Archdiocesan Social Justice Commission

• Social Justice Commission

The Social Justice Commission of the Archdiocese of Edmonton began in a small way in 1977. In keeping with the spirit of Vatican II, Archbishop Joseph N. MacNeil requested through the Senate of Priest that a Commission be established with lay people, priests and religious.

The Commission had two major goals: to bring the message of the gospel and church social teaching to public discussion on social issues and to promote the social justice ministry throughout the Archdiocese.

Inspired by Scripture and Catholic Social Teaching, members of the Commission worked together to identify needs for education and action in order to promote an active social justice ministry throughout the Archdiocese. Members were Catholic volunteers from the Archdiocese who seek involvement in the social justice mission of the Church. In consultation with Commission staff, they served for a three year term in carrying out the work of the Commission.

With the re-organization of the pastoral offices at the Archdiocese the Social Justice Commission ceased to exist in 2003 and all social justice related activities were transferred to the Social Justice Office which reports to the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.