Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Sydney (Agenzia Fides) – Catholic Religious Australia (CRA), Caritas Australia and Australian Catholic University (ACU) have established the Catholic Alliance for International Development (CAID). Sister Anne Derwin RSJ, President of CRA, the peak body for leaders of religious orders and institutes in Australia, Caritas CEO Jack de Groot, and Greg Craven, ACU Vice-Chancellor have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for CAID. According to information sent to Fides, the leaders launched a document outlining the principles of engagement on international development, underpinned by Catholic social teaching. The signing of the memorandum formalizes a commitment by the three organizations to work together and collaborate on international development in East Timor and the Pacific region. The MOU also provides a framework for informing, shaping and guiding the way they will work together as the Catholic Alliance for International Development. A new CAID document, Principles of Engagement on International Development, which is based upon Catholic social teaching, outlines key characteristics of international development programs around 10 themes. They include reaching the poorest and most marginalized, involving stakeholders in the local community in consultation, planning, implementation and evaluation of programs, promoting the dignity of all involved, and being attentive to environmental concerns. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 17/9/2010)
