The Bible’s dilemma is how can God be both just and merciful
Monthly Archives: September 2016
BCV Internships – What are you doing next year?
This course is amazing, it is challenging, rewarding, and it will push you in body, mind and spirit with time for reflection. Our Programming staff are excited to have the opportunity to work with the interns. They will be trained in outdoor activities (Certificate 4 Sport & Recreation, grounds, Business admin), first year diploma of theological study (5 subjects, diploma of ministry), and live with our team at the Anglesea Centres.
You are part of the Centres team and will work around the sites which covers all areas from cleaning, kitchen, maintenance, office as well as having a high focus on Outdoor Education. The program is set with a balance so there is time to do study, training and site work. This is a full live in position working Monday to Friday with a weekend roster, this will give you experience in all areas of camp and what a camping life style is all about.
Servant hood ministry is what we are about, working and serving others.
After the 12 months, you will be skilled in your area of choosing whether that is to take adventure activities, operate a kitchen, or do bookings, while having the confidence to work with young people. We believe God will empower you, change you, and give you more focus for the future.
BCV Internship Applications are now open for 2017.
If you are 18-23 and are serious in developing personally and professionally in the following ministry areas, we want to hear from you.
- Jesus
- A Mission Trip
- Youth Ministry Camps
- Leadership
- Outdoor Education
- Bible Studies
- Prayer
- Camp Life
- Spiritual Formation
- Life skills
- Missions & Ministry
- Doing life with new friends
Live on site at Camp Wilkin, get paid to study & work, and receive a Certificate 4 in Outdoor Recreation and 5 subjects toward a Diploma of Ministry from Whitely Bible College.
Give a year to God and get an experience of a life time.
Contact: Chase on chaseg@baptistcamping.com.au for a link to our online application and our prospectus.
BCV Internships – What are you doing next year?
This course is amazing, it is challenging, rewarding, and it will push you in body, mind and spirit with time for reflection. Our Programming staff are excited to have the opportunity to work with the interns. They will be trained in outdoor activities (Certificate 4 Sport & Recreation, grounds, Business admin), first year diploma of theological study (5 subjects, diploma of ministry), and live with our team at the Anglesea Centres.
You are part of the Centres team and will work around the sites which covers all areas from cleaning, kitchen, maintenance, office as well as having a high focus on Outdoor Education. The program is set with a balance so there is time to do study, training and site work. This is a full live in position working Monday to Friday with a weekend roster, this will give you experience in all areas of camp and what a camping life style is all about.
Servant hood ministry is what we are about, working and serving others.
After the 12 months, you will be skilled in your area of choosing whether that is to take adventure activities, operate a kitchen, or do bookings, while having the confidence to work with young people. We believe God will empower you, change you, and give you more focus for the future.
BCV Internship Applications are now open for 2017.
If you are 18-23 and are serious in developing personally and professionally in the following ministry areas, we want to hear from you.
- Jesus
- A Mission Trip
- Youth Ministry Camps
- Leadership
- Outdoor Education
- Bible Studies
- Prayer
- Camp Life
- Spiritual Formation
- Life skills
- Missions & Ministry
- Doing life with new friends
Live on site at Camp Wilkin, get paid to study & work, and receive a Certificate 4 in Outdoor Recreation and 5 subjects toward a Diploma of Ministry from Whitely Bible College.
Give a year to God and get an experience of a life time.
Contact: Chase on chaseg@baptistcamping.com.au for a link to our online application and our prospectus.
Source: BUV News
Is old age the end of the road?
The fourth quarter of life can feel quite intimidating for a whole host of reasons, not the least of which is that growing older reminds us of our mortality. Having turned 65 in November 2015 I stopped fulltime work in February 2016 to take up a two day a week role with Christian Ministry Advancement (CMA). I approached my impending semi-retirement with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Excitement about what new opportunities the next phase of life and ministry may bring, but some anxiety over how I would transition from fulltime employment. At first I found having a few days extra every week was fun. I watched more DVDs, and am now a totally committed fan of the Outlander TV series. I have read more books and played more golf. I even got two pars in a row the last time I played. However, I struggled with the change in the rhythm of my working week. Working fulltime, starting and finishing work at a set time has a rhythm to it. Working for one day, then having a day off before working another day and then having four days off took some getting used to. Four months down the track I’m beginning to adjust. I can’t imagine what it must be like to be unemployed. I have also given some thought to what it may feel like to cease all paid employment. Who will I be when I no longer have a paid role?
In the past few months CMA has interviewed a range of Australian Christian men and women about their Q4 journeys. Their experiences of retirement vary enormously.
Retirement can of course be affected by ill health, lack of financial resources or a range of other factors. John records that “Until suffering a stroke in Jan 2015, in addition to family engagement and support, I was active in various personal learning, analytical, coaching, teaching, including Bible College courses, and consulting activities, including being part of 2 men’s groups and joint leader of one. Since then I regularly exercise in a health group, walk, read, study, sleep and participate in two men’s groups.” John says, “Earlier in my retirement, I was a member of the Boards of a Mission Society, and an evangelical ministry; a member of Church Vestries, Church Warden, member of Diocesan Council and working parties. I ceased institutional involvement because I became disenchanted with institutional unwillingness to act on the outcome and recommendations of studies and working parties. When those for whom you have worked ignore what you have offered, move on.”
Heather isn’t yet retired and serves as the CEO of the national Baptist cross-cultural organisation Global Interaction. She says, “My husband and I have always had a passion for cross-cultural ministry. However, I could not see what I had to offer in such a ministry. Eventually I just mentioned to my friends in Global Interaction that I/we were still interested but had this trouble seeing what I could offer and within 24 hours I had an email that outlined a position that was closely aligned to my experience and training. However, the bigger lesson was that once on field I discovered that there is so much that anyone can do – the big lesson is to be open and allow the Lord to use you!”
Bob lives with his wife Prue in a retirement village in New Zealand. “This is an opportunity for offering friendship to many and we do. Out of 330 people in the village we find that we have special relationship to about 20. This could be a full time ministry. I love to do woodwork projects in the well-equipped woodwork workshop. Most projects are for friends. Some are coffins!” Bob says that when they need a break, “We spend 50-50 of our time in Manawatu on a farm we have an interest in. This is spent volunteering conservation work. With 4 children scattered over NZ we spend time with them and with friends along the way. I have a continuing project seeking to upgrade response protocols for medical emergencies in NZ retirement villages. This has been an onerous and taxing research and networking opportunity for the last 3 years.”
By retirement most of us have a wealth of experience and wisdom that can be used for the benefit of others. In my first year of parish ministry in the Anglican Church in Tasmania I had the privilege of attending a seminar run by John Mallison. Among a great many things John shared that day there was a pearl of wisdom that quickly became a ministry principle for me: “Availability is more important than giftedness!” I came to see that what God can do the most wonderful things through ordinary people who are willing to make their time and talents available to him.
CMA is inviting those wanting assistance to explore their fourth quarter to sign up for a four step process at a minimal cost. The first step will help you to discover/rediscover your passions, gifts and personality type. Step two will provide you with access to wide range articles by those currently doing the fourth quarter and a number of other resources. The third step will direct you to a rich array of ministry possibilities both inside and outside Australia and step four will put you in touch with mentors to help you through the process of discerning what your fourth quarter could look like.
Q4 will be launched at a number of conventions around the nation in February next year. If you would like to find out more about the Q4 journey log on to www.cma.net.au/q4 or contact me on 0468605617 or paul@cma.net.au
Paul Arnott is the Executive Director of Special Projects for Christian Ministry Advancement.
Our BUV’s Second Half Ministry and Mission Group provides training events that catalyse churches to develop models of spirituality, discipleship and mission for older adults. To get involved, contact Ross Morgan.
By Paul Arnott
Source: BUV News
Is old age the end of the road?
The fourth quarter of life can feel quite intimidating for a whole host of reasons, not the least of which is that growing older reminds us of our mortality. Having turned 65 in November 2015 I stopped fulltime work in February 2016 to take up a two day a week role with Christian Ministry Advancement (CMA). I approached my impending semi-retirement with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Excitement about what new opportunities the next phase of life and ministry may bring, but some anxiety over how I would transition from fulltime employment. At first I found having a few days extra every week was fun. I watched more DVDs, and am now a totally committed fan of the Outlander TV series. I have read more books and played more golf. I even got two pars in a row the last time I played. However, I struggled with the change in the rhythm of my working week. Working fulltime, starting and finishing work at a set time has a rhythm to it. Working for one day, then having a day off before working another day and then having four days off took some getting used to. Four months down the track I’m beginning to adjust. I can’t imagine what it must be like to be unemployed. I have also given some thought to what it may feel like to cease all paid employment. Who will I be when I no longer have a paid role?
In the past few months CMA has interviewed a range of Australian Christian men and women about their Q4 journeys. Their experiences of retirement vary enormously.
Retirement can of course be affected by ill health, lack of financial resources or a range of other factors. John records that “Until suffering a stroke in Jan 2015, in addition to family engagement and support, I was active in various personal learning, analytical, coaching, teaching, including Bible College courses, and consulting activities, including being part of 2 men’s groups and joint leader of one. Since then I regularly exercise in a health group, walk, read, study, sleep and participate in two men’s groups.” John says, “Earlier in my retirement, I was a member of the Boards of a Mission Society, and an evangelical ministry; a member of Church Vestries, Church Warden, member of Diocesan Council and working parties. I ceased institutional involvement because I became disenchanted with institutional unwillingness to act on the outcome and recommendations of studies and working parties. When those for whom you have worked ignore what you have offered, move on.”
Heather isn’t yet retired and serves as the CEO of the national Baptist cross-cultural organisation Global Interaction. She says, “My husband and I have always had a passion for cross-cultural ministry. However, I could not see what I had to offer in such a ministry. Eventually I just mentioned to my friends in Global Interaction that I/we were still interested but had this trouble seeing what I could offer and within 24 hours I had an email that outlined a position that was closely aligned to my experience and training. However, the bigger lesson was that once on field I discovered that there is so much that anyone can do – the big lesson is to be open and allow the Lord to use you!”
Bob lives with his wife Prue in a retirement village in New Zealand. “This is an opportunity for offering friendship to many and we do. Out of 330 people in the village we find that we have special relationship to about 20. This could be a full time ministry. I love to do woodwork projects in the well-equipped woodwork workshop. Most projects are for friends. Some are coffins!” Bob says that when they need a break, “We spend 50-50 of our time in Manawatu on a farm we have an interest in. This is spent volunteering conservation work. With 4 children scattered over NZ we spend time with them and with friends along the way. I have a continuing project seeking to upgrade response protocols for medical emergencies in NZ retirement villages. This has been an onerous and taxing research and networking opportunity for the last 3 years.”
By retirement most of us have a wealth of experience and wisdom that can be used for the benefit of others. In my first year of parish ministry in the Anglican Church in Tasmania I had the privilege of attending a seminar run by John Mallison. Among a great many things John shared that day there was a pearl of wisdom that quickly became a ministry principle for me: “Availability is more important than giftedness!” I came to see that what God can do the most wonderful things through ordinary people who are willing to make their time and talents available to him.
CMA is inviting those wanting assistance to explore their fourth quarter to sign up for a four step process at a minimal cost. The first step will help you to discover/rediscover your passions, gifts and personality type. Step two will provide you with access to wide range articles by those currently doing the fourth quarter and a number of other resources. The third step will direct you to a rich array of ministry possibilities both inside and outside Australia and step four will put you in touch with mentors to help you through the process of discerning what your fourth quarter could look like.
Q4 will be launched at a number of conventions around the nation in February next year. If you would like to find out more about the Q4 journey log on to www.cma.net.au/q4 or contact me on 0468605617 or paul@cma.net.au
Paul Arnott is the Executive Director of Special Projects for Christian Ministry Advancement.
Our BUV’s Second Half Ministry and Mission Group provides training events that catalyse churches to develop models of spirituality, discipleship and mission for older adults. To get involved, contact Ross Morgan.
By Paul Arnott
On the Edge Part 03: How Democracy Is Undermined in the West
We live in a time of populist revolts which, among other things, are the result (or cause) of political instability. There have been ‘shock election results’ in 2015, the unexpected vote for BREXIT in Britain, the rise of Donald Trump in the US and of right-wing parties in Europe.
It is our conviction that the erosion of democracy in the western world is part of the reason for these political shakings. In the previous article, we look at the ingredients of a truly democratic society (which includes but goes much further than elections). Again, they are
1. Regular elections, free and fair;
2. Rule of Law;
3. Universally recognised human rights;
4. Independent, constitutionally-based judiciary;
5. Free and responsible press;
6. Separation of powers;
7. Balance of power;
8. Separation yet equal respect of church and state;
9. Basic moral foundations.
Yet, these important pillars are being attacked across the world. This is especially true of ‘free speech,’ which is being assaulted by political correctness and hate-speech laws. When free speech goes, democracy goes with it.
Here are some examples of the erosion of democracy:
Remember the Russian Revolution of February 1917? It was a genuine revolution with democratic aspirations. However, the revolution was hijacked in October 1917 by the Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin. He allowed a planned referendum to go ahead a few days later. To his shock horror, the referendum result was exactly the opposite of what he wanted. Lenin was not about to allow the Russian electorate to subvert his plans for a communist paradise. So he cancelled the results and thus began the Marxist totalitarian regime we came to know as the Soviet Union.
Though the European Union (EU) espouses democracy and makes it a requirement for membership, remember that EU laws – which are binding on all member nations – are not made by an elected parliament. They are crafted by the 28 member unelected European Commission. The EU Parliament either amends, edits, or rejects the laws. When EU member states have EU-related referendums which fail – no worries – they get them to vote again or repackage the legislation to help it pass. Combine this with heavy EU regulations and a vast bureaucracy, you have the choking, not flourishing, of democracy.
Even the birthplace of modern democracy, the United States, has been witnessing the deterioration of democracy right under its nose. Modern presidents, probably since the 1930s, have been using a procedure called ‘Executive Order,’ where they ‘order’ a course of action without the approval of Congress. These orders are not mandated or allowed in the US Constitution.
The modern US Supreme Court has been notorious for going beyond its mandate to interpret law in light of the American Constitution. Instead, progressivist judges have become de facto legislators. They did it in 1973 with the Roe versus Wade ruling, which made abortion legal in all 50 US states. While pro-abortion (euphemistically called ‘pro-choice’) advocates say Roe versus Wade gave women a ‘constitutional right’ to an abortion, how can this be when nothing – absolutely nothing – in the US Constitution even hints at abortion rights? America was trying to resolve the abortion issue, democratically, state-by-state. Yet, the Supreme Court came and short-circuited the whole process. Thirty-one states were immediately left without abortion laws. Far from resolving the issue, Roe v. Wade became one of the great battle cries of the continuing ‘cultural civil war’ and the most contentious social issue since the abolition of slavery.
Again in 2015, with Obergefell vs. Hodges, the US Supreme Court ruled that all 50 states must allow same-sex marriage. The American states were trying to work out the issue democratically, and the court came in and overruled them. As US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts said of this court decision, ‘The Constitution had nothing to do with it.’ Democracy was overruled yet again.
Whenever an issue is fundamental to society, the most democratic thing to do is have a civil, informed debate and then let the electorate decide. That especially true with the definition of marriage, a bedrock of society. In September 2016, the Australian federal government proposed a marriage plebiscite for 2017 to let the people decide on whether to marriage should be defined as an exclusive union between a ‘man and woman,’ or between ‘two persons.’ The leftist political parties are against it! To say that the Australian electorate is incapable of making an intelligent and fair-minded decision on this vital is an anti-democratic attitude. You may want to read Dennis Prager’s article Why the Left Hates Referendums (http://townhall.com/columnists/dennisprager/2016/06/28/why-the-left-hates-referendums-n2184036?newsletterad=0
When the press or courts or parliament or executive branch or the military or some or all of the above go beyond their constitutional mandate, then democracy is undermined. When that happens, political stability begins to suffer, too.
If we can return to true democracy, Biblical morality, a commitment to absolute truth, and a spiritual revival, stability is assured. After all, we will learn what Jesus means when He says those who obey His word are wise people who build their lives on the rock, not the sinking sand (Matthew 7:24-27).
There Was No King in Israel: Why Study the Book of Judges?
It was the best of times and the worst of times. The children of Israel, liberated from Egyptian bondage and dwelling in the land of promise, should have been enjoying the blessings of God, living under their own vines and fig trees. Instead, they faced cycles of backsliding, carnality, followed by repressive foreign occupation.
When they woke up to their sin, Israel called out to God, who sent them a human deliverer called a ‘judge.’ Once the judge delivered the nation from their oppressors, Israel remained faithful to the LORD as long as the judge lived. Once he or she passed away, then they returned to their old worldly ways.
This pattern, which occurred with nauseating regularity, is the story of the Book of Judges. This book covers a period of over 350 years from the time of Joshua the conqueror until the coming of Samuel, the final judge (who is first mentioned in I Samuel, not Judges).
There are some great stories of deliverance in it, like that of Deborah and Barak, Gideon, Samson, and Jephthah. Some of these judges are so noteworthy that they merit a mention in the ‘hall of faith’ in Hebrews Chapter 11. Yet there are some real scandals, like the Danites stealing Micah’s idols and priest and setting up the northern city of Dan on a foundation of idolatry. Years later, Jeroboam’s golden calf was installed here, the altar platform is still present until today. Even worse was the brutal rape and murder of the Levite’s concubine which led to civil war and the near annihilation of the tribe of Benjamin.
Great insights and lessons await you as you study the Book of Judges.
Hebrew Name
It is easy to confuse the heroes of this book with men and women, wearing long black robes and white whigs while pounding a gavel in a courtroom. The Hebrew name for judges is shophetim which translated means rulers, saviours, and deliverers. The judge can settle disputes, win battles, liberate and deliver people. After their military victory, they settle down to to civilian leadership, where they rule and judge.
Author
Anonymous, though tradition nominates Samuel as the author.
Date
Probably after Saul became king. The reason is that the Book of Judges uses the phrase ‘There was no king in Israel,’ implying that Israel had a king at the time of writing.
Theme
Cycles of reprobation and revival. The pattern was one of:
The Descent
Service (of God),
Seduction,
Sin,
Scandal,
Servitude (to foreign occupiers) – this is where they hit rock bottom
The Ascent
Seeking God,
Sanctification, and
Salvation.
This pattern is what happened again and again and again.
Portrait of Christ in Judges
In Judges we learn about Christ as Saviour-Ruler. As long as the judge lived, Israel served the LORD. Since Christ rose from the dead and lives forevermore, His people will remain eternally faithful to God.
Like the rest of the Bible, Judges does not do a whitewash of the main characters. It tells their story just as it was, warts and all: Gideon made an ephod in Oprah, Samson had ‘women problems,’ and Jephthah uttered a rash vow. Yet all of this helps to highlight to glory of Christ, who never sinned and is able to save us to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:25).
Judges serves as a reminder, if one was needed, how humanity stands in desperate need for a Saviour.
Key Verses in Judges
Judges 2:20-21:And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel; and he said, Because that this people hath transgressed my covenant which I commanded their fathers, and have not hearkened unto my voice; 21 I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them of the nations which Joshua left when he died:
Judges 21:25:In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
Distinctives
Judges is a real object lesson of ‘comparison and contrast.’ We see good and evil, light and darkness, faithfulness and debauchery, living side-by-side. While this may seem like deep dark ancient history, it helps illustrate the ‘last days,’ which Scripture teaches is a time of ‘contrasts,’ just like Judges.
• Contrast: God’s faithfulness to Israel’s backsliding.
• Contrast: A penitent Israel to a hedonistic Israel.
• Contrast: The faith of the judges to the faithlessness of the people.
• Contrast: The perfection of Christ to the flaws of the judges.
Outline of Judges
1. Failure of Israel to Conquer all the Land (1:1-3:34): Failure of Judah, Benjamin, Joseph, Zebulon, Asher, Naphtali, Dan. Angel makes announcement.
2. Southern Campaign: Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar (3:5-31)
3. Northern Campaign: Deborah/Barak (4:1-5:31)
4. Central Campaign: Gideon, Abimelech, Tola, Jair (6:1-10:5)
5. Eastern Campaign: Jephthah (10:6-12:7)
6. Second Northern Campaign: (12:8-15)
7. Western Campaign: Samson (13-16)
8. Israel’s Idolatry (17:1-18:31)
9. Israel’s Immorality (19:1-30)
10. Israel’s Civil War (20:1-21:25)
Logos Live 55: Breaking the cycle of poverty in Uganda
How does a Melbourne barrister feel being faced with poverty in Uganda?
Offshore detention inquiry a welcome breakthrough
Baptist Care Australia executive director Carolyn Kelshaw said Baptist Care Australia applauds the action of the 35 senators who supported the resolution for a Senate inquiry to examine the conditions of asylum seekers in Nauru and on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea.
The inquiry was spurred by the publication by Guardian Australia of the ‘Nauru files’ detailing more than 2,000 incidents of systemic physical and sexual abuse of detainees, humiliating treatment and harsh conditions, and widespread self-harm and suicide attempts.
“Horrific as the reports are, Baptist Care Australia is particularly heartened that the Senate has cast the inquiry more broadly than an examination of existing conditions, to look at possible solutions and amelioration of the current situation,” Ms Kelshaw said.
“Baptist Care Australia is particularly pleased the inquiry will examine how an independent children’s advocate could provide protection for the most vulnerable detainees; attempts by the Government to negotiate third country resettlement of asylum seekers; and additional measures which could expedite third country resettlement.
“These are all measures which Baptist Care Australia supports.
“The terms of reference leave open the possibility of the inquiry examining other related matters. Baptist Care Australia urges the Senate Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee to use this clause to examine what further action is needed to maintain Australia’s annual humanitarian immigration intake at at least 27,000 a year, the number to which the humanitarian intake was due to increase in 2015-16 after the Government announced a special increase of 12,000 refugees in response to the Syrian Refugee Crisis.
“With the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimating there are currently more than 21.3 million refugees worldwide, maintaining Australia’s humanitarian intake at the level that was proposed for 2015-16 would be a modest contribution to an urgent international need,” Ms Kelshaw said.
With the Australian Government under pressure from the decision of the Papua New Guinea Supreme Court to relocate detainees on Manus Island, the Senate inquiry must be used by the Senate and the Government to recast Australia’s unacceptable offshore detention policy.
Baptist Care Australia’s asylum seeker policy
Baptist Care Australia joins A Just Cause (an arm of Australian Baptist Ministries) in calling for an increase in the humanitarian migration program to at least 27,000 places a year and:
- A commitment to implementation of a regional resettlement framework as a matter of the highest priority, beginning with Indonesia and Malaysia.
- A commitment to finding a third country of resettlement for those currently detained on Manus Island and Nauru as a matter of the highest priority. The countries in which resettlement occurs should be capable of providing the refugees with genuine protection. In order to do this the resettlement countries should be developed countries according to the United Nations Human Development Index. If such a resolution cannot be found within 12 months of the election, those currently detained on Nauru and Manus should be settled in Australia.
A group of Pastors and Leaders from our BUV joined with A Just Cause, Baptist World Aid and Baptist Care Australia earlier this year in lobbying MP’s in Canberra, asking these same things. We continue to stand with these other Baptist organisations in calling on the Government to urgently fine compassionate ways forward.
Offshore detention inquiry a welcome breakthrough
Baptist Care Australia executive director Carolyn Kelshaw said Baptist Care Australia applauds the action of the 35 senators who supported the resolution for a Senate inquiry to examine the conditions of asylum seekers in Nauru and on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea.
The inquiry was spurred by the publication by Guardian Australia of the ‘Nauru files’ detailing more than 2,000 incidents of systemic physical and sexual abuse of detainees, humiliating treatment and harsh conditions, and widespread self-harm and suicide attempts.
“Horrific as the reports are, Baptist Care Australia is particularly heartened that the Senate has cast the inquiry more broadly than an examination of existing conditions, to look at possible solutions and amelioration of the current situation,” Ms Kelshaw said.
“Baptist Care Australia is particularly pleased the inquiry will examine how an independent children’s advocate could provide protection for the most vulnerable detainees; attempts by the Government to negotiate third country resettlement of asylum seekers; and additional measures which could expedite third country resettlement.
“These are all measures which Baptist Care Australia supports.
“The terms of reference leave open the possibility of the inquiry examining other related matters. Baptist Care Australia urges the Senate Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee to use this clause to examine what further action is needed to maintain Australia’s annual humanitarian immigration intake at at least 27,000 a year, the number to which the humanitarian intake was due to increase in 2015-16 after the Government announced a special increase of 12,000 refugees in response to the Syrian Refugee Crisis.
“With the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimating there are currently more than 21.3 million refugees worldwide, maintaining Australia’s humanitarian intake at the level that was proposed for 2015-16 would be a modest contribution to an urgent international need,” Ms Kelshaw said.
With the Australian Government under pressure from the decision of the Papua New Guinea Supreme Court to relocate detainees on Manus Island, the Senate inquiry must be used by the Senate and the Government to recast Australia’s unacceptable offshore detention policy.
Baptist Care Australia’s asylum seeker policy
Baptist Care Australia joins A Just Cause (an arm of Australian Baptist Ministries) in calling for an increase in the humanitarian migration program to at least 27,000 places a year and:
- A commitment to implementation of a regional resettlement framework as a matter of the highest priority, beginning with Indonesia and Malaysia.
- A commitment to finding a third country of resettlement for those currently detained on Manus Island and Nauru as a matter of the highest priority. The countries in which resettlement occurs should be capable of providing the refugees with genuine protection. In order to do this the resettlement countries should be developed countries according to the United Nations Human Development Index. If such a resolution cannot be found within 12 months of the election, those currently detained on Nauru and Manus should be settled in Australia.
A group of Pastors and Leaders from our BUV joined with A Just Cause, Baptist World Aid and Baptist Care Australia earlier this year in lobbying MP’s in Canberra, asking these same things. We continue to stand with these other Baptist organisations in calling on the Government to urgently fine compassionate ways forward.
Source: BUV News