Jesus Was a Refugee Campaign
These potent words were unveiled on the front gates of Clayton Wesley.
A crowd of supporters for our newest campaign that we hope will make people pay attention to the plight of refugees in our community.
During his Sunday morning service, Minister Paul Turley administered a pertinent sermon, discussing the importance of the Christmas message and how it relates to this important political and social topic.
Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt upon learning that King Herod intended to kill all of the infants in Jerusalem upon hearing a prophecy of a newborn king, he said.
Jesus, like many of the people who seek asylum in our communities, was a refugee.
Later that day during an official press conference, Minister Turley, National President of the Uniting Church in Australia, Rev. Prof. Andrew Dutney and the Moderator of the Uniting Church in South Australia, Dr. Deidre Palmer opened the campaign, calling for compassion and kindness toward refugees.
The leaders were among the first to tie blue ribbons to the front fence of the Church, a symbol, which they hope, will carry through to other communities in an attempt to spread the message of love and goodwill.
In a joint initiative with Uniting Communities (who deliver important social support and counselling onsite) members of the community are encouraged to come past the church and tie a ribbon to the fence. The Spire Community also hope that if people can not make it to the site, that they tie a ribbon on their fence at home; taking the campaign to the suburbs and wider community.
Those who use social media on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter can take part in spreading the word by using the hashtag #Jesuswasarefugee and are encouraged to take pictures of locations around Australia where they see a blue ribbon, in homage to this significant campaign.
All members of The Spire Community site over the next twelve months will work steadily to keep the campaign rolling and continue to raise awareness, including holding a community barbecue for refugees on Australia Day.
Keep your eye on our events calendar for more details.