It’s Time for a Humane, Bipartisan Approach to the Treatment of Asylum Seekers: NCCA
Asylum seekers are people in need of care and not to be feared, say Australian Churches.
At the recent National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) triennial Forum, the Churches affirmed the Australian Government’s right and responsibility to ensure legitimate border protection but also expressed grave concern over the treatment of asylum seekers.
The Churches believe that it is time for the major political parties to work toward a humane, bipartisan approach to the treatment of asylum seekers. To look to an approach that fulfils our international obligations and enhances Australia’s reputation as a just and humane global citizen.
Reverend Tara Curlewis, NCCA General Secretary, said, “It is time that both political parties stop misleading our community by painting pictures of asylum seekers as people to be feared. Asylum seekers are vulnerable, often traumatised people fleeing conflict and persecution. As a safe and secure country we must treat asylum seekers with compassion rather than placing them in detention in enforced limbo. Continue reading ‘It’s Time for a Humane, Bipartisan Approach to the Treatment of Asylum Seekers: NCCA’
PM Under Pressure from Religious Leaders on Climate Change
Over 60 religious leaders nad prominent religious individuals have written to the Prime Minister, ahead of the release of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme exposure draft legislation, to express their deep concerns with the Government’s inadequate response to climate change. Continue reading ‘PM Under Pressure from Religious Leaders on Climate Change’
What Can We Do for Zimbabwe this Christmas
Australian households are beginning to feel the financial strain of a global economic crisis. The spirit of giving and sharing at Christmas time will be a true test of people’s generosity this year. However, while we face a difficult and uncertain period, Zimbabwe is in crisis. Continue reading ‘What Can We Do for Zimbabwe this Christmas’
New Christmas Island immigration detention centre should not be used
9 December 2008
Human Rights Commissioner, Graeme Innes, today urged the Australian Government to refrain from using the massive new detention centre on Christmas Island to hold people in immigration detention.
The Minister for Immigration has said that the new centre will be used when numbers require it.
Responding to a media report today that recent arrivals could lead to the new detention centre being used, Mr Innes reiterated concerns he raised after his visit to the centre in August. Continue reading ‘New Christmas Island immigration detention centre should not be used’
Crisis escalates for Christians in Iraq
7 November 2008
A statement from the National Council of Churches in Australia
The following statement was adopted by the Executive of the National Council of Churches in Australia at its meeting on 6 November 2008.
CRISIS ESCALATES FOR CHRISTIANS IN IRAQ
Violence and persecution against minority groups in Iraq continues, including communities of Christians which have been in existence for over 1500 years. The Assyrian Church of the East, as one of the Churches most affected, has mobilised itself worldwide to call attention to the crisis, and seek help where help can be found. Other Churches under extreme duress are the Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, and Chaldean. Continue reading ‘Crisis escalates for Christians in Iraq’
The Northern Territory Intervention is a Shame Job
Several hundred people converged yesterday in Alice Springs to demand the roll back of the Northern Territory Intervention. Speakers at the convergence had a clear message – the Intervention has brought shame and humiliation to Aboriginal people across the Territory and has done little or nothing to protect children as it was supposed to do.
Executive Secretary of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission (NATSIEC), Graeme Mundine, who attended the convergence said “we have known all along that this Intervention has serious problems. Any legislation that can only exist if the Racial Discrimination Act is amended has fundamental flaws.” Continue reading ‘The Northern Territory Intervention is a Shame Job’
Religious Leaders Call for Action on Climate Change
In an historic move, a group of Australia’s religious leaders have banded together and signed an open letter to the Federal Government, calling for immediate and decisive action on climate change.
Signed by 39 leaders from various faith groups and organisations, the letter draws specific attention to the communities across the globe facing devastation through climate change, including the small island nations and low lying areas of the Pacific.
Continue reading ‘Religious Leaders Call for Action on Climate Change’
Press Release: Concert for the Sudanese
The 2008 Christmas Bowl Concert will raise funds for aid work in the Sudan, says Revd Eira Clapton, General Secretary of the Council of Churches of Western Australia. Sudan is described as one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters of our time. Over 200 000 people have been killed, and 2.5 million people displaced. For years, tensions have grown in this semi arid part of Africa between the mostly black African farmers and the mostly Arab herders, in competition for land. Conflicts began in 2003, when rebel groups began attacking government targets. In retaliation the government launched a military and police campaign in Darfur. Tensions and violence have escalated ever since. The result is a large number of innocent men, women and children bearing the brunt of political and social unrest. Continue reading ‘Press Release: Concert for the Sudanese’
Venerable Kay Goldsworthy to be consecrated Bishop
In an historic announcement Anglican Archbishop Roger Herft has informed the Diocese of Perth about the consecration of The Venerable Kay Goldsworthy to be a Bishop in the Church of God in the Diocese of Perth. Continue reading ‘Venerable Kay Goldsworthy to be consecrated Bishop’
National Council of Churches in Australia passes resolutions on the Holy Land
At a national meeting last week, the National Council of Churches in Australia passed a series of resolutions on the situation in the Holy Land. It is the first time the Council has taken such a stand. It follows a visit to the region last year by a delegation of Church leaders, as well as international ecumenical developments, such as the new Palestine-Israel Ecumenical Forum. By passing these resolutions the Council wants to take a Christian perspective on a land and its peoples who have endured longstanding and intense suffering – on both sides. Continue reading ‘National Council of Churches in Australia passes resolutions on the Holy Land’
