On Mother's Day we seek to express love, appreciation, and gratitude to the role of women in our society, often unacknowledged, for their unconditional love, support and sacrifices towards others. As this is a time for celebration in many places it is necessary to remember that it began with women who sought to bring peace across borders and recognised the humanity of women and men impacted by war. As we take the opportunity to honour and celebrate the women who have profoundly impacted on our lives, we must face the truth of the great suffering that women undergo in our country and around the world where there is domestic violence, war, civil discord, famine, and poverty.

Feast of the Ascension

The scriptures begin with Theophilus being addressed whose name means the ‘lover of God’ of ‘beloved of God’.  It is addressed to all of us. Today’s feast, despite some views, is not about focusing on ‘heaven up there’ but on God’s presence everywhere and in everyone. By implication is not only about his presence but our presence. Jesus’ presence and our presence as witness cannot be separated. The disciples were assured ‘You will receive power’ – the power to love as Jesus loved; to be present with and be for the hungry, the naked, the powerless and homeless; the power to resist those who dominate, exploit and treat others unjustly; to give oneself for others; to persevere in the face of difficulty and opposition; and do things they never thought possible. This includes recognising a different agenda to the powers in the world.

This Bill, introduced by the Australian Government on 27 March, has passed the House of Representatives and is now in the Senate, where it has been referred to a Senate Committee inquiry projected to report back on 7 May. If the Bill becomes law, it will have very significant impacts on human rights and Australia's international reputation. It is also likely to contravene the International Convention and Protocols on Refugees to which Australia is a signatory.

Please email your Senators now and ask them to reject the Bill in its entirety. You can use the template provided or better still, use your own words. For more information and to take action please click HERE. Thank you.