The Catholic Bishops of Victoria have expressed their solidarity and support for the local Afghan community and their families back home in a joint statement released today.
Victoria is home to the largest number of Afghan-born people in Australia, and the bishops affirmed that ‘Afghans hold an important place in the hearts of Victorians, especially at this difficult time’.
‘We know there is deep concern from the Afghan community in Victoria for their family members and friends who remain in Afghanistan. We join with them in this concern,’ the bishops wrote.
While we recognise the limitations of the role that Australia can play in the context of this international crisis, and the complexity of the situation, we affirm that a just and compassionate response should guide our Government’s decision making.'
Bishops of Victoria
Image courtesy of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne.
'Our country’s involvement in the conflict should urge a just and compassionate response to the current situation now, and our policies should be person-focused, and adapt to the fundamentally changed situation.
'Families being able to be together safely should be a priority at this time.'
Catholic organisations, hospitals, parishes, schools and communities across Victoria continue to support those in the Afghan community through this difficult time.
Read the full letter on the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne website.
This article was originally published on the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne website.
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