Pacific Islander church communities pledge to work together for freedom

The NCCA hosted an ecumenical meeting on Monday 6 May 2019 which brought together Pacific Islander church leaders and the General Secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches, Rev James Bhagwan.

The meeting was held at the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney with Rev Alimoni Taumoepeau acting as Master of Ceremony.

Rev James Bhagwan called on Pacific and Australian churches to work together with regional governments to ensure the safety and security of islanders working offshore. Rev Bhagwan states, "Dignity and justice around conditions of employment for islanders working in Australia must be upheld".

"We pledge ourselves here today to do all in our power, within our faith communities and beyond, to work together for the freedom of all those who are enslaved and trafficked so that their future may be restored." Rev James Bhagwan

For the full address, read the Pacific Conference of Churches' article Time to end Modern-day Slavery published on 10 May 2019

Left - Rev James Bhagwan, General Secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches addressing the meeting.