MANDATE OF THE BISHOPS COMMISSION FOR JUSTICE AND SERVICE
Preamble
“To act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God”. Micah 6:8
1. Membership and Meetings
1.1 The Commission shall comprise six bishops as determined by Conference by- laws.
1.2 The Commission shall meet at least two times each year at a time and place that the members determine. Use will be made of video or teleconference facilities when the agenda or circumstances warrants.
2. Areas of Responsibility
The Commission promotes the life and mission of the Catholic Church in Australia in the following areas:
2.1 Social Services
2.2 Social Justice
2.3 The Environment
2.4 Health
3. Particular Functions
In particular, the Commission performs the following functions:
3.1 The Commission monitors the activity of the Church and its agencies in the following areas:
3.1.1 Social Services
3.1.2 Social Justice
3.1.3 The Environment
3.1.4 Health
3.2 The Commission, as approved or requested by the Conference, develops national policies in specific areas of its responsibility.
3.3 The Commission, in accordance with Conference policy, undertakes public and private advocacy in support of:
3.3.1 Social Services
3.3.2 Social Justice
3.3.3 The Environment
3.3.4 Health
3.4 The Commission undertakes such specific projects as the Conference may from time to time approve or request
4. Advisory Role
The Commission advises the Bishops and the Conference on issues that arise in the areas of its responsibility and, where appropriate, makes recommendations for action that might be undertaken at a national level.
5. Advisory Bodies
The Commission establishes, in accordance with the mandate(s) in Schedule 1, the following advisory bodies to assist it in its responsibilities:
5.1 Australian Catholic Social Services Council
5.2 Board of Catholic Services Australia
5.3 Catholic Health Australia
6. Relations
6.1 The Commission maintains formal relations with: 6.1.1 Catholic Health Australia
7. Offices
The Commission supervises the work of the following offices in accordance with the mandates detailed in Schedule 2.
7.1 Catholic Earthcare Australia
7.2 Catholic Social Services Australia
7.3 Australian Catholic Social Justice Council
8. Secretariat
The Secretariat for Justice and Service assists the Commission in fulfilling its tasks.
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