New social justice body launched

A new social justice organisation committed to building a just society was formed today.

Social Justice Ireland will be led by Fr Sean Healy and Sr Brigid Reynolds, who both worked for more than a quarter of a century with groups linked with religious congregations.

Now parties or individuals who are religious or lay can join their cause which believes in a society where human rights are respected, human dignity is protected, human development is facilitated and the environment is respected and protected.

Fr Healy, former director of Cori (the Conference of Religious of Ireland) Justice, said the over recent years it became involved with many local groups and individuals throughout Ireland.

“The establishment of Social Justice Ireland is a logical step to reflect this broader involvement beyond the members of religious congregations,” he said.

“The new structure will reflect this development and will consolidate the work across the various categories of activity into the future.”

Social Justice Ireland will take over the programmes and projects run in recent decades by Cori Justice, including its social partnership role. The new group will play a leading role in major public policy arenas on issues related to social justice.

Special priority will also be given to national and international issues related to poverty, inequality, social exclusion, sustainability and the environment.

Fr Healy said while Cori Justice will continue to represent congregations, he stressed the new group had the support of religious and lay people throughout Ireland.

Sr Conchita McDonnell, president of Cori which represents religious congregations across Ireland, said both Fr Healy and Sr Brigid have been unequalled and passionate voices for justice in this country.

“Cori having gained from their expertise in that time wishes them well in their future undertakings,” she added.