Letters: Think of what the Lord's Prayer says

Sydney
10 February 2002

Archbishop steps into fray over detainees

Worldwide theology video link

Archbishop clarifies divorce ban claims

New heads for 23 Sydney schools

Praise for Catholic Women's League as it launches 'into deep'

Archbishop: Red Mass is a reminder of 'different truth'

Like 'white Australia' policy - bishop

Woomera 'concentration camp'

Welfare groups offer care for children

Ecumenical study programs for Lent

Vietnamese New Year Mass

Editorial: Time for a 'fair go'?

Letters: Think of what the Lord's Prayer says

Conversation: Youth, mission and a 'call to sainthood' - Selina Hasham, World Youth Day co-ordinator

Reflections: In the steps of the Good Samaritan

Pope John Paul II: pilgrimage of peace

As one in hope

Lent: Words of Jesus 'ring out for us today'

No school, no running water for the folk who live in this not so super Dome

Inspirations: Would-be pilgrims' progress

Letters: Think of what the Lord's Prayer says

Is Geoff Mongan (Biblical Precedent, Letters, CW 27/1) aware that we have just finished celebrating a Christian holiday namely Christmas. Yes, Mary and Joseph with baby Jesus were refugees! Thank God, Egypt accepted them. I doubt that they had any papers to prove that they escaped to save the life of their son, Jesus.
Without Jesus there would not be any Christians, indeed no Catholic Weekly for Mr Mongan to write to.
Australia would not be a Christian country, our politicians would not have a Bible to swear on when they take office. Our parliament would not open the session with the Lord's Prayer.
Mr Mongan, please pray the Lord's Prayer slowly and think of what the prayer says to us. I hope this would soften your heart somewhat.
R Vogel
Kempsey, NSW

NO SAMARITAN!
I do not accept that the Government's policy on refugees has any great similarity to the parable of the Good Samaritan (Biblical Precedent, Letters, CW 27/1).
The Government's initial response to those seeking refuge and a better way of life in Australia - eg boat people, the Tampa - was, and still is, a clear message: 'No, we don't want you', as compared with the immediate and com passionate response of the Good Samaritan, who cared for the injured stranger as soon as the need was recognised.
The right to disapprove of government actions is fundamental in democratic countries, irrespective of how much money is given to charity.
If we could put ourselves in other people's situations, and act accordingly, we may become a more humane and respected society.
B Introna
Erina, NSW

SENSITIVITIES
The response of Immigration Minister Ruddock to reports that people at the Woomera Detention Centre had sewn their lips together to draw attention to their situation was that "lip sewing is a practice unknown in our culture …. something that offends the sensitivities of Australians".
Of course, it is unknown in our culture. We live in a land of milk and honey where most of us live comfortable, uninhibited lives with no need to take such measures.
What "offends the sensit ivities" are the Government's continued callous treatment of our fellow human beings and its hardline refugee policies.
What would Jesus' response be to the refugees arriving on our doorstep?
Kevin Bryson,
Strathfield, NSW

MUSLIM COUNTRIES?
Why don't the Muslim asylum seekers seek asylum in Muslim countries instead of Christian countries?
W Kline
Chippendale, NSW

STRONG SUPPORT
I was so pleased to hear strong words of support from Archbishop Pell for the asylum seekers.
How can we as Australians allow this treatment of innocent children to occur in our own country, or in surrounding countries.
History will not be kind to us if we don't proudly treat these innocent refugees with love, kindness and respect.
As Archbishop Pell put it so eloquently, these people have fled from "enemies who are our enemies".
Terence Gimpel
Palm Beach, Qld

AGAINST THE GOSPEL
Our Government's current approach (which seems to have majority public support) is to treat boat people as 'illegals' and, therefore, as criminals deserving incarceration.
This is clearly an issue of public morality about which the churches have every right to speak with confidence and commitment.
It seems to me that the Government's approach is 'utilitarian' in that it seeks the best outcome for the majority of its citizens. The bulk of citizens want secure borders and control of entry to Australia by foreigners, at almost any cost.
As a Christian, though, I believe the policy exhibits a hardness of heart that runs totally against Gospel values: priority for the wretched and a hand to the stranger.
We should ask ourselves what Jesus would do - the Jesus who said of his flock: "I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly" (Jn 10:10). I don't think he would forcibly incarcerate these wretched people behind barbed wire in desolate and inaccessible places.
Barry Blake
Waverley, NSW

FIRST COLLECTION
Why is it the general practice to hide the first collection in some insignificant spot in the church?
At Ashfield, the first collection is placed in its rightful place - at the outside corner of the altar. Immediately it is placed there, the parish priest thanks parishioners for their generous offerings.
As a parishioner, this makes me feel good and gives added value to the purpose of the collection. But why has it become the practice to hide the offertory collection?
Can someone enlighten me, please.
Jack O'Regan
Ashfield, NSW

MEAGRE ALLOCATION
According to the itinerary of the national pilgrimage of the relics of St Therese of Lisieux (February 1-April 30), the relics will be in St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney, for less than one day, April 7.
On the same day they will also be in Parramatta Diocese.
Other dioceses and archdioceses, will have the relics for up to eight days (Perth).
I don't imagine that the devotion of Sydney Catholics to St Therese, traditionally one of the three patrons of Australia and certainly one of the best known saints, is any less than elsewhere.
As six days have been allocated to Melbourne I don't imagine that the present Archbishop of Sydney, its former ordinary, is responsible for the meagre allocation of time to Sydney.
F R L Carleton
Kensington, NSW