An Opportunity to Emphasise the Unity of the Human Family

On the 19 November, 2009 Pope Benedict addressed the 6th Congress for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees – the theme “A Pastoral Response to Migration in the Age of Globalization”.

The Pope greeted all present and expressed his appreciation, commitment and concern for all who work in the social sector, particularly supporting those who by their own free will or obligation leave their country of origin and emigrate to other countries.

He went on to say “the phenomenon of migration is as old as the history of humanity yet it has never before acquired the great importance it assumes today, due to the number and complexity of its problems”.

It now affects almost every country in the world and is part of the vast process of globalization. Men, women and children, young and old alike, are facing the drama of emigration, sometimes in order to survive more than to seek a better standard of living for themselves and their families. Great social change is underway that demand adequate responses since it is clear that there can be no effective development unless we promote encounter among peoples, dialogue among cultures and respect for legitimate differences.

The contemporary phenomenon of migration could be embraced as an opportunity for understanding among peoples, for building peace and development. Migration is an opportunity to emphasize the unity of the human family and the values of acceptance, hospitality and love of neighbour.

The Australian Government and many people are somewhat ambivalent about accepting people arriving by boat, people who appear to be genuine refugees in search of a place to start afresh. There are few gestures of sharing and concern for others, the emphasis is on checking them out. St. Paul teaches that Christians must be ready to listen to the word of God that urges us to imitate Christ, and stay united with him. This makes it possible to care for one’s neighbour without giving in to the temptation of contempt or rejection of those who are different.

I often consider my own great-grandparents who, following famine in their own country arrived here from Europe with nothing, as did many others who came to this country. In a sense, all Australians, but for the aborigines, are immigrants.
 
We must open our hearts to migrants and their families and recognize that they are not merely a “problem” but constitute a “resource” to be appropriately welcomed and appreciated for humanity’s authentic progress and development. Every man and woman may be regarded as brothers and sisters, children of the same Father. All human beings are created in the image and likeness of God and redeemed by the blood of Christ.

I strongly recommend that you see the film “Gran Torino” with Clint Eastwood.

Betty Roberts OAM
National Social Issues Convenor
February 2010

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CWLA Social Issues Newsletter April 2010
Click here to access Social Issue Newsletter, April 2010 (674 KB pdf)

National Consultation, Social Issues
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