Media Releases 2005 (28)
Churches and Conservationists Join Forces to Tackle Climate Change
Written byindividuals, churches and governments to tackle dangerous climate change.
With support from the Uniting Church and Catholic Earthcare, ACF and the NCCA have produced a brochure,
Changing Climate, Changing Creation, which is being distributed this week to churches across the country.
“Care for the environment is a critical issue in our time. While we don’t understand everything, we do know that
human activity is doing great, and maybe irreparable, damage to our home, the earth. There are undeniable
links between environmental degradation and poverty, an injustice we are called to overcome, from
governments to individuals,” said Rev John Henderson, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches
in Australia.
“Climate change does more than threaten our environment – it threatens our health, our way of life and our
economy,” said ACF Executive Director Don Henry. “Global temperatures are increasing, placing untold
pressure on fragile ecosystems around the world and putting communities at risk. But with the help of
individuals in our community, of businesses and with political support, we can prevent dangerous climate
change.”
Christian groups elsewhere are getting active on climate change. European churches are lobbying the world’s
leaders in advance of next month’s G8 meeting and urging churches, communities and governments to take
action to prevent dangerous climate change (see the European Christian Environmental Network website:
www.ecen.org). In the US, Christian groups have also increased their activity (see:
www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2004/142/23.0.html and www.abc.net.au/am/content/2005/s1304756.htm).
The Changing Climate, Changing Creation brochure encourages Australian Christians to:
· write to or visit their federal MP and ask what they are doing to address the threat of climate change
· find out more about reducing energy and water usage and waste at home
· take action on climate change within churches and small groups.
Copies of the brochure can be requested from ACF at 03 9345 1131 or downloaded from
http://www.ncca.org.au/__data/page/107/05_WED_flyer.pdf
For more information, please contact:
John Connor, ACF Campaigns Director, 0409 935 044 or 03 9345 1176
Debra Porter, NCCA Communications Officer, 0427 789 410 or 02 9299 2215
Murambatsvina) currently being conducted by the government of Zimbabwe, has caused
consternation among Australian Church leaders.
At last week’s Executive meeting of the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA),
leaders heard reports from Zimbabwe of the misery being brought about by this operation, in
which whole urban settlements are being bulldozed. Sometimes this is happening while children
are still inside the houses, and some have been killed.
“According to our sources, a lot of trauma could have been avoided had the government gone
about this differently,” said the Revd John Henderson, General Secretary of the NCCA.
“Children have watched the demolition of their homes, housing co-operatives have lost their
whole investment, and many people are being left exposed to the winter weather. While we
appreciate the need for governments to regulate the affairs of their county, this suffering seems
to be unnecessary.”
“In consultation and solidarity with the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, the NCCA hopes and
prays the government of Zimbabwe will uphold the rule of law in all its activities, facilitate the
quick and humane relocation of people displaced by this ‘clean up’, and provide for their basic
needs in a permanent and sustainable manner,” said Mr Henderson.
On behalf of Australian churches, the NCCA, through Christian World Service, works with local
churches through its on ground partner the Zimbabwe Council of Churches to do local
development work. The funds to do this are provided through public donations
(www.ncca.org.au).
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For further comment contact:
John Henderson or Grahame Ellis on 02 9299 2215
International relief and development agencies of Australian Churches are working together to promote an
emergency appeal for people devastated by drought, HIV/AIDS and internal conflict in Africa.
AngliCORD, NCCA Christian World Service, Churches of Christ Overseas Aid (COCOA) and Uniting
Church Overseas Aid (UCOA) have launched an appeal to support those affected in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Sunday 16 October 2005 is World Food Day. As this year is the 25th anniversary of World Food Day,
supporters are encouraged to consider giving at least $25 to the appeal.
Food shortages are at critical levels in an increasing number of countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. While
the focus of the latest joint appeal is on Zimbabwe, Zambia and Ethiopia, each agency is able to direct
support in response to emergencies across the continent through the ACT International alliance and local
partner churches.
To make a tax deductible donation:
AngliCORD: 1800 249 800 or www.anglicord.org.au
Christian World Service: 1800 025 101 or http://www.actforpeace.org.au
Uniting Church Overseas Aid: 1800 998 122 or www.overseasaid.org
Churches of Christ Overseas Aid: 08 8212 4446 or www.omb.org.au
Details of the appeal are available on each of the agencies' websites.
BACKGROUND:
Food shortages and humanitarian problems in Zimbabwe have been greatly exacerbated by the
implementation of Operation Murambatsvina. The UN estimates that 700,000 Zimbabweans (including
225,000 children) were left homeless and destitute following this recent operation by the government.
AngliCORD, Christian World Service, COCOA and UCOA, along with 4 other Australian Church
development agencies, recently wrote to President Mugabe setting out their concerns. These agencies
will continue to do what they can to resolve the humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe.
In Ethiopia 8-10 million people are at risk of malnutrition. This is the fifth major drought in Ethiopia in just
two decades. In addition, a late start to the government's program to provide multi-year support to more
than 5 million chronically food-insecure people and inadequate resources to provide food and non-food
assistance to 3.8 million people have combined to create an alarming situation.
Zambian maize production is below previous levels because of prolonged dry spells, especially in the
major producing areas in the south, central and parts of the eastern provinces. Almost 50% of Zambia's
population is undernourished.
For details of other African humanitarian emergencies, visit ACT International: www.act-intl.org.
For media comment:
Alistair Gee (Director of NCCA Christian World Service): 0417 672 650
The Christmas Bowl program of Christian World Service/National Council of Churches in Australia has
extended its South Asia Tsunami Appeal to provide urgent assistance to the people of Nias and
Simeuleu suffering from the effects of the earthquake which struck off the west coast of Indonesia on
29 March.
International partner, Action by Churches Together, which set up a coordinating office in Jakarta
following the 26 December Tsunami, reported that more than 1 000 people have died and many more
are missing, trapped under ruined buildings.
An initial allocation of US$ 500 000 for relief efforts has been approved and emergency supplies of
medical equipment, food, tents, bathing kits, water purification unit and generators have been sent by
helicopter and boats. The airstrip at Nias was destroyed and a wide road is being used as a place for
small aircraft to land.
Army, police and survivors are trying to evacuate people from under the ruins of building and houses
– a very difficult process because of the lack of heavy lifting equipment.
Electricity and telephones were totally out and while some mobile phones could be used they could
not be re-charged. Travelling on roads is difficult because of the damage and gasoline is scarce.
Two staff members of Church World Service Indonesia have gone to Nias to assess the needs of
people still traumatized by the earthquake-triggered tsunami last December.
Contributions can be made via telephone freecall 1800 025 101, web
www.ncca.org.au or mailed to
Locked Bag 199, Sydney 1230. Thank you to all who have responded generously – please continue to pray for people recovering from the tsunami and this current earthquake.
issued a call inviting Australia’s Christians to engage in ‘40 days of prayer in the face of
drought’. The National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA), the Australian Prayer
Network (APN), and the Evangelical Alliance (EA), have joined forces to invite Churches right
across the country to engage in prayer concerning the present drought.
They are calling Christians to a national Day of Prayer on Sunday 24 July as the first of 40 days
in which individuals and groups would pray about the issues raised by severe drought. In a joint
statement, Revd John Henderson (NCCA), Brian Pickering (APN), and Tom Slater (EA) said:
“Despite recent rainfall, some of it above average, we think this season of prayer is still relevant
as the drought has by no means yet been broken, and its lessons remain. Along with the drought,
the floods that have accompanied heavy falls in some areas show our continuing vulnerability to
the weather, and our reliance on the most basic cycles of nature. Christians see all of life not just
in material terms, but in spiritual terms. Drought and flood remind us of our total dependence on
God. Reflecting on the present drought and responding in faith will include a whole range of
responses. One of these will be compassion for rural communities bearing the brunt of
environmental extremes. Another will be a greater sense of proportion, as we reflect on the fact
that in other parts of the world millions go without even clean drinking water every day.
Alongside prayer for the breaking of the drought will no doubt be prayers of repentance for our
wasteful use of limited resources, and prayer for greater responsibility and wisdom in the way
we use and manage our water resources as a nation, and address issues such as global warming.
Prayer reminds us not to take God for granted.
In this season of prayer we will join both with those still waiting for rain and those who have
recently had good or above average rainfall, turning to God with our thanks and our requests for
all of Australia.”
Resources for churches, small groups, and individuals, will be made available through the
websites of the sponsoring networks:
www.ncca.org.au
www.ausprayernet.org.au
www.ea.org.au
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For further information contact:
John Henderson (NCCA) 02 9299 2215 or 0419224935
Brian Pickering (APN) 02 9876 2419 or 0409 779 870
Tom Slater (EA) (03) 9890 0633 or 0438 335 640
Appointment of Alistair Gee as Director of Christian World Service
Written byThe National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) is pleased to announce that
Alistair Gee has been appointed as the new Director of Christian World Service (CWS).
CWS is the international aid and development agency of the NCCA, and has been in
operation since 1948.
Alistair has a strong history of coordinating humanitarian and human rights work. He has
been the President of Refugee Advice and Casework Service for the past five years and
has chaired a number of working groups of Church and Non-Government Organisations
over the past 10 years. He has experience lobbying at United Nations and Federal
Government levels on issues from international refugee law to foreign policy and defence
policy. Alistair commenced his doctorate in 2004 on international responses to
humanitarian crises.
Alistair also has experience as a solicitor, specialising in industrial relations, corporate
services and advising charities.
Alistair tells us that he is extremely excited about the opportunity of working with the
National Council of Churches and responding more fully to Christ’s calling to make a
real and lasting difference to people’s lives. He says he is humbled by the appointment to
an organisation with such a proud history and looks forward to advancing the work of the
Council and Christian World Service with all his energy.
For further information contact:
Rev John Henderson (General Secretary)
02 9299 2215
Rev Gregor Henderson (Chairperson, Commission for Christian World Service)
0418 770 622
National Day of Healing a Step in the Right Direction, says NCCA
Written byThe ongoing situation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in our country is a major concern to Australia as a healthy nation,’ said Rev John Henderson, speaking on behalf of the National Council of Churches in Australia. ‘In the face of this crisis each Australian needs to be willing to share in the miracle of healing. Eyes need to be opened, ears unstopped, and hands and bodies set free to hear and act on the plight of so many in our community’, he said.
‘The NCCA welcomes the National Sorry Day Committee’s change in emphasis to focus more on models of healing, especially through the National Day of Healing,’ said Mr Henderson.
‘Sorry Day drew attention to the pain and suffering caused by the damaging policies and attitudes inflicted on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples since colonisation.
‘Now that we know what is going on, we must respond as a nation through a culture of healing. The pain and suffering experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will not diminish until all people of good will acknowledge our shared histories and actively embrace reconciliation.
‘Until reconciliation is entwined within the fabric of our Australian identity, we will remain fractured in this land of promise and plenty.
‘Every day God calls us to be healers in the way we live our lives. Through the National Day of Healing we are especially asked to focus on issues of reconciliation in our country, examine our consciences, and ask what more can I do.’
* * * * *
Further Information:
Mr Graeme Mundine, Executive Secretary
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission
0419-238-788
Rev John Henderson, General Secretary
National Council of Churches in Australia
0419-224-935
Rev Prof James Haire, President
National Council of Churches in Australia
0408-632-092
Grave Christian Concern Over Increasing the Australian Military Presence in Iraq
Written by‘Do we need more troops in Iraq or a genuine strategy for phased withdrawal and genuine Iraqi self-determination?’ The Revd.Dr.Jon Inkpin, on behalf of the Decade to Overcome Violence initiative of the National Council of Churches in Australia, today voiced the dismay and deep concern of many Christians over the recently announced Federal Government decision to send an extra 450 troops to Iraq.
‘Whilst’, he said, ‘our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Australian military personnel wherever they are posted, and with the people of Iraq as they strive to work towards a just peace, those involved in the worldwide Decade to Overcome Violence can only view this increased Australian military involvement as deeply worrying.
The sending of more troops, we believe, is a backward step. It sends the wrong signal to the Iraqi people and to many others in the Middle East and wider world, and compounds the many errors perpetrated by the so-called ‘coalition of the willing’ in Iraq.
Indeed we fear that this step will take Australia deeper into the military mess and further down the road of geo-political mistakes to which the US Government appears so tragically to be committed.
This enhanced risk of lives and huge expense of millions of dollars in military action is but the latest example of the scandalous waste of money and human beings in the pursuit of a misconceived strategy.
After the recent Iraqi elections, what is primarily needed is rather a process of constructive withdrawal, strengthening and empowering Iraqi people to take control of their own destiny.
We further deplore that this decision has been taken so soon in the life of the re-elected Howard Government, when the Australian people gave no mandate for an escalation of such dangerous military adventurism.
We deeply regret that the Prime Minister again offers no apology for the misleading path on which he has led the nation over Iraq and we call for a statement from him regretting past mistakes and outlining the Federal Government’s strategy for Australian withdrawal and the self-determination for Iraq.
If this decision is genuinely to support reconstruction in Iraq, then debate over a timetable for withdrawal is urgent.
The NCCA consistently spoke out in opposition to the decision to go to war in Iraq and continues to affirm the need for a fresh commitment to nonviolent means of conflict resolution, and investment in multilateral peacebuilding at all levels. ’
For further information: Contact the Revd Dr Jon Inkpin at the NCCA Tel: (02) 9299 2215 mobile: 0410 583013
The Asian Tsunami has been described as the worst catastrophe in living memory. Indeed it is! Never has the world witnessed such anger from the Ocean. South East Asia has been a sea of tears.
The world came together and wept as they saw the images in their living rooms. The Tsunami killed a quarter of a million people and the counting is still continuing up to this day. Fish and all the living things contained in the sea were killed.
Houses and hotels were destroyed. Trees were uprooted. Anything that was within reach was washed away and the world was stunned for the Ocean came out with a vengeance washing away anything in its path.
All that could be seen were weeping men and women, children wandering around without mothers. Scattered bodies everywhere which were beyond recognition, and debris of houses plus hotels that had been ripped apart.
The grief was everywhere. If you walked into a room the silence was deadly. Action had to be taken immediately or else more bodies of the living would soon be history.
But despite the tears – aid started pouring in from most continents. North America to Europe, and from Asia itself and the African continent, as well as Australia. But the task of rebuilding will take years and the world is implored to still continue with the gesture of giving.
The Christmas Bowl program of Christian World Service/the National Council of Churches in Australia is working with partners affected by the tsunami on long-term programs for reconstruction and rehabilitation
Thank you to all our supporters for the generous response to the Christmas Bowl’s South Asia Tsunami Appeal. Please keep giving generously. Please keep praying so that our brothers and sisters can have courage and hope, and the strength, knowing that they are not alone as they continue with the struggle for re-building their lives.
Reflection written by Margaret Kanongovere
Give to the Christmas Bowl – give courage, give hope, give peace.Freecall 1800 025 101, www.ncca.org.au, Locked Bag 199, Sydney 1230
Further Information/Photographs: Colleen Hodge, Education and Communications Programs, phone 02 9299 2215/0419 6852 48, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Charlie Ocampo, International Programs, phone 0407 1527 36, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
25 January 2005
The National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) has expressed its strong sympathy with the Indonesian Government and people over recent threatening acts towards Indonesia and the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra. It has called on the Australian community to respect Australia’s relationship with our close neighbour Indonesia, and to celebrate the growing understanding between our two countries, and their respective governments.
The NCCA has close links with the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI), and with other Indonesian faith communities, through various dialogue programmes aimed at increasing awareness and understanding between the people of our countries and their various beliefs and practices.
The President of the NCCA, the Reverend Professor James Haire, commented, “We very much regret the threats some people have made towards Indonesia and its representatives here in Australia, and we express our sympathy with them. Christians believe in good order in society, as the Bible teaches. We call on the Australian community to respect Indonesia, its laws and its people, and to celebrate the close ties between our two countries.”
The General Secretary of the NCCA, the Reverend John Henderson, added, “Since the generous and humane response to the tsunami there have been increasingly warm relations between Australia and Indonesia. This is how good neighbours act in times of trouble. We grow in stature as a nation when we act compassionately in the best interests of our neighbours, and every Australian can be proud of that.”
For further comment:
Revd Professor James Haire, President, ph (02) 6273-8805 or 0408 632 092
Revd John Henderson, General Secretary, ph (02) 9299 2215 or 0419 224 935
More...
The National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) wishes to express its deepest sympathy and extend its condolences to the Catholic Community in Australia following the death of Pope John Paul II.
“Australian Christians will deeply mourn the loss of such an immensely spiritual and holy man, especially after his two visits, as Pontiff, to Australia”, said the Acting General Secretary of the NCCA, Graeme Mundine.
“Pope John Paul II was an inspirational and devout leader, who will also be remembered as a truly human man who led not only through his words, but also through personal example”.
“His Holiness was a strong advocate for the disempowered and disenfranchised peoples of the world and stood in solidarity with all those struggling for greater freedom and justice”.
“His Holiness was also a strong advocate for inter-faith dialogue throughout the world. His contribution to peace and reconciliation within many of the countries that he visited was renowned”.
“The Pope will be remembered as a close friend of the Australian peoples. During his visits here to Australia it was evident that he did have a true understanding of the Australian situation and fond love for this country and all its peoples”.
“In particular his visit in 1986 to Alice Springs and his speech to Indigenous Australians was a source of inspiration and great hope to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples of Australia, including myself, said Mr Mundine”.
“The NCCA extends its sympathy in particular to the Polish community who will be feeling greatly the loss of their fellow country man.
“Pope John Paul II was a respected and much loved man of the times and a great leader of our modern age. His impact on world events throughout the decades of his Papacy will be remembered for many years to come and the spiritual leadership he gave to Catholics around the world will be sorely missed”. Mr Mundine concluded.
For further information:
Graeme Mundine - Acting General Secretary of the NCCA
0419 238 788
Responding to Immigration Minister Vanstone's announcement that some detainees may be released, James Thomson, refugee spokesperson for the National Council of Churches in Australia said it fell well short of expectations.
"The devil is in the detail of Cabinet's detention decision."
"While we are happy that some of Australia's longest serving detainees may finally be released, the announcement fails to give these people a future, some of whom are stateless and literally have no country willing to accept them."
"It does not create any limit to detention let alone the three-year limit proposed."
"It does not provide legal protection for stateless people, which under international law should be granted permanent residence, but under Australian law are subject to indefinite detention unless the Minister grants a visa. The Minister's powers are non-appealable and non-compellable and there is no public accountability or transparency regarding decision-making."
"Nor does it create any clarity as to whom exactly will qualify for release. It may only be a minority of high profile stateless detainees, such as Peter Qasim, who has been detained for nearly seven years. It is the Minister herself that must be satisfied that everything possible has been done to remove the person before they may qualify for release.
"Those released have no access to permanent visas so will still live in fear of being returned."
"They will have no family reunion or right to re-enter Australia if they leave so will have to give up any hope of protection in Australia if they want to see their family members."
"Last, but not least, Australia's system of mandatory, indefinite and non-reviewable detention remains in place awaiting more entrants."
"On the positive side, at least some of Australia's longest serving, and most scarred, detainees will not just be dumped in the community on release, but they will have access to essential services such as trauma and torture counselling, accommodation etc."
For further information, please contact James Thomson on 0402 67 55 44
South Asia Tsunami Christmas Bowl and partners "in for the long haul"
Written byThe Christmas Bowl program of Christian World Service/the National Council of Churches in Australia (CWS/NCCA), and partners in Sri Lanka and India, have agreed they will be working together for the healing of people and the reconstruction of infrastructure for the next decade.
Volunteers from the Organisation for Eelam Refugees Rehabilitation (OfERR), based in India and Sri Lanka, have fanned out to meet with organisations and individuals in order to assist people affected by the tsunami. The initial priority areas in the proposed action plan include identification and management of hazards on return to home areas, ensuring drinking water quality and food safety, sanitation and hygiene, managing dead animals and debris, ongoing provision of supplies, prevention and management of diseases like chicken pox, measles, typhoid, malaria, respiratory infections, addressing special needs of children, disabled and older people, and safety of workers.
The Chair of OfERR, Mr S C Chandrahasan, has emailed CWS: “We thank our partners for their messages of concern and support received in the wake of this massive tragedy.”
Within hours of the tsunami disaster the National Council of Churches in Sri Lanka (NCCSL) began purchasing emergency supplies and local congregations of the Anglican, Methodist and Church of South India took charge of distribution to affected families.
Assisted by an initial grant of $ 50 000 from Action by Churches Together International (ACT), trucks with emergency supplies of food, clothing, water, water tanks, medicines and cooking pots, went to all communities on the eastern and southern coasts.
The NCCSL has also begun to organise training in post-trauma counselling. The Reverend Sumithra Fernando, Executive Secretary of the Women’s Commission said: “We weren’t ready for this big a calamity, but we’re getting organised and things are falling into place, thanks to the help of our partners.”
A core committee of church leaders is helping to plan the response and is working with government agencies to better coordinate efforts. Thousands of land mines have been washed loose. With over 1 000 kilometres of coastline laid waste, employment in the tourist and fishing sectors will take years to recover.
The new General Secretary of the NCCSL, the Reverend Jayasiri Peiris, said: “We’ve got to do more than rebuild buildings. We’ve got to rebuild a people who have been left traumatised by this disaster. That’s a process that’s going to take years and years.”
In India the churches have responded similarly. The Director of the Church’s Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA), Sushant Agrawal, writes: “Bringing relief by distributing material aid is only one way of addressing the needs of people. They also need trauma counselling - and we are trying to assist them in this way as well. We want to give people hope and strength for the future. We and our partners will do everything to relieve their lives.”
Given the enormity of people’s losses of those they loved, he continued, “Whatever we give them, no matter how much, it can never be enough.”
Further Information/Photographs:
- Colleen Hodge, Education and Communications Programs, phone 02 9299 2215/0419 6852 48, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Charlie Ocampo, International Programs, phone 0407 1527 36, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
A Multifaith Launch of South Asia Tsunami Appeals will take place at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, 15 Blackall Street, Barton ACT, at 11am on Friday 7 January 2005.
The Reverend Professor James Haire, President of the National Council of Churches in Australia and Executive Director of the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, will coordinate the launch.
Professor Haire commented. “In this time of great suffering and need in Asia, this multifaith launch is an expression of the importance of cooperation and consultation between faith communities, in the collection and distribution of aid.”
He added, “Cooperation between the faith communities is strong in Australia. In this launch, we wish to model that cooperation, for the Australian community and overseas.”
The participating organisations are:
The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry
The Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils
The Hindu Council of Australia
The National Council of Churches in Australia
Representatives from each of these organisations will be present.
Funds will be channelled through aid agencies either connected with, or chosen by, each of the five organisations - details are available from the National Council of Churches in Australia, www.ncca.org.au/ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./ 02-9299 2215.
For more information, contact:
The Reverend Professor James Haire: 02 6273 8805, 0408 632 092
