BIBLICAL REFLECTIONS ON REFUGEES AND ASYLUM SEEKERS IN AUSTRALIA

Abstract

The challenge of migrants and refugees is plaguing many developed nations today. Australia is no exception. In fact, its policies have been widely criticized by many human rights organisations. The present article begins by recounting a documentary film on this concern but exploring this specifically on its impact on the ordinary Australians. It recounts the conversion process of a Christian woman in small-town Australia as she encounters Muslim asylum seekers from Afghanistan. The article then examines briefly Australia’s history and policies as far as immigration is concerned. It also sheds light on the responses of the people as well as of organised groups including the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. The second part of the article then engages in a theological reflection on the incumbent issues, especially the fact that the most recent immigrants are refugees and asylum seekers are racially and religiously different from that of mainstream Australians.