Hope and health during Refugee Week

Posted in News

“With courage let us all combine” – this is the theme for this year’s Refugee Week, which runs from Sunday 14 to Saturday 20 June.

“[The theme] emphasises both the pluck it takes to flee persecution and establish yourself in a new country and the courage required by all Australians to build a protective and welcoming environment in politically difficult times,” explains Paul Power, CEO of the Refugee Council of Australia, the non-profit, non-government organisation who coordinates Refugee Week.

“Refugee Week is an opportunity to recognise the great contributions that so many refugees have made to the vibrant and diverse Australia that we all love.

“This year we are calling on all Australians to reflect on the great benefits that refugees have brought to Australia and to encourage our Government to stop the harm of our asylum seekers policies,” says Paul.

Individuals and congregations from Uniting Churches across South Australia have been active in offering support and welcome to people seeking asylum in our communities.

Hope’s Café at Clayton Wesley Uniting Church is one of the initiatives offering practical assistance to people new to Australia. During Refugee Week the venue will hold a special silent film event to raise funds to support refugee dental health and care.

The event will take place at 7pm on Friday 19 June, and will feature two silent films – Charlie Chaplain’s The Immigrant and Rudolph Valentino’s The Son of the Sheik. Wine, coffee and cakes will be available, and a live pianist will provide accompaniment during the screening of the films.

For further information about the Hope’s Café event and ticket prices, please click here.

UnitingJustice has information and resources for Refugee Week in 2015 available here.

For a list of Refugee Week events, please click here.

Is your congregation doing something special for Refugee Week? Tell us all about it by sending an email to Turn on Javascript!

 


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