On 21 October, Australian Catholic University (ACU) awarded an honorary doctorate to Mr Joe de Bruyn AO. A prominent figure in Australian trade unionism who has served on the Board of Campion College, Sydney, Mr de Bruyn received the honour for his ‘outstanding support of the Catholic Church in Australia, particularly in the promotion of liberal arts education, and his outstanding contributions to the general wellbeing of the Australian community through a lifetime of serving and representing the interests of Australian workers, and thereby supporting the mission of ACU’.
Throughout his career, Mr de Bruyn has integrated his Catholic faith with his work in the labour movement. His advocacy for workers’ rights, fair wages and ethical business practices is deeply rooted in Catholic social teaching. In his acceptance speech, Mr de Bruyn emphasised the importance of living one’s faith openly in the public sphere, even when that involves tackling controversial issues. He urged graduates to ‘look at the diverse society around you’ and to ‘try to contribute to the common good’.
A transcript of Mr De Bruyn’s acceptance speech is available here.
While acknowledging the challenges of maintaining one’s faith in an increasingly secular society, Mr de Bruyn encouraged Catholics to view these challenges as opportunities for witness and dialogue, advising graduates, ‘If you put God’s truth in front of people in a respectful way, they will know in their hearts that you are right.’
ACU’s decision to award de Bruyn an honorary doctorate reflects the university’s recognition of his role as a model for Catholic leadership in public life. His career demonstrates how faith can be a source of inspiration and guidance in addressing complex social issues.
In a diverse, pluralistic society like Australia, it is important that we are able to engage respectfully in dialogue with those with whom we disagree.
In concluding his speech, Mr de Bruyn expressed optimism about the future role of Catholics in public life. He encouraged graduates to stand firm in their beliefs and promote the teaching of the Church, not caving to peer pressure.
The acceptance speech, in which Mr De Bruyn reflected on his involvement in public debate on issues including abortion, IVF and same-sex marriage resulted in a walk-out by some staff and students.
Responding to critics of Mr De Bruyn’s acceptance speech, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli said, ‘The unborn, the sick and dying, the elderly, those with disability, people experiencing homelessness, in fact all those on the margins or who have no voice, are owed the upholding of their lives and dignity.
‘In a diverse, pluralistic society like Australia, it is important that we are able to engage respectfully in dialogue with those with whom we disagree. It is in this dialogue that trust, harmony and peace are built.
‘A Catholic university is such a place where civil engagement on questions of the most vulnerable among us can be, and should be, entered into.’
Banner image: ACU logo atop the Daniel Mannix Building at ACU’s Melbourne campus in Fitzroy. (Photo by Benjamin Crone, via Shutterstock.)
