The National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) today congratulated Liberal backbenchers for
announcing two private members' bills to reform Australia's system of mandatory, indefinite and nonreviewable
detention and restore access to permanent visas for refugees in need of Australia's protection.
"It's a simple issue. Should we indefinitely detain without review every man, woman and child without a
visa or should the Government have to justify detaining someone beyond the 90 days required for health,
security and identity checks?" said James Thomson, the NCCA's refugee spokesperson.
The 15 member churches of the NCCA believe that detention should be a last resort and only used for
health, security and identity checks. Australia's system of mandatory, indefinite and non-judicially
reviewable detention goes well beyond what is necessary and permissible under international human
rights law.
"The problem is that despite the suffering of those locked away indefinitely under the current system
neither Liberal nor Labor want to appear to be going soft on border protection. Yet there are now many
Liberal and Labor parliamentarians who cannot in good conscience continue to support 'the party line'.
When the Bill goes to parliament, they must be allowed to vote freely. This is a human rights issue and
one that warrants conscience vote.
"There has never been a proper public debate on the need for Australia's system of mandatory, nonreviewable
and indefinite detention. Nor have Australians been polled on the question of whether they
want a humane or inhumane system. Only whether they are for the current system or against it. If
Australians can't decide directly then we can at least allow their elected representatives to vote without
fear of party sanctions."
"This Bill is the circuit breaker we've been looking for" said Mr Thomson. "Its time Australia wiped the
slate clean and started afresh with a humane system of detention."
The Mandatory Detention Bill aims to end Australia's system of indefinite, unreviewable detention by
creating a system of judicial review for those held in detention for more than 90 days. Under the Bill,
unless a case is made for continued detention, detainees would be released on a bridging visa while their
protection application is decided. Unsuccessful applicants who cannot be returned home could also
qualify for release.
The Act of Compassion Bill aims to create the new position of 'judicial reviewer', who would
independently assess the cases of those in detention for 12 months and children and families in detention.
It also proposes that permanent residence be given to refugees with temporary protection visas and those
who cannot be sent home (conditional).
The 15 member churches of the NCCA have been equally clear on the need to grant all refugees released
from detention a permanent protection visa so they can begin to rebuild their lives instead of living in fear
of being forcibly sent home.
For more information contact: James Thomson on (02) 9299 2215 or 0402 67 55 44

Key leaders of Australian Churches, meeting in Sydney, have requested a meeting with the
Prime Minister, John Howard, to express concerns and request clarification of changes
announced by him to the Workplace Relations system.
The issue was on the agenda of the Executive meeting of the National Council of Churches
(NCCA) last week, following statements made by the Prime Minister and the Workplace
Relations Minister, Kevin Andrews, about their proposed reforms. The Executive includes
leaders from the Catholic, Anglican, and Uniting Churches, as well as 12 other national Church
groupings.
“We are uneasy about the bottom line in all this,” said the Revd John Henderson, General
Secretary of the NCCA. “If this is about Australia remaining competitive as a nation, as Mr
Howard has said, then it should not be achieved at the expense of Australian workers and their
families. The value of each worker is not as a commodity, but as a person, a human being, loved
by God. Our community has values that are more important than economics.”
“We would really like the Government to slow down, and step back from its apparent haste. We
ask Mr Howard to heed his own words to use the Coalition’s Senate majority ‘soberly, sensibly,
and wisely’. To rush into this would be to risk a disaster for everyone,” said Revd Henderson.
Australian Churches are among the largest providers of community, education, health, and
welfare services in the country, and have been for many years. They are also significant
employers in the so-called ‘Third Sector’. In some service and educational operations the
Churches employ more people than large corporations.
The National Council of Churches in Australia, formed in 1994, draws together 15 national
Churches in cooperation and partnership. (www.ncca.org.au)
--------------------------
For further information and comment, contact:
Revd John Henderson (02) 9299 2215 or 0419 224 935

The National Council of Churches has joined with the Australian Conservation Foundation to call for action from
individuals, 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

Recent news of the effects of the so called ‘Operation Restore Order’, (Operation
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).
------
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.

In a remarkable expression of unity across the church, the leaders of three broad networks have
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
--------------
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

The 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

The 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

‘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