Sunday 19th July marks 7 years since former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced that people seeking asylum, arriving by boat, would never be settled in Australia. Since then refugees and asylum seekers have been held on Manus and Nauru in horrendous conditions. Over the past year many of these refugees have been transferred to Australia under the Medevac legislation, yet they are still being detained at Kangaroo Point and BITA in Brisbane, and the Mantra hotel and MITA in Melbourne.
On top of that Melbourne is experiencing a public health crisis because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and those in detention are at much higher risk of contracting the illness.
Many of our women have walked alongside the men and women (young and old), and families who have been detained in Australia throughout the years, providing pastoral care and practical support, together with their local communities. And so, it is in solidarity that we will be joining an online Facebook event this evening, from our own homes, and extend the invitation to all!
Very simply light a candle and take 7 minutes of silence, at 7pm (AEST) in your own home or backyard. We have been encouraged to ‘go live’ as we do this, have an accompanying sign or message and then share any photographs/videos afterwards to the Facebook page, using the hashtags #freetherefugees #7yearstoolong #GameOver
We pray for all of the men, women and children still being held in detention, that they may enjoy freedom, justice and peace of mind and heart very soon. We also remember those who have lost their lives in detention. God be with them.
Join us in this small act of hope, and of compassion. Find out more, here.