Bishops call for renewed focus on human dignity in lead-up to Social Justice Week

31 August 2026 - WELLINGTON - New Zealand will mark Social Justice Week 2026 next week. In the lead-up, the country's Catholic bishops are urging people to recognise the dignity and worth of every person in a world increasingly shaped by conflict, displacement, misinformation and exclusion.

In a statement launching this year's observance, which runs from 6 - 12 September, the bishops say the theme, You belong to God | Nā te Atua anō koe, is a reminder that every person has inherent value and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

"People are being forced from lands they call home by conflict, environmental loss, poverty, exclusion and denial of their God-given humanity, their culture, their beliefs," the bishops write. They warn that the right of individuals, peoples and cultures "to exist or live" is being increasingly challenged.

Bishop Steve Lowe reflects on social justice week.

The message comes at a time when communities around the world are grappling with the consequences of disasters and humanitarian crises. In recent weeks, devastating flooding in Nepal has left hundreds dead and thousands missing, while major earthquakes and subsequent flooding have caused widespread suffering in Venezuela, Colombia and Indonesia.

The bishops say there is often "little regard for the weak, small and most vulnerable among us", including people experiencing poverty, homelessness, disability, illness and exclusion.

This year's Social Justice Week will mark the beginning of a three-year focus on the theme of "Belonging". The 2026 programme explores humanity's relationship with God, with future years set to consider belonging with one another and belonging within creation.

Beyond its religious dimension, the statement also highlights social challenges familiar to many societies, including the impact of disinformation, the erosion of respect for others, and hostility towards people perceived as different.

Social Justice Week resources produced by Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand are available for schools, parishes and communities nationwide.