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For those interested in reading more about current social and political issues, click here for the latest Thinking Points from the Centre for Policy Development
Refugees and Asylum Seekers
When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God. (Leviticus 19:33-34)
From its beginnings the Hebrew story was the story of a people in exile, of aliens resident in foreign lands suffering oppression and persecution. This history of exile and exodus, particularly the escape from slavery in Egypt, revealed to the Israelites the nature of their God and defined their relationship with God and other people. Throughout the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), God is identified as the God who cares for the exiled and the persecuted refugee. Hospitality to the stranger became one of the strongest moral forces in ancient Israel.
The Christian story continued to uphold God's call to solidarity with the homeless. Mary and Joseph were forced to take Jesus and hide in Egypt as Herod sought to kill the baby Jesus.
Jesus travelled through strange lands, choosing to spend time and share meals with the most marginalised and oppressed people of his society. He called on people to love their enemies, give all they had to the poor, and offer hospitality to strangers. He taught that faithful obedience to God was marked by such deeds. In fact, it would be the way people responded to strangers and to the poor that would identify them as people of faith.
There is no question about the Christian response to asylum seekers and refugees. The Church is called to be a place of welcome. As faithful disciples we are to provide care and comfort to those who come to this land as strangers, seeking safety.
The Uniting Church advocates for a just response to the needs of refugees that recognises Australia's responsibilities as a wealthy global citizen, upholds the human rights and safety of all people, and is based on just and humane treatment, including non-discriminatory practices and accountable transparent processes.
Key Assembly Documents
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Refugee Warehousing Assembly Standing Committee, 2005 |
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Iranian Asylum Seekers Tenth Assembly, 2003 |
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Asylum Seeker and Refugee Policy Assembly Standing Committee, 2002 |
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Welcome the Stranger, in the spirit of the Year of Jubilee Ninth Assembly, 2000 |
Information and Action Resources
Refugees and Asylum Seekers Links
Prayer resources for Sorry Day and the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation (26 May - 3 June) from the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission available here on the NATSIEC website
From the World Council of Churches - 'WCC calls on churches to "renew efforts" for a fair climate deal'
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From the World Council of Churches - multimedia study series on gender violence launched for Lent: The study resources offer a weekly film focusing on the lives of women in various parts of the world, including India, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uzbekistan and South Africa. Each film is accompanied by a Bible study, a fact sheet, discussion starters and worship resources.
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From JustAct in VicTas Synod: JustEndChristianPersecution - take action to assist Dr Alexis Montes, a lay leader in the health ministry of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) and his health worker colleagues.
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Position Vacant: Solidarity and Justice Officer, UCA South Australia (half-time position). The Solidarity and Justice Officer will resource the Church through education, advocacy and networking across a wide range of justice issues and commitments addressed by the Church.
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UnitingCare Australia Opposes Involuntary Income Management (25 Nov 2009): Uniting Care Australia National Director Lin Hatfield Dodds has called today for the Australian Government to focus on delivering effective support for disadvantaged and vulnerable families.
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