Catholic leaders have joined Muslim, Jewish, Hindu and other Christian faith representatives in calling for permanent protection for refugees. Source: Melbourne Catholic.
A group of interfaith leaders, including Sr Brigid Arthur CSB, Rev Tim Costello and Dean Andreas gathered at St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Melbourne lo launch a statement urging political leaders to reconsider the needs and futures of people on Temporary Protection Visas (TPVs) and offer them permanent protection.
The statement has since been signed and sent to Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese.
Catholic signatories include Sr Brigid, Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president Archbishop Mark Coleridge, Parramatta Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Port Pirie Bishop Emeritus Greg O’Kelly SJ and Catholic Religious Australia president Br Peter Carroll FSM.
Julie Edwards and Tamara Domicelj, on behalf of Catholic Alliance for People Seeking Asylum (CAPSA) and its member organisations, also signed the statement, as well as other faith leaders.
Sr Brigid, who has long advocated for the fair treatment of refugees and asylum-seekers, reiterated the need for government leaders to do all they could to recognise those who have made Australia home.
The faith leaders raised the matter cautiously, they said, mindful of how fraught the discussion of such matters has been in previous federal elections.
“We must speak because compassion and care for others are universal values shared by all major faith traditions,” the statement said.
Details: www.welcomerefugees.info/faithstatement
FULL STORY
Faith leaders call for permanent protection for refugees (Melbourne Catholic)
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