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Mary Ward Justice Forum

Mary Ward Justice Forum

At this year's Mary Ward Justice Forum, held at Loreto Kirribilli, the conversation focused on truth-telling, embracing the opportunity to be open and honest about a way forward, and committing to ongoing dialogue, respect, and collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Inspired by Mary Ward to be 'seekers of truth and doers of justice', we seek the truth by enriching our knowledge and understanding around social justice issues and galvanizing those around us to take action. Pope Francis reminds us to set aside time for dialogue with God, and with each other, to make a difference and advocate for the marginalized in our world.

The Mary Ward Justice Forum is an event held annually and hosted alternately between Loreto Kirribilli and Loreto Normanhurst. The forum has been running for the past 13 years and is a significant opportunity to bring the Normanhurst and Kirribilli communities together and share in Mary Ward’s vision of continuing God’s work.

This year, at Loreto Kirribilli, the conversation focused on truth-telling, embracing the opportunity to be open and honest about a way forward, and committing to ongoing dialogue, respect, and collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Our panellists included Fr Frank Brennan SJ AO; Roslyn Thomas, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Consultant for the Association of Independent Schools of NSW; and Lucy Howard-Shibuya (’85), a teacher at Goodooga Central School. Our Director of Teaching and Learning, Mathew Clausen moderated the panel discussion, posing questions such as Are Australians generally de-sensitised to uncomfortable truths? What are the hard lessons after the referendum? What do we take forward from the outcome of the referendum? and What is the role of education in moving forward?

The forum was an opportunity to engage in meaningful and deep discussions around truth-telling and hope as we move forward 12 months on from the Voice referendum. Attendees, especially students, asked profound questions and expressed their thoughts on reconciliation between Indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. The speakers concurred that to move forward and for reconciliation to be effective, it must involve truth-telling which actively addresses issues of inequality, systemic racism and situations where the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are ignored, denied or reduced.

After the event, Roslyn Thomas, panellist, reflected:

I came away last night, not only enriched by all of you, but also encouraged that the many nations that encompass this land have a generation of strong, informed, and courageous allies on the way. The young people in the room were amazing and deeply reflective of where our nation is heading.

Helen Thomas
Director of Mission

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