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
- Political Participation (Faithful Citizenship)
- Poverty
Our ministry is committed to deepening the capacity of Social Action Ministries and supporting the CRS Rice Bowl within our archdiocese. These efforts help empower all Catholics to answer the call to love God and neighbor by actively engaging in the social mission of the church.
Please contact our office to learn how to get involved and support our ministry by making a donation.
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’ 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.
Faith and Sustainability Podcast
Explore how faith and sustainability connect in the work of various organizations and ministries with the Faith and Sustainability podcast. Guests include environmental experts and influential members of different faith traditions all striving to take care of our “common home.”
Listen to the podcast on our website, YouTube or your favorite podcast platform.
People, Planet and Health Vodcast
Created by the Creation Care Ministry of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, “People, Planet and Health” is a video podcast (vodcast) that explores how we are called to take small steps to see, lead and act on our faith journey toward the stewardship and health of all land and people.
Creation Care Team
Are you passionate about caring for people and the planet? Consider joining the Archdiocese of Atlanta Creation Care Team (AACCT).
The 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.
Register today and join us in our efforts to create a more sustainable world.
register for AACCTHIV/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.
Parishes with HIV/AIDS Ministry
- Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Atlanta
- Holy Spirit Church, Atlanta (Gift of Grace)
- Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Atlanta
- Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Atlanta (Simon’s Call)
- St. Ann Church, Marietta
- St. Oliver Plunkett Church, Snellville
- St. Philip Benizi Church, Jonesboro
- St. Thomas More Church, Decatur
Resources
Human 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.
Other similar human rights violations include:
- Sex trafficking, where victims are manipulated or forced against their will to engage in sex acts for money.
- Human smuggling, the illegal movement of someone across the border.
- Forced labor, where force, fraud or coercion is used to make someone work for little or no pay.
Justice and Peace Ministries works with partner organizations like International Human Trafficking Institute and Street Grace to help Catholics learn the signs of human trafficking and the actions they can do to help stop it.
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.
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. This campaign stands on Scripture and Catholic Social Teaching to encourage prayer, promote facts about immigration, dispel myths and advocate for comprehensive federal immigration reform that protects all workers, reunites families, supports national security and creates an earned path to citizenship.
Our archdiocese hosts workshops, legislative advocacy and collaborative efforts on the state and federal level for immigration issues. Legislative outreach includes email alerts to Travelers Together, a network who gives voice to the Justice for Immigrants position as constituents of public officials and legislators.
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.
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