Uniting Church National Assembly response: Palestinian Visas
The Uniting Church National Assembly has responded to an election commitment by the Opposition Leader that visas for Palestinians from Gaza should be reassessed
April 24, 2025
MEDIA RELEASE - 24 APRIL 2025
The Uniting Church in Australia strongly opposes Opposition Leader Peter Dutton's election commitment yesterday that under a Coalition government, the visas of Palestinians from Gaza would be re-assessed.
We reject any implication of this proposal that people fleeing the horrors of war inherently pose a national security risk. Such rhetoric is not only without evidence, but risks fuelling racial prejudice, discrimination and fear within our community.
"We call on our leaders to rise above division."
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.
“Gaza is in the grip of war, occupation and catastrophic humanitarian crisis,” said Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia. “Its people endure unrelenting violence, the destruction of homes, hospitals and essential infrastructure, the injury and death of loved ones, and the trauma of forced displacement.”
“These people are not threats to be feared, but survivors in need of safety and shelter.”
“Australia has a moral, spiritual and humanitarian responsibility to those fleeing war and violence. We must not close the door on those in need or unjustly target an already traumatised community. Our visa processes are extensive and rigorous. What is needed now is not suspicion, but solidarity.”
“At a time when fear is being weaponised in political debate, we call on our leaders to rise above division. Please act with moral courage, integrity and compassion. Model a vision for a nation that embraces and sees the potential in every person who calls this land home.”
In this same spirit, such leadership must also confront the deepening divides we see in our society, including growing intolerance and hate.
“The Uniting Church has long and unequivocally rejected antisemitism in all its forms,” said Rev Suli. “At this time, we are also highly alarmed by the escalating rise in Islamophobia. We long for a nation where all people of every faith and background can live with dignity, security and hope.”
Since our birth in 1977, the Uniting Church in Australia has sought to be guided by God’s call to love our neighbour, welcome the stranger and seek justice for the oppressed. As Scripture reminds us, “You shall not oppress the foreigner, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt” (Exodus 23:9).
“When a nation closes its heart to the cries of the suffering, it does not grow in strength—it shrinks in soul,” said Rev Suli. “True power is not found in fear-driven policies, but in the courage to welcome the stranger, to stand with the wounded, and to build peace across every border.”
The Uniting Church stands in unwavering solidarity with all those impacted so immensely by war and displacement. We stand against any policy or political narrative that dehumanises people seeking refuge or seeks to divide our communities.
Further Reading
More news from the Assembly
Why the Uniting Church Assembly supports the March for Humanity
A call to public witness: why the Uniting Church supports the March for Humanity The Uniting Church Assembly has chosen to officially support the public event for peace and justice in Palestine, when thousands of people will walk across the Sydney Harbour BridgeWhy the Uniting Church Assembly is supporting the March for Humanity across the…
Welcoming First Nations Economic Empowerment Alliance
UCA, UAICC and UnitingCare Australia welcome First Nations Economic Empowerment Alliance The announcement was made this morning by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in a speech at the Garma Festival in Gulkula Uniting Church, Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress and UnitingCare Australia welcome First Nations Economic Empowerment Alliance as a step toward shared prosperity…
Celebrating 20 years of Uniting in Worship 2
Celebrating 20 years of Uniting in Worship 2, the Uniting Church’s worship book July 2025 marks 20 years since the publication of Uniting in Worship 2, the second edition of the Uniting Church’s authorised book of worshipThe month of July 2025 marked 20 years since the publication of Uniting in Worship 2, the worship book…
Uniting Church stands with global church for justice and peace in Palestine
Uniting Church stands with the global church in call for justice and peace in Palestine and Israel The Uniting Church Assembly Standing Committee has adopted a statement of the World Council of Churches Central Committee on Palestine as the Uniting Church’s official positionA Call to End Apartheid, Occupation and Impunity: Uniting Church Adopts WCC Statement…
Uniting Church Assembly Finance Roles Available
Positions Available: Accounts Officer and Accountant The Assembly is hiring for two finance rolesThe Uniting Church Assembly is currently seeking applicants for two finance roles. Accounts Officer Accountant View the Position Descriptions for both roles below. Applications should be sent to Assembly Finance Manager, Jazz Durrani: JahanzebDu@nat.uca.org.au To discuss the position details, contact Jazz on…
UCA President’s reflection following the NSW/ACT Synod
A reflection from UCA’s President Rev Charissa Suli has penned this reflection following the 41st session of the Uniting Church of NSW & ACT Synod that was recently held in Sydney by Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia Earlier this month, I had the privilege of joining with the Uniting…
Film screening: The Golden Chain of Mercy
Exclusive film screenings: The Golden Chain of Mercy Presented by the Uniting Church in Australia in partnership with the Armenian Missionary Association of Australia and co-hosted with United Theological College and Pitt Street Uniting ChurchA ground-breaking documentary reveals the untold story of the Australian and New Zealand connection to the Armenian genocide All are invited…
President calls on Government to support nuclear disarmament
Uniting Church President calls on the Government to support nuclear disarmament Ahead of the 80th anniversaries of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, President Rev Charissa Suli has written urging the Australian Government to urgently sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear WeaponsOn 6 and 9 August 2025, the world will commemorate 80…