Anglican Communion News Service - Digest News

A statement from Bishop Brian Farran in response to the recent comments by Kevin Andrews about the Sudanese community and immigration policies.

‘Concerns about the Sudanese community, African refugees and immigration cuts have received a great deal of media coverage in recent days after comments from the Federal Immigration Minister. The comments made by Minister Andrews are no doubt particularly damaging and hurtful to the Sudanese community in Newcastle and around Australia.

The local Anglican chaplain to the Sudanese community, Fr Andrew Akol confirms the Sudanese are shocked by the comments of Mr Andrews. The remarks have generated fear and grief amongst the Sudanese community since they have come to Australia - the land of the free- from places where they were persecuted as Christians or because of their ethnicity.

The Government needs to ensure that African refugees are provided with the best possible access to language, education, employment and support services to enable them to overcome the difficulties that they experience in adjusting to life in a new country.

I am aware of many Sudanese people in Newcastle who have worked hard to overcome the barriers they face. Many are studying, working and contributing to their new community and are very proud of being Australians.

There are obviously cultural learnings to be developed by both the Sudanese and other Novocastrians, but in many instances both groups have successfully worked together to grow in understanding. The Sudanese have shown themselves willing to adapt to Australian culture.

Newcastle’s African Australian Learning Activities (NAALA) Project is just one good example of Africans and other Novocastrians working together. NAALA is a joint project between the Merewether Anglican Parish and Samaritans, allowing around 100 African refugee children, teenagers and adults to gather together with over 70 volunteers from the community and parish in the church grounds on Saturday mornings to learn and develop skills. The program focuses on strengthening English language skills and consolidating school, TAFE and home learning but most importantly provides an opportunity for building community and developing friendships.

The Newcastle community must remember that these folk have come from the most horrendous situations in Africa where they have endured persecution, war and trauma; they need our support not criticism! 

Of course some, like many other Australians, are struggling but many are also thriving.

It seems the Minister’s comments were generalizations, with no empirical evidence, focused on a person’s race rather than individual circumstances. Anecdotal reports should not be used as a justification for refusing African refugees.

The Sudanese in Newcastle are always working hard to help other family members who are still living in sub-standard conditions in Sudan or refugee camps or in Cairo slums without benefit of education, health services.

Australians are known for their support of ‘battlers’. Our settlement origins were as ‘battlers’. We must take seriously our responsibility to assist the Sudanese community and welcome all refugees and other cultures into our communities.’

Item from: The Diocese of Newcastle, Australia