ACL’s Response To Immigration Rallies

FROM THE AUSTRALIAN CHRISTIAN LOBBY

In response to the rallies to voice public concerns over the nation’s immigration policies, the Australian Christian Lobby posted the following statement under the title Can We Build A Nation Without Division?

Over the weekend, Australians gathered for the March for Australia.

For many, it was a response to the earlier Pro-Palestine marches, where Australian flags were burnt and chants of hostility filled the streets.

These images demonstrate the underlying concern that our culture is being eroded by some who would seek to destroy the very freedoms and unity that define Australia.

“IMMIGRATION CONTINUES TO ENRICH OUR COMMUNITIES”

Immigration has long been central to Australia’s growth and continues to enrich our communities.

The real issue is making sure that those who join our nation contribute to the values and unity that hold us together.

Immigration policy requires wisdom.

As a nation, we must discern carefully, so that those who would sow hatred and division are not given a platform in our communities.

“WE MUST CONDEMN RACIST GROUPS WHO EXPLOIT THESE PROTESTS”

At the same time, we must condemn the actions and rhetoric of the small minority of racist groups who seek to exploit these marches.

Their words do not reflect Christian values, nor do they reflect the heart of most who attended.

Australians value freedom; freedom of speech, and freedom of religion and belief.

But those freedoms are never meant to be a licence for racial hatred.

THE WAY FORWARD FOR CHRISTIANS

For Christians, the way forward is shaped by Scripture.

In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus broke down barriers of race and religion, reminding us that loving our neighbour is central to God’s command.

And at the heart of the Gospel is reconciliation — reconciliation with God through Christ, and reconciliation across all lines of culture, race, and background.

So let us pray: that our leaders would have wisdom in shaping policy, that our communities would reflect love for neighbour, and that Australians would look not to division, but to the hope of the cross.