On Friday 9 August 2025, Redemptorist Bruce Duncan CSsR was awarded life membership of Catholic Social Services Victoria (CSSV) at their Annual Dinner. This rare honour,bestowed only seven times before, recognises Bruce’s outstanding contributions to Catholic social thought and public life in Australia.
For decades, Bruce has been a tireless advocate for justice, shaping conversations at the intersection of faith and society. He served with the Melbourne Catholic Commission for Justice, Development and Peace (1994–2007), and worked as a consultant with CSSV (1998–2007). He co-founded the advocacy organisation Social Policy Connections, and later directed the Yarra Institute for Religion and Social Policy. Today, his scholarship continues as part of the University’s Religion and Social Policy (RASP) network.
Bruce has researched, spoken, and published widely on Catholic social teaching, making it accessible not only to academics and Church leaders but also to ordinary people seeking guidance in a complex world. Since 2016, he has also served as chaplain at the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry in Melbourne, accompanying communities with humility and deep respect.
His insight and commitment to justice enrich the stories we share, helping us reflect on what it means to live faithfully and responsibly in today’s world.
Bruce’s recognition by CSSV is not just a personal honour—it’s a reminder of the Redemptorist’s call to challenge injustice, and foster communities of solidarity.
Congratulations, Bruce. Your life’s work continues to inspire us.
What a fitting honour for Bruce Duncan! Life membership at CSSV – only seven times bestowed, and now eight with this brilliant mind! Its wonderful to see his decades of tireless advocacy recognised. While we celebrate Bruces scholarly contributions and his deep commitment to justice, perhaps we should also honour the CSSV for finally noticing him! 😉 His work making Catholic social teaching accessible is nothing short of heroic, especially considering the sheer volume of research he seems to have crammed into his career alongside being a chaplain and founding organisations. Heres to hoping his inspiring life work continues to challenge injustice and share those valuable insights for many more years! Well done, Bruce!act 2 ia
Dr.Fr.Brother Bruce Duncan, many warm wishes to you from an old and dear family friend.
Congratulations Bruce on a lifetime of wise and humble service. It was an honour to have the opportunity to work with you briefly. Your humility and respect bring out the best in the people and situations you work in. Your efforts have been widely appreciated. Thank you for your support and encouragement during the time we worked together. I always felt included. My warmest wishes to you for the future.
Anne Doyle