HISTORIC MEETING OF RELIGIOUS AND POLITICAL LEADERS
Josephite leaders, Sisters Monica Cavanagh and Megan Brock, were two of more
than 50 faith leaders who met with political leaders in Canberra on 15th October to
appeal for justice and greater compassion for asylum seekers and refugees.
The forum at Parliament
House in Canberra was
initiated by CRA, the
peak body for Catholic
religious congregations in
Australia, with the
support of other Christian
denominations and other
faiths. It occurred in
collaboration with four
Federal parliamentarians
who co-hosted the event
– Cathy McGowan MP
(Independent), Anna
Burke MP (ALP), Russell
Broadbent MP (Liberal) and Senator Sarah Hanson-Young (Australian Greens).
Journalist, Paul Bongiorno, moderated the meeting.
This meeting has come at a critical time. The surge of public sympathy awakened by
the image of a small child on a Turkish beach, the release of the Catholic Bishops
statement, For those who come across the sea, the Government’s announcement
that Australia will accept 12,00 Syrian refugees, added statements by concerned
politicians, and increased media attention on asylum seeker issues, are all
influencing public discussion and opinion.
The faith leaders called on the Australian Government ‘to restore Australia’s standing
as a compassionate nation and to wind back policies which have been clearly
demonstrated to have a destructive impact on people escaping violence, persecution
and death.’
Sister Anne Lane spoke on behalf of leaders, asking that all sides of politics value
the dignity of every human person. She spoke of the leaders’ urgent concern for
people in offshore detention and the need to stop demonising people who arrive by
boat, to stop the three-word slogans, and to attend to the real needs of vulnerable
people,”
“It is never right to use people as a means to an end.”
“It is morally wrong to punish one group of human beings by locking them up on
islands in order to deter other people from coming to Australia.
“We cannot allow such cruel policies to continue.”
Anne said it was time honesty was brought into the issue, with the whole mantra of
“stopping the boats” being just that, a mantra. Stopping the boats and turning them
back, a policy of both the Coalition and Labor, might stop deaths in Australian
waters, but it is simply sending vulnerable human beings to die somewhat else.
In preparation for the Canberra gathering, religious leaders, including the Josephites,
had collected a summary of some of the assistance provided by their congregations.
For many years, religious groups have put their resources at the service of refugees
and asylum seekers – providing housing support, employment, food and clothing,
education and counselling. A commitment to continue such support is an indication
of the good will of faith traditions across Australia, and their desire to reach out in
hospitality and service to asylum seekers and refugees.
A positive outcome of the forum was the establishment of a cross-party, interfaith
taskforce, comprising five parliamentarians and five religious leaders, who will work
together to change the political and public narrative regarding asylum seekers and
refugees.
Building on the goodwill arising from the Government’s decision to accept 12,000
Syrian refugees, it is hoped this task force, which will meet within the next month,
can begin to develop new policies for the thousands of other refugees, including
removing children from detention, abolishing temporary protection visas, and ending
off-shore and mandatory detention.
The religious groups concluded the meeting with a clear commitment articulated by
Anne: “We say to our parliamentarians, stop mandatory detention and let more
people into our country and we will work with you to ensure these people are looked
after and are able to become part of the Australian community.”
This commitment has been reiterated by Monica and Megan, and witnessed in the
housing, employment, financial and educational initiatives of our congregations.