Australia: Catholic Religious call for National Lament for refugees

Scene reminiscent of WW2 PoW camp

In the wake of an outbreak of violence at a holding centre for asylum seekers on a remote island, which left one person dead and many injured, Catholic Religious Australia (CRA) have called for a 'National Lament' this week.

“Many people throughout Australia are disturbed by the punitive and harsh policies and conditions to which people seeking asylum in Australia are being subjected”, said CRA President, Sr Annette Cunliffe rsc.

“The recent incident on Manus Island and the death of one person and the injury of many highlights the lack of care and dignity in the policies of both the Government and the Opposition and the absence of awareness of their legal and moral responsibilities”, she said.

"We are a society which has forgotten how to weep" - Pope Francis.

CRA said it is is taking its inspiration from the words of Pope Francis when he visited Lampedusa. “We lament the lack of compassion for people seeking asylum in Australia, we lament the denial of human dignity and freedom, we lament the indifference, we lament our inability to turn the tide”, said Sr Annette.

The National Lament is a campaign of prayer, penance and action for people seeking asylum in Australia.

“We are seeking to make a Christian response to these people, rather than treating them as a “problem” to be solved” said Sr Annette.

For more information, visit CRA website: www.catholicreligiousaustralia.org

Source: CRA