We as the Church must engage with the society we are called to serve and transform, identifying critical issues amid the goodness, evil, strengths and weaknesses around us. Led by the Holy Spirit we continue to seek effective ways to bring alive the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Globally, religious ideologies are in conflict, the gap between rich and poor expands, the environment suffers, and violent conflict and terrorism imperil many. Such forces demand active interfaith dialogue, social justice, ecological action, and peace, all based on a vision of all people belonging to God’s family.

Nationally, issues such as security, racial harmony, access to health services, economic prospects and educational opportunities confound us. While we affirm the overall quality and prosperity of the Australian way of life, growing social and economic divisions challenge our egalitarian ideals and our belief that the “lucky country” will provide a safe haven and dignified lifestyle for its citizens.

Locally, we are challenged by the demands of our rapidly growing population in south-east Queensland. Extended working hours, rising costs and higher living expectations are causing considerable pressure and stress, particularly on families, low-income households and the disadvantaged.

The table opposite highlights competing forces and challenges facing us in the twenty-first century. It is a world plagued by evils, injustices, loss of human dignity and environmental crises. It is also a world of great beauty and richly inspired, as always, by the heroic efforts of people of good will who work selflessly in the pursuit of peace, justice and the alleviation of suffering.

In our local pastoral planning, we need to identify those factors that have a significant impact on our efforts to transform society according to the mind of Jesus Christ. While sharing some common experiences, each planning body will be dealing with its own issues (eg, high unemployment, rural isolation, aged care needs, young families…) and have its own combination of strengths and resources to deal with those issues.