordinator of Columban Justice Peace and Integrity in Australia (JPICoz) working primarily on the links between evangelisation, climate change and biotechnology. Based at the Columban Centre for Peace, Ecology and Justice, I work to show the necessary connections between these three issues.

Sister of Mercy Carmel Heagerty rsm

I have been involved in social justice issues for many years and am committed to finding ways to address such issues. Currently I am the Justice Coordinator for the Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia, and am involved in McAuley Community Services for Women, a ministry for women experiencing homelessness through family violence or mental health issues. I am also a member of Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans (ACRATH).

I have an education background and have worked in a variety of ministries. In particular, I spent a number of years in the Indigenous community at Wirrimanu (Balgo), East Kimberley in Western Australia, and at the Asylum Seeker Welcome Centre in Melbourne. Particular issues that greatly concern me are trafficking of humans, Indigenous concerns, asylum seekers and ‘my newest learning’ the impact of coal seam gas mining. The establishment of the CRA Justice Network is a key opportunity which I hope will enable greater networking and development on issues of justice.

Good Samaritan Sister Geraldine Kearney sgs

I am Anglo-Burmese, who migrated to Australia with my parents in 1952. I am a Good Samaritan Sister who ministers as a consultant in areas of cross-cultural communication and social justice.

As the delegate for Social Responsibility in my congregation I work specifically in the area of climate justice for the Pacific Calling Partnership, and have taken delegates to UNFCCC meetings in Bali, Copenhagen and Cancun. I also represent CRA on Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC).

Compassion and justice are at the heart of the Good Samaritan call to be neighbour. Therefore issues of Indigenous peoples, disability and the trafficking of women and children are of special concern.

Sister of the Sacred Heart Esmey Herscovitch rscj

I am a Religious of the Sacred Heart, and a member of our Society’s JPIC in the Australia-New Zealand province. I am also the liaison person of our province with our representative at the UN.

Two of us share life and ministry at Redfern – Sr Mary McGowan OLSH and me. We are involved locally with members of the Aboriginal community and with our parish community which also is committed to justice for Aboriginal people.

Regarding CRA’s Justice Network, I think there is much to be gained by sharing across congregations and across justice involvements.  My hope is that we shall not only enrich one another but be of service to our congregations, CRA as a whole, the Church, and beyond.

Michaela Guthridge, Justice Development Manager, Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand

As Justice Development Manger, I work in Australia and New Zealand and in an international context on Good Shepherd’s social, economic and ecological justice research and advocacy projects for disadvantaged and marginalised women and girls.

As a member of the CRA Justice Network I hope to support the development of a united, strong and influential voice for CRA.

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