Churches, organisations and individuals will be calling for humane policies for asylum seekers and refugees in Australia this Palm Sunday 13 April. Palm Sunday has been known as a day when churches march for peace as it is the day Jesus is recognised as the King of Peace. A Walk for Justice for Refugees will take place on the streets of Perth, organised by the Justice4Refugees WA network. They are calling for compassion, not punishment; an end to offshore processing and an end to mandatory detention.
The network is made up of a range of church and community groups including the Uniting Church in Western Australia, the Anglican Diocese of Perth, The Salvation Army, Coalition for Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Detainees (CARAD), Welcome to Australia and many more.
“Our current asylum seeker policy is inhumane and unfair” said Rosemary Hudson Miller, associate general secretary of the Uniting Church in WA (justice).
“Many people seeking help have been punished in an attempt at deterrence. In the past we have led the world in refugee resettlement. Australia is now increasingly becoming known by its reputation for creating misery in the lives of vulnerable people.
“It’s time for the Australian government to change this policy. Let us act with justice and respect for human rights.”
You are invited to join in this compassionate response. Gather in the grounds at St George’s Cathedral, St George’s Terrace, Perth at 1.00pm before taking to the streets and returning to the cathedral for prayers and reflections. Bring a palm frond. For more info visit http://justice4refugeeswa.com/palm-sunday-walk-for-justice-forrefugees-2014/.