September 18, 2015
The Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane has pledged to help resettle at least 100 refugee families from Syria.
Archbishop Mark Coleridge said the Archdiocese had more than 100 parishes and he would ask each parish to reach out to families trying to start new lives in Australia.
The South Burnett parishes of Murgon, Kingaroy and Nanango are all within the Brisbane Archdiocese.
“This is an extraordinary time and it calls for extraordinary generosity,” Archbishop Coleridge said.
“Governments can and must do plenty, but they can’t do it all. Communities like ours have an essential role to play with our large network that can help families through our churches, schools, and child care services.
“This is not new for the Archdiocese – we have done this many times with families in need – but it’s particularly important now as Australians come together at a time of such desperation for so many people.”
The Archbishop urged parishes to take in families “whatever their religion may be”.
He said parishes would be encouraged to help find accommodation for the families while also utilising the network of Brisbane Catholic Education schools and Centacare social services.
He said the Archdiocese was happy to play a role in any planning by governments and community organisations for the arrival of refugees.
Between 2000 and 2005, the Archdiocese helped to facilitate the integration of 800 people released from detention on Temporary Protection Visas.
The Federal Government announced last week that it would permanently resettle 12,000 Syrians fleeing persecution in their homeland.
Several parishes in the Archdiocese are currently hosting refugee claimant families including Muslims who have left their homelands. These families are supported by parishes through accommodation, food and education, including English classes.
