From theory to practice - putting justice for refugees into action
Carrie Unser reflects on what she’s learning while taking part in the community refugee sponsorship program.
18 - 24 June 2023 is Refugee Week. This annual celebration is a unique opportunity to take time to learn about the experiences of people from refugee backgrounds and to celebrate the valuable contributions made by refugees to the world and our communities.
The theme of Refugee Week 2023 is Finding Freedom.
Each day millions of people embark on journeys to find safety and freedom, seeking asylum in countries far from their homes, culture and families. To help us, and our communities, go deeper in learning more and taking action this Refugee Week we have a range of further resources below for you to explore.
Bible Study Series
In 2023, we are inviting you to reflect on the powerful, personal stories we shared during our 2022 Refugee Week series through a four-part bible study series. Each study includes a story from someone with lived experience of seeking asylum, a bible passage, and a series of discussion questions that will inspire, challenge and encourage you to reflect on the role and opportunity that each of us has in creating communities that love and seek justice for our refugee neighbours.
It is our deep hope and prayer that this series will move you and your community closer towards God’s heart for justice, as we work towards the day when those who come to our shores for safety will be welcomed with kindness and compassion.
Sign up for this Refugee Week Bible Study Series here.
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Learn More
One of the most important things you can do to contribute to a country which welcomes refugees is to learn more and encourage your church or faith community to go deeper in learning about people seeking asylum together - both what the Bible says about it, and what the Australian context is. Discover further resources, including Book Reviews, to learn more about justice for people seeking asylum.
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Take Action
The Church has a critical role to play in advocating for the rights of refugees and people seeking asylum. Together, our collective voices can have a powerful impact in calling our nation's leaders to respond in compassion, welcome, love and action to those seeking safety on our shores.
This Refugee Week we invite you to send a letter or email to the Minister for Immigration, calling for a just and more compassionate response to those seeking asylum and refuge in Australia, including ending offshore processing, increasing Australia’s humanitarian intake, and Increase Aid to address the Global Refugee Crisis.
Find Common Grace’s template letter here.
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Engage Further
Our Christian communities can be places of deep connection, welcome and support for those seeking asylum in Australia, putting into loving action God’s call for us to “welcome the stranger” (Matt 25:35). The Welcome Home Project is a newly launched pathway for churches and Christians to engage with community sponsorship, offering a series of tools and resources specifically designed for Christians and churches to mobilise their communities across the country.
The community sponsorship programme is a unique opportunity to demonstrate the tangible love of Jesus by helping refugees find a home in local communities across Australia. This is an opportunity for the lives of Australian Christians and refugees are to be mutually enriched and transformed.
Read a powerful story from Carrie Unser about the impact and blessing of the community sponsorship programme.
Discover more about the Welcome Home Project at their launch, Thursday 22 June 2023 - Sign up here.
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Connect with Community
Refugee Week offers a wonderful opportunity to engage and connect with our communities in celebration, support and welcome for our brothers and sisters seeking asylum in Australia. You can find a range of events happening throughout Refugee Week at the Refugee Week webpage here.
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Pray
Join in prayer for refugees and people seeking asylum around the world, praying in hope for a world where all people are welcomed, led by Nyanagk (Lizzy) Kuoth and her prayer for Refugee Week 2023. Explore further prayer resources here.
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Support
We invite you to be generous this Refugee Week by supporting Common Grace. Your faithful generosity helps inspire and mobilise followers of Jesus to take collective actions that seek to make Australia more just. With your support the Common Grace movement can continue raising a loving, gracious voice in national conversations for justice for people seeking asylum. Your gift helps fuel this movement to pursue an Australia where those who come to our shores seeking safety and protection are welcomed with compassion. Give today.
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