Finding freedom: Diversity in community

By Reverend Andy Fleming, Associate Chaplain

This year’s theme for Refugee Week, Finding Freedom, is a culmination of three years of awareness raising of what it means to live without fear of war and persecution for those of us born and raised in Australia. The Refugee Week website outlines the continued emphasis on the vital role community plays in all our lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, language, disability, sexuality and age.

One of the key aspects of our shared humanity is that our basic needs are met. Given the escalating conflict in the world at present, being aware of the plight of refugees is so important. Millions of people face fear and uncertainty, made vulnerable for no other reason than the fact that they live in areas of conflict. They face untold uncertainty and danger as they attempt to find freedom for their families.

From Joseph being sold into slavery, to Moses and the Israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years and the Israelites being exiled to Babylon, the Bible is interwoven with stories of refugees and migration. Jesus was himself a refugee and somewhat nomadic preacher. Due to persecution, the early disciples were dispersed, with some voluntarily migrating throughout the Roman Empire to continue Jesus’ mission.

The Bible shows the Christian experience is about being in solidarity with those made vulnerable and displaced. Biblical scholar and refugee, vănThanh Nguyễn, points out that, having been written by, for and about strangers, migrants and refugees, the Bible is most favourable towards immigrants. According to the biblical tradition and the Church’s social teachings, hospitality or charity is the most appropriate response to the immigration issue. Nguyễn observes, “Treating refugees with mercy and charity is what the Bible and the Church beacon us to do at all times.”

Jesus commands his followers to ‘love others as yourself’ and in this love, look to help those in need with kindness, hospitality and compassion.

This goes further than the people in ‘our circles’. By practising hospitality, we can reach out to those we do not yet know, particularly refugees made vulnerable through no fault of their own. I can only imagine how our wider community could be further enhanced through welcoming refugees and migrants, without prejudices and biases, ensuring the basic human needs we enjoy are made possible for all.

Anglicare Winter Appeal

The stark cold this winter has brought a greater awareness of the needs of those experiencing hardship and uncertainty this winter. I read a sobering statistic on the Homelessness Australia website this week: there has been a 22% increase of people ‘sleeping rough’ in the three years to 2023-24 across Australia.

If you can support the 2025 Anglicare Winter Appeal, please visit this link to make a donation or drop non-perishable items off at your local Anglicare retail store or St John’s Care in Reid.

Go in Peace,
Rev. Andy