JourneyOnline
There were a number of letters in response to the March edition of Journey. Those which the authors were happy to see published appear below. Letters to the editor should be no longer than 150 words and are published at the discretion of the editor. Please supply your full name as well as the name of your congregation or suburb of residence. Some copy editing may apply. Email submission to communications@ucaqld.com.au is preferred. Letters and articles are also open for comment at journeyonline.com.au
Dear Carolyn,
Thank you for your timely letter to the Prime Minister (Journey, March 2014, page 9). You spoke for my husband Arie and myself and many, many Australians who are also deeply concerned about the treatment of the asylum seekers. The total lack of compassion is frightening.
May we find a better solution worthy of our fine country.
Anneke van Klinken
Indooroopilly Uniting Church, Brisbane
Sincere thanks to Carolyn and Frederika (Journey, March 2014, pages 9 and 10) for your thoughts on the matter of the government’s handling of irregular arrivals by sea.
If only to challenge the widespread perception that the Uniting Church is the Greens/ALP/ABC at prayer, I ask the following:
Jesus is the friend of the poor; John Wesley urged us to go “not to those who want you, but to those who want you most”. Therefore, we should ask who are the poorest who need us most.
Are they the penniless refugees in an African UN camp since 1997 or those who can afford to pay US$ 10 000—three times the first class airfare—to an Indonesian people smuggler?
The poor, the widows, the children: these are Jesus’ favourites.
The 20 000 refugees we resettle each year should be those who need us most. Well done, Tony Abbott.
Stan Klan
St Stephen’s Uniting Church, Toowoomba
Congratulations on your informative March edition of Journey covering current critical social justice issues.
As Australians we are damaging ourselves by demonstrating a lack of compassion for those in our care. If we are to call ourselves disciples of Christ we are summoned in no uncertain terms by his words to be compassionate to all and especially the marginalised who have no voice.
Dr Brigid Limerick
Indooroopilly Uniting Church, Brisbane
