Sudanese Immigrants

Movers Ellis, C.

The General Synod of the Anglican Church of Australia, while pleased that Australia offers a safe haven for those fleeing violence in many parts of the world, is disturbed that recent comments by the Federal Immigration Minister about African immigration in general, and Sudanese in particular, have led to a perceived increase in hostility to Sudanese people living in Australia.
This Synod therefore:
a) urges all Australia [sic] Governments to set an example in heeding the command of God, originally given to the nation of Israel: “the alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born, love him as yourself for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the Lord your God” (Lev 19.34);
b) requests that governments provide generous assistance and support to those who come from other cultures to help them settle into the Australian community:
c) asks public figures to refrain from indiscriminate comments which reflect badly upon specific groups in the community, and which may be used by others as an excuse for violence; and
d) asks the Secretary to convey this resolution to members of the Federal, State and Territory Governments.

Mr Clive Ellis moved, Bishop Ivan Lee seconding, 22 Oct 07

Resolution year: 2007
Resolution number: 51/07