Grounded in Catholic Social Teaching, Justice and Peace Ministries supports clergy, schools, parishes, ministries and organizations within the Archdiocese of Atlanta on matters of social concern.
Our ministry focuses on education, awareness and advocacy resources, programs and opportunities for various issues, including:
- Catholic Social Teaching
- Care for Creation
- HIV/AIDS Ministry
- Human Trafficking
- Immigration Reform
- Poverty
Our ministry is committed to deepening the capacity of Social Action Ministries throughout our archdiocese, helping to empower all Catholics to answer the call to love God and neighbor by actively engaging in the social mission of the church.
Visit our webpage on the Archdiocese of Atlanta website for events and resources.
Catholic Social Teaching
Rooted in Scripture and tradition, the Catholic Church’s social teachings call us to care for those most in need – especially the poor and marginalized.
The seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching are:
- Life and Dignity of the Human Person
- Call to Family, Community and Participation
- Rights and Responsibilities
- Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
- The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
- Solidarity
- Care for God’s Creation
Visit the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) website to learn more about each of these themes.
Two Feet of Love
Two Feet of Love in Action is a foundational tool of justice and charity that describes complementary ways we can put the Gospel in action.
Social justice works to remove the root cause of poverty and marginalization and to improve the structures that permit injustice. Some examples of actions include advocating with your elected officials for immigration reform, participating in work for racial equality and supporting environmental protection laws.
Charitable acts are actions that work to meet the basic needs of individuals and families. These include financial assistance with rent and utilities, food and clothing donations or volunteering with a home building project for a family in need.
Social Action Ministry
Many of our parishes have social action ministries to encourage action, develop an understanding of Catholic Social Teaching and apply works of charity and justice.
Parish social action ministry resources are available from the USCCB and Catholic Charities USA.
Care for Creation
The Archdiocese of Atlanta is taking urgent and impactful action on Pope Francis’ plea to “cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements and talents.”
Resources
Laudato Si’ Encyclical
Laudato Si' Initiative FactsLaudato Si’ Action Plan
In 2015, Pope Francis wrote the encyclical, “Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home,” to encourage an inclusive dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet.
Our Laudato Si’ Action plan was released in 2020 to build greater environmental solidarity with our local Catholic community and beyond – bringing together social, environmental and economic justice into our way of life.
This action plan is an extensive resource and action guide for parishes, schools, families and individuals seeking to make a sustainable impact. It provides simple, moderate and advanced actions. This document is also available on the archdiocesan website.
Creation Care Team
The Archdiocese of Atlanta Creation Care Team (AACCT) works to create a faith-based green movement in north and central Georgia that works towards a more sustainable future. Our team provides opportunities to network, learn about integral ecology and engage in faith-based advocacy and other activities that bring meaningful change in areas of sustainability, conservation and environmental justice.
AACCT is open to individuals from any parish, congregation, school, ministry, organization or business, regardless of faith tradition.
HIV/AIDS Ministry
Justice and Peace Ministries raise awareness and advocate for just HIV/AIDS programs that allow access to prevention education, early testing, healthcare treatment (including medications), spiritual accompaniment and support for all brothers and sisters infected and affected by HIV and AIDS.
We invite Catholic ministries, lay ecclesial ministers, parishes and schools to establish creative collaborations for integrating the response of the Catholic Church to the HIV and AIDS crisis into programs and ministries.
World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day is every year on December 1. Join us as we pray for those infected with HIV/AIDS, for their families, caregivers and for an end to the injustices that obstruct the fight against this and all pandemics.
See AoA Calendar for Event UpdatesHuman Trafficking
Human trafficking is the use of force, fraud or coercion to obtain some sort of labor or commercial sex act. It is a highly profitable crime and a violation of human rights.
If you see something, say something:
- If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
- Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
- Call Georgia Cares at 1-844-8GA-DMST.
Justice and Peace Ministries provides in-person training or a slideshow with an accompanying script for those who want the information.
Contact our office to learn more and to have an in-person presentation for your parish, school or community.
Immigration Reform
We lift our voices and actions to accompany our brothers and sisters on the move – migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and those internally displaced by violence and the lack of economic opportunity.
Justice for Immigrants is a national campaign of the U.S. bishops which is active in local dioceses and supported by resources and legislative updates. Our archdiocese hosts workshops, legislative advocacy and collaborative efforts on the state and federal level for immigration issues.
Contact our office for more information.
Resources
Poverty
The Catholic Church stands in solidarity with the poor and vulnerable, helping to break the cycles of poverty for individuals, families and communities.
Review these resources and contact Justice and Peace Ministries for more information on events and advocacy within our archdiocese.