Jane Anderson
Jane Anderson is a social anthropologist and honorary research fellow, University of Western Australia. Between 1999 and 2016 Jane focused her studies on reform issues in the Catholic Church. Her PhD on priests in sexually intimate relationships was published as Priests in Love. Jane’s work Innovative Catholicism challenged her to take a different direction in life. She has since worked restoratively alongside prisoners, problematic drug users and their families, and chronic homeless people. Today, her writings are informed by restorative justice principles and a progressive Catholic Christian morality
Jane's recent articles
20 March 2025
Homeless shelters are needed urgently
Governments are not grasping the urgency to provide immediate relief in temporary accommodation for those caught up in homelessness. Political discourse is almost solely focused on providing affordable and social housing. But making good on these promises will take years.
4 December 2022
We are overdue for a hybrid Aboriginal-Western map of juvenile justice
Highly troubled Aboriginal youth offenders are rolling down the road of Western justice at everyones peril and which Four Corners has exposed as perpetrating great harm. Its about time we followed a different hybrid Aboriginal-Western map one that is relevant, properly funded, and respected.
9 March 2022
Justice for women, justice for All.
International Women's Day celebrates how far women have come, and how far we have yet to go.
6 January 2022
The good life: a priest's 10 commandments for the Catholic Church
The memoirs of trailblazing priest John Wijngaards contain a weight of wisdom on how the Church can free itself of antiquated beliefs and fulfil its true mission.
10 November 2021
Scales of justice tarnished when punishment outweighs restoration
Australia has a predilection for jailing vulnerable citizens but tough penalties are not working. The disadvantaged continue to be repressed, coerced and stigmatised.
30 October 2021
Lessons from progressive Catholics for the Plenary Council
Historically, the Church has thrived on the margins. Today, that potential continues to beckon.