Why Is Caroline Chisholm Considered A Christian Humanist?

Born in 1808, England, Caroline Chisholm was christened and became part of the Church of England. She grew up on a farm and was the youngest of 16 siblings, from an early age Caroline was introduced to practices of humanity i.e. her father caring for a poor maimed soldier and he informed them of the man who fought for them (country, people, risking life). She was educated by a governess and encouraged to take part in local community discussions. Later on she met Archibald Chisholm, a Roman Catholic, 10 years her senior, he was a Scottish soldier in the East India Companies Army, and they then married in 1830. Caroline arrived in Australia in 1838 and was a devoted wife and mother of eight children, who helped to give dignity to women and families
This then expanded into helping family people and young men, encouraging employment for their comfort and survival needs. The Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney (2008/2009) describes Caroline as a ‘Christian humanist’. As such, she believed that the penal system was a harsh way to punish those who disobeyed the law. She envisioned a system in which we could create a better growing atmosphere and give the criminals a chance to earn a living for themselves and build an improved lifestyle involving less crime. The above examples are just some of the many ways in which Caroline Chisholm represents Catholicism and acts upon the word of the Lord. Caroline’s work has inspired the Christians of today to honour her legacy and message of goodwill to others. This is seen throughout the Australian Nation, specifically in Victoria, where most of her history is
The school went on to become a great success, Caroline then began to observe the alarming increase in starving, unemployed girls who were ready prey for the deceitful. The governor allowed her to use a rat infested old barracks to house the girls. It was here that she could give motherly protection whilst arranging employment and suitable homes for them to then go to. (It is this work at the “Home” that was portrayed on the old $5.00 note).
Most of the employment found by Caroline was available in the country areas, and for each and every one of the girls Caroline personally arranged employment and accompanied the girls to their new-found homes and jobs. Many of these girls then married and settled in these country areas found by