SOR: Events in Australian history c. 1918 CE to present day

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Suggested "keyword" search terms

• Stolen Generation Australia / Catholic Church
• Bringing them home report / Catholic Church
• Catholic Social Teaching / post ww2 / immigration in Australia
• Catholic Social Teaching / refugees in Australia

In a time of great challenge and change (c.1918 CE to the present), the Church had to respond to numerous historical events that have challenged its mission. The Australian Catholic Church has continually needed to rethink and reform its cultural influence, political influence, social structure, roles and relationships, economic power and evangelising mission. It continues to strive toward promoting the ten key themes of Catholic social thinking.  

You will need to write an analytical essay that evaluates the influence of the Catholic Church in
Australia. As part of your essay, you should:

● Describe this event and its impact on the Australian community.

● Demonstrate to what extent this event posed a challenge to the Church’s mission in Australia.
(ie. To what extent did this event conflict with Catholic values and teachings?)

● Differentiate between the views and opinions of differing groups within Australian society

● Analyse the Church’s response to this event by linking its actions to the mission of the (global)
Church.

● Consider and explain the changes which are evident today as a result of this event

● Evaluate to what extent the Catholic Church demonstrated an influence over Australian society
(ie. How did it influence Australia’s social/economic/political structures?)

● Create a response of 800-1000 words which succinctly addresses the above using appropriate
language skills and mechanics of writing.

Final digital copy is to be submitted via Student Café and a hard copy and digital research
booklet submitted in person to your teacher on the due date.

Possible Topics:

1) Post WWII immigration - How has
this event impacted the Church in
Australia?

2) Vietnam War - discussing the
participation of Australia and its
effect on the Australian Catholic
Church.

3) Vietnam War and the acceptance of
refugees from Australia. How has
this impacted the functioning of the
Church?

4) The White Australia Policy and the
role the Church played in its
application.

5) The Australian Catholic Church’s
role in the nationwide reconciliation
movement in regards to the Stolen
Generation - including a discussion
of the Bringing Them Home Report.

6) The Conscription debate in World
War 1 and the role the Church
played in the issue. This debate was
fronted by PM Billy Hughes and
Bishop Daniel Mannix.

7) The War on Terror - The Church’s
position on Australia’s involvement in
Iraq and Afghanistan

8) Vatican II - How has the outcomes of
this historic council impacted the Church in Australia?

• Other topics to be negotiated with your teacher

A database of published books that have been scanned by Google and made available in Google search results or from the Google Book site (www.books.google.com). By the end of 2008, more than seven million books were online either entirely if in the public domain or as excerpts if copyrighted.

Use this presentation to improve your ability to use direct and indirect references.

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