Anglican support for International Migrants' Day

Thursday, 17 Dec 2009

Canon Dr Ray Cleary AM, Chair of the Social Responsibilities Committee of theAnglican Diocese of Melbourne today encouraged Anglicans across Melbourne to find time in their busy pre-Christmas schedules to remember migrants and refugees around the world on Friday December 18, International Migrants' Day.

"The Christmas story reminds us to be mindful of migrants and refugees. God's incarnation as a vulnerable baby in a refugee family, is a challenging reminder to all of us that we must assist those who are without sanctuary or safety."

"International Migrants' Day is an opportunity to listen to migrants’ voices, raise awareness of issues affecting migrants and their communities and highlight the challenges they encounter," said Dr Ray Cleary.

This year is the 9th anniversary of International Migrants Day, a significant year as it coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human rights (which fell on December 10).

According to the International Migrants Organization, it is estimated that 192 million people worldwide live outside their countries of origin with an annual increase of about 45 million people.

Resources for International Migrants' Day:

·http://www.december18.net/ - non-governmental organisation with Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

·http://www.franciscansinternational.org/node/2301 - non-governmental organisation with General Consultative status at the UN, uniting the voices of Franciscan brothers and sisters from around the world.

·Climate Changed: People Displaced - new report from the Norwegian Refugee Council

·http://www.iom.int/jahia/jsp/index.jsp - International Organization for Migration.

About the Social Responsibilities Committee:

The Social Responsibilities Committee (SRC) is a Committee of the Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne. The SRC assists the Archbishop, clergy and people of the Diocese to discern and fulfil their collective and individual responsibilities as Christians in society.

The SRC recognises that the Church has a responsibility to engage in debates relating to the common good, giving voice to our belief that all people are created in God’s image.

Online this month

  1. Coutsouvelis front page

    Hoppers crossing couple foster a spirit of care

    3 Aug 2010
    In 36 years of marriage, Nadine and Speros Coutsouvelishave cared for three of their own children, adopted seven children, and have fostered more than 200 others.

  2. Reactions mixed on refugee plan

    3 Aug 2010
    The Australian Christian Lobby has welcomed tougher policies on people smuggling from both sides of politics, but refugee advocates are not so pleased.
  3. +Garry 2

    Outback Anglicans need help, says bush bishop

    3 Aug 2010
    As life in the bush gets tougher by the year, the Anglican Church's "bush bishops" are working hard to ensure the church can still offer a vital lifeline to country people.
  4. John McDowell 2

    Globalisation offers no hope, says theologian

    2 Aug 2010
    Globalisation is theologically significant but does not have the capacity to create hope beyond perpetual instant self-gratification, says Professor John McDowell.
  5. St Augustines Sth Op Shop

    Op shop's $3.5 million in 50 years

    2 Aug 2010
    During 2010, the St Augustine's Southern Opportunity Shop in Florence Street, Mentone, is celebrating 50 years of community service and the giving away of more than $3.5 million during that period.