We can do better
We visited people across the Catholic community and heard their message to people seeking asylum, loud and clear – “You are Welcome”.
Australia’s treatment of people seeking asylum ought to reflect our collective values of solidarity, compassion, respect for human dignity, and our desire to do good – not harm.
When we offer 12,000 Syrians safe haven, we do good and honour our values. When we send people seeking safety to an unsafe environment on Nauru and Manus Island, we do harm.
We can do better.
The Catholic Alliance for People Seeking Asylum (CAPSA) calls for the government to stop putting people in harm’s way. CAPSA calls for better treatment of people in need, and policies that reflect our common values.
What I can do?
I can get informed
Confused about the facts? Find out where you can access reliable information including updates about what Catholics are doing in support people seeking asylum …
I can help
Looking for a way to help people seeking asylum in your local community? See how you can share your skills …
I can stand up for change
Want your voice to be heard? Looking for ways to speak out against the harsh treatment of people seeking asylum in Australia? Find out ways to effectively advocate …
What I am doing
Sayed is Afghani, married with 6 children. He made the journey to Australia on his own. His wife and 6 children are refugees in Pakistan. I also have 6 kids so his experience seemed both familiar and incomprehensible to me.
Carole
Sunshine, Victoria
What I am doing
I have come to see that my faith is concerned with seeking a personal relationship with Jesus and it is in sharing the struggles and hopes of my asylum seeker friends that I encounter Jesus and deepen my relationship with him
Peter Arndt
Brisbane, Queensland
What I am doing
Hearing people’s stories of persecution and injustice has helped me to see beyond media headlines to the stories of real people
Rita
Footscray, Victoria photo credit: Fiona Basile
Latest News & Events
This treatment of asylum seekers is unacceptable
On Migrant and Refugee Sunday we awoke to the announcement that around 100 asylum seekers, brought to Australia for medical reasons, were to have their income support stopped and their government supported accommodation vacated in 3 weeks. This is the first group and it is likely an additional 400, including 37 babies and 60 children, will receive similar treatment.
#FairGoForFamiles: A Campaign for Family Reunion
We are joining with a range of other groups to call for our greater access to family reunion for people who have had their claims for refugee status confirmed and are living in the Australian community. We believe families are an integral part of our communities and help people thrive in their new homes.
Read More
National Week of Prayer & Action
TAKE ACTION IN YOUR SCHOOL: 9 - 23 June 2017
After the success of CAPSA's National Week of Prayer & Action in 2016, we are again inviting schools to participate in this important act of solidarity with refugees and people seeking asylum in 2017. The week provides an opportunity for school communities to meaningfully engage with the Catholic mission to 'welcome the stranger'.
We invite you to participate in 2017 by hosting a solidarity event for refugees and people seeking asylum at your school between 9-23 June. We have provided a wide window to suit the greatest number of schools, as well as coincide with Refugee Week from June 19 - 25.