Catholic Church Influence On Australia

Refugees are “forced to flee (their) country because of persecution, war, or violence. A refugee has a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group.” As the Catholic faith is one of the largest groupings of religion within Australia, the Catholic Church impacts the Australian society’s view on the refugee crisis, through the active role of the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office, through biblical readings read at churches and schools and through Catholic charities like St Vincent de Paul.

A major influence on Australian society is the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office, who “dedicate (their) efforts towards the acceptance and

ACMRO follows the bible passage of Leviticus 19:33-34. Leviticus states “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” The Catholic Church and ACMRO use this passage to influence Australia to put an end to the refugee crisis. The Catholic Church and ACMRO, believe that Australia must take lead to look for international solutions, not only to stop people smuggling, but also to find homes for people who are deeply suffering and offer hope to refugees around the world who are currently suffering. For many years Australian, Catholic Churches and ACMRO have looked at the refugee and asylum seeker policies and concluded that they are not morally or ethically right in accordance to the Catholic Social Teachings. The Church believes that the Australian policies and the governments in Australia, aren’t ethically right, this is something that ACMRO

St Vincent De Pauls, intends on helping thousands of people who have left their home countries, to take refuge in Australia, due to war, persecution or violence. St Vincent De Pauls believes that “(Australia is) fortunate enough to be a wealthy country, with the ability to welcome many of the people who seek safety (in Australia), and in turn (Australia) benefit(s) enormously from their skills, perspectives and experiences.” Since 1833, the St Vincent de Paul Society has had a significant impact on the Australian community. Their mission is “to live the gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice, hope and joy, and by working to shape a more just and compassionate society.” They strive to achieve their mission by, helping and providing services to asylum seekers and refugees. St Vincent de Pauls Society is a voice for refugees to the Australian government. St Vincent de Pauls are regularly featured on national radio stations and in the news where they influence Australia on their view and the Catholic Church’s view on the national epidemic regarding refugees and asylum seekers. St Vincent de Pauls has been established for over 150 years, therefore they would have a well-respected influence on Australian society, regarding the refugee