All people are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Children have a special place in the ministry of Jesus Christ and are to be respected and protected (Mark 10:14) (Matthew 18:5) (Luke 18:16). This is a moral obligation that we all carry (Matthew 18:2-4).
Children accordingly must not be collectively punished for the alleged actions of their parents. (Matthew 18:6-7).
The protection of Australian children living in indefinite detention in a deteriorating security environment, some of them born into conflict, is a moral imperative and also intersects with Australia’s responsibilities under international law relating to the rights of the child.
“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these’”(Matthew 19:14).
NCCA further affirms that citizenship carries rights and responsibilities and the matters relating to the conduct and actions of the detained Australian women need to be addressed under the law of the citizen’s own homeland.
We pray for all Australians suffering at home and abroad in these perilous times.