The church has always been an outpost of God’s grace and unconditional love, providing sanctuary and standing up for those who can’t stand up for themselves.
For the last four years on Manus Island and Nauru, men, women and children who sought safety in Australia from persecution they faced at home, have been living through unspeakable treatment in our offshore detention centres. They have been robbed of the one thing they brought with them to Australia. Hope.
Sadly, the public conversation has been overtly negative and lacking empathy and compassion. But we believe one of the best places to start to affect change is by first hearing the stories of these people and families who fled their homes sought safety in Australia.
That's why Common Grace is inviting Churches across Australia to host screenings of the 'Chasing Asylum' documentary.
'Chasing Asylum' is a documentary film by Academy Award winner Eva Orner that tells the stories of those affected by Australian asylum policies. It is a valuable tool to open up conversation around this topic, something we too often don't broach in our Churches. Our Churches can provide a safe and open space to host dialogue regarding what we can do about this issue in light of our faith, to let us be a voice of hope in a situation where hope can seem so very far away.
So, can you help change the conversation in your community by hosting or attending a screening?
If you're open to considering hosting a screening of 'Chasing Asylum' in your church, please let us know by filling in the form on this page? By hosting 'Chasing Asylum', you will be part of a nationwide movement longing to humanise the conversation; churches longing to see God’s justice for all humanity.
Host or attend a night of information, conversation and action!
Learn more about the issue:
If you are looking for more information on this topic and the Christian response, here is a great place to start.