CRA represents leaders in the Australian Church, who are active in effecting change within the Church and society in a diverse range of areas, some of which are justice, professional standards, education, stewardship and governance.

CRA is a peak body in which male and female religious are in the same organisation. This step by Australian male and female religious to join together in one body is indicative of the deep commitment by Australian religious to work together to further the mission of Christ in Australia, while honouring the charism of each individual Congregation.

VISION

The love of God compels us to reach out to all.

MISSION

CRA, the national representative body of leaders of Catholic religious institutes and societies of apostolic life in Australia, strives to be a beacon of synodal leadership in the Church and society, listening to many voices, discerning the path forward in the light of the Gospel, and acting with boldness, openness and hope.

Strategic Priorities: 2026 – 2028

CRA’s role is to address issues of importance to religious, to the Church and to society through the lens of the Gospel message and express the prophetic voice of religious. This is grounded in CRA’s Canonical Statutes, which state that CRA should prioritise:

  • leadership and provide support to religious institute leaders, to ensure that religious life in Australia is animated and enriched;
  • collective advocacy in key areas, such as social and ecological justice and other emerging fields, to support leaders and to influence church and society; and
  • working in a manner which enables the distinctive charism of religious life to evolve, keeping alive the unique identity and independent prophetic voice of religious life within the Church and beyond.

CRA’s purpose is to fulfil and execute its vision, mission and strategic goals through:

1

Synodal Leadership & Good Governance

To develop CRA’s role in contributing to effective leadership and good governance in a synodal Church.

  • 1.1 To provide insightful synodal leadership in a spirit of collaboration with other church agencies in Australia, Asia Pacific and the Holy See.
  • 1.2 To further the Gospel values through the collective voice of Australian Religious.
  • 1.3 To explore models of leadership and governance that are relevant and effective, recognising the changing needs of CRA members.
2

Honouring Religious Life

To honour and support its members in the ongoing transformation of religious life as it becomes more multicultural and intergenerational, as a witness to unity in diversity in our society.

  • 2.1 To promote collaboration and interconnection among Religious in a spirit of synodality – locally and globally.
  • 2.2 To support initial and ongoing formation of religious women and men.
  • 2.3 To provide CRA members with services and resources to assist their calling as ecclesial leaders, as needs emerge.
3

Advocacy for Social & Environmental Justice

To enliven a Gospel spirituality that gives expression to the prophetic voice of Religious, through advocacy on environmental and social justice issues as the national representative body of Catholic Religious.

  • 3.1 To listen to, learn from, and work with First Nations peoples to advocate for First Nations peoples’ rights and cultural security.
  • 3.2 To be a more inclusive Church where all are welcome, in particular members of LGBTQIA+ communities.
  • 3.3 To educate towards an ecological conversion in thinking and acting that respects the natural environment, drawing from a spirituality of the interconnectedness of all creation.
  • 3.4 To be responsive to emerging issues, connecting with groups who are on the margins of Church and society.
4

Streamlining for Impact

To ensure CRA’s organisational efficiency and productivity in achieving its strategic priorities, making the best use of its resources and personnel.

  • 4.1 To review CRA structures and procedures to ensure that they are sustainable, fit for purpose and effective.
  • 4.2 To ensure that the necessary mechanisms are in place to support a dynamic and responsive CRA staff team.
  • 4.3 To further develop a communications strategy that amplifies the prophetic voice of religious.
  • 4.4 To consider and address the financial sustainability of CRA.
  • 4.5 To model good governance and stewardship.