It’s a sad indictment on society that we tend to generalise when passing out our critcism.

There is no dispute that there have been some church leaders who have breached their role of trust and little doubt that some struggling people have been overlooked in their hour of need.

But we need to be equally mindful not to blame all for the failings of a few.

We should also be grateful for the many wonderful achievements, opportunities and support initiated by churches, their leaders and their supporters.

St Vincent de Paul, the Salvation Army and Anglicare are just a few wonderful church led programs offered in the Southern Highlands.

The Youth Off The Street (YOTS) Opportunity Shop in Bowral is another beacon of hope with a Christian-based motivation.

YOTS founder Fr Chris Riley has been honoured with a Lions International Humanitarian Award for his commitment to troubled teenagers.

The award places Fr Riley alongside Mother Teresa. And while it is a proud and distinguished honour for Fr Riley it is clear he is not motivated by accolades, but by commitment to all people.

The same could be said about the work of all churches in the community. Church leaders don’t tend to stand on ceremony boasting about their contributions in a society - they do what they do because they see a need - and often their efforts go unnoticed.

So for all the obvious, and less obvious contributions of churches throughout the Southern Highlands and further afield - thank you.