World Refugee Day

Online Ecumenical Service

While the NCCA prepared to begin their 11th National Forum in Adelaide, members of the Australian Churches Refugee Taskforce (ACRT) were delivering an online ecumenical service for Refugee Week.

The service was planned by ACRT members, Peter Arndt (Director, Office for Justice, Ecology and Peace, Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service), Rev Deacon Sandy Boyce (Victorian Council of Churches), and Major Karen Elkington (Salvation Army Asylum Seekers Support Services).  It included prayers, shared experiences by those who have been refugees, music and readings. 

The theme chosen was the Refugee Week theme: Finding Freedom: Family. 

The NCCA will be happy to share the recording of the service once it is finalised. However in the meantime, we share with you the Address to the ACRT by Most Reverend Vincent Long OFM Conv DD SSTL, Bishop of Parramatta and Chair of the Australian Bishops' Commission for Social Justice, published in Catholic Outlook recently.

"We are challenged to be an alternative community of mercy, inclusion and neighbourliness." Says Bishop Vincent

"As Christians....We are inspired to be a kinder, more inclusive, more caring alternative society under God’s rule."

Read the full address:  Bishop Vincent’s address to World Refugee Day prayer service: “As you did to the least of these, you did unto me”   | Catholic Outlook | 25 June 2024  

Australian Churches Refugee Taskforce (ACRT) is an activity of the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA).    

We believe our faith calls us to welcome the stranger and care for the people who find themselves displaced, marginalised or homeless, and those in need of protection. We want to see a compassionate and generous response to welcoming refugees into Australia. 

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