Australia is a land of settlement – and refuge – for people from many nations. The recent conflict in Gaza / Israel has reached out to Australia and to those who have settled here. The debate over immigration and visas from this region – along with the forthcoming Day of Prayer for Refugees has inspired Bishop Philip Huggins to reflect on Australia’s refugee policy from both a national perspective, and from the fruits of his personal involvement with refugees.
National Council of Churches Australia
Rafah: Joint Statement by National Council of Churches, Act for Peace
Act for Peace and the National Council of Churches in Australia have released a statement endorsing the plea for an instant ceasefire in Gaza, backing the Australian Government’s appeal for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the region. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has joined the Canadian, and New Zealand Prime Ministers urging a ceasefire. Over 1 million Palestinians have sought refuge in Rafah, a region that may face repercussions from Israel’s proposed military actions.
Brisbane: Safer Churches Conference 2019
The 9th biennial Safer Churches Conference will be the first conference held by the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) Safe Church Program since the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse recommendations were released in December 2017. The theme for the conference, “Transforming Cultures: Listening, Reflecting, Acting” will provide the framework across the two-day event, at the Mercure Hotel, Brisbane on 16-17 September 2019.
