Global Caritas leader meets Bishop Vincent, highlights power of local Church

Alistair Dutton, Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis, met with Bishop Vincent Long of Parramatta during a mid-October visit to Australia. The meeting in Sydney focused on how the local Church implements the global mission of Caritas within dioceses, schools, and communities.

During the discussion, the two men examined how the Diocese of Parramatta addresses poverty, inequality, and justice through its Faith in Action approach in the religious education curriculum. Caritas Australia has partnered with Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese to create curriculum units that link this approach to Project Compassion and the BIG Water Walk.

Mr. Dutton's visit to Canberra and Sydney included meetings with Church leaders, Caritas Australia staff, parliamentarians, and officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. His visit addressed the changing global aid landscape and the role of trusted local institutions as humanitarian needs increase and international cooperation faces pressure.