UNITING
THEY say there are two conversations you shouldn’t have – politics and religion.
Oh well, that goes out the window with this article.
In Jesus’ time, Jesus had a bit to say about the leaders of his time and their use of the law.
He was often outspoken when the law was used to oppress and discriminate against other people.
Today we find ourselves in the same situation regarding our Afghan brothers.
As many of you will know there are many Afghan men who have made a home with us here in the Swan Hill region.
They have spent many years working and becoming part of our community.
They have tried often in vain to gain citizenship with the main aim of being able to bring their families to Australia.
With the current situation in Afghanistan there is a real need to bring their families to Australia.
And yet, they are hindered by a law made by politicians some years ago – it is called ‘Direction 80’ and it is oppressive and discriminates against them.
It means that they are ‘bottom of the pile’ people.
Every time they apply for a visa, it is put at the bottom of the pile of other visa applications.
Politicians need to show some compassion for these people and remove a law that continues to discriminate and oppress a group of people who are marginalised in a country that would pride itself on looking after the battler.
We need to continue to make our politicians accountable to a law that clearly goes against our ideals and values as Australian citizens.
The Swan Hill Uniting Church have worked alongside the Afghan community here for many years and will continue to advocate for ‘Direction 80’ to be removed.
Note: there is no correspondence from the Anglican or Grain Shed churches this week.
