NCCA condemns hate crimes, urges prayer for communal harmony
23 May 2025
In the light of the murder of two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington DC, the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) restates our condemnation of hate crimes and acts of terror directed towards any person especially people of faith and people of ethnic minorities.
“Across the world we live in multi-faith and multi-cultural communities. In Australia we are proud of that. At this time, we pray with and for our Jewish brothers and sisters, and Muslim brothers and sisters in their anxiety over attacks against them provoked by conflict and violence abroad,” says Rev John Gilmore, NCCA President.
“So too we are praying with our Christian communities in Australia that have strong links to communities in the Middle East and South Asia where they are suffering persistent persecution including confiscation of property and destruction of religious and Christian heritage sites.”
As the NCCA has commented in the past when churches, synagogues, mosques and temples have been vandalised and worshippers injured:
“Let us respond to each other with respect and compassion.
In our prayers, we lift up our communities that are seeking comfort and strength at this time.
It is for all of us to step up as peacemakers and commit to upholding the safety and harmony of our multi-cultural and multi-faith society in Australia and across the world.
Everyone can contribute to the ongoing national and international endeavour of nurturing harmony and understanding.”
Rev John Gilmore, NCCA President