Newman College in Melbourne will tonight host a celebration marking the 40th anniversary of the Hélder Câmara Lecture Series, featuring a discussion on the future of the Amazon and the launch of a new book.
Latin American lay leader Mauricio López Oropeza will deliver the lecture and will address the question: “How is the future of the Amazon, a future for all?”
Mr López will discuss the environmental challenges facing the Amazon and the rights of Indigenous peoples.
ABC journalist Geraldine Doogue will moderate the event.
The event will also see the launch of the book Reasons for Hope: Hélder Câmara, Global Catholicism and the Australian Church, by Julie Thorpe.
The book celebrates four decades of the lecture series by emphasising the contributions of past speakers alongside Hélder Câmara’s vision.
In the book, Dr Thorpe provides insights into contemporary Catholicism and the challenges faced by the Church.
The lecture series is organised by Br Mark O’Connor FMS, Parramatta Diocese’s vicar for communications. Br O’Connor was previously the director of evangelisation for the Archdiocese of Melbourne. He has spent the past 40 years bringing international speakers to Australia to deliver the lectures, named for Brazilian Archbishop Dom Hélder Câmara, who was known for his social justice advocacy and commitment to the poor.
The series fosters discussions on faith and justice, and this anniversary event will highlight the ongoing relevance of its mission in addressing pressing social issues.
Reasons for Hope is published by Garratt Publishing and will be available for purchase at the event.
The event will take place from 5-7pm at Newman College, University of Melbourne, Parkville. Admission is free but registration is required.
Details and registrations: The Hélder Câmara Lecture Series.
FULL STORY
How is the future of the Amazon, a future for all? (Newman College)
”Reasons for Hope | Helder Camara, Global Catholicism and the Australian Church (Garrett Publishing)
RELATED COVERAGE
One can still find hope in the Catholic Church (Eureka Street)
