Australia’s multicultural society is a source of strength and hope. Refugees, who have fled persecution to make their home here, come from many cultures, languages, and religious traditions. They enrich our communities, broaden our understanding of one another, and contribute to the common good.
Since 1947, Australia has welcomed 1 million refugees. They have had a profoundly positive impact on the nation’s social, cultural and economic life. National and international research shows that people from refugee backgrounds contribute substantially (socially, culturally and economically) to their new countries, particularly in rural areas.
Christians are called to welcome the stranger, love our neighbour, and work for justice and peace. These values are held in common within the great Abrahamic faiths – Judaism, Islam and Christianity. Indeed, most religions have a version of the Golden Rule – ‘to do to others as you would have them do to you’.
Freedom to practice religion and respect for religious diversity are deeply held Christian values. They stem from the belief that we are all, irrespective of our differences, made in the image of God, with equal dignity and human rights.
To disparage or denigrate any religion is profoundly disrespectful and we have all seen the evidence that it leads to discrimination, violence and even death. We appeal to all, especially elected representatives, to stop the language of fear and division.
That does not mean pretending conflict doesn’t exist. What matters is whether we approach differences with enough openness and curiosity to understand another view, even if we do not fully agree.
We reject prejudice, racism, and discrimination in all their forms and commit ourselves to fostering understanding, reconciliation, and friendship across cultures and faiths.
Australian Churches Refugee Taskforce (ACRT) upholds a vision of compassion and hospitality for asylum seekers and refugees. The ACRT’s mission is to listen, foster dialogue and build bridges; believing that cultural and religious diversity is not something to fear; when accompanied by mutual respect and shared values, it can become a powerful expression of our common humanity.
The ACRT comprises representatives from Christian faith communities and organisations who seek to reflect the love of Christ who welcomed the stranger and calls Christians to be peacemakers and builders of communities marked by compassion, justice, and hope.