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
Position available: National Director - Frontier Services
The Uniting Church in Australia’s bush ministry agency, Frontier Services, is seeking a National Director to lead its mission supporting remote and regional communities across Australia. This is a rare opportunity to combine values-led leadership, national fundraising accountability and service to some of the country’s most isolated communities.National Director – Frontier…
This is my Uniting Church: Engadine UC
This is my Uniting Church Engadine Uniting Church ‘This is my Uniting Church’ is a series that delves into the stories and faces of our local congregations and communities of faith: the beating heart of the Uniting Church! In this edition, we shine the spotlight on a Uniting Church located in southern Sydney. It’s on…
Rob Floyd stepping down as National Director of Frontier Services
Rob Floyd to step down from Frontier Services The head of the bush ministry agency will retire from the role in late MarchAfter almost three years as National Director of Frontier Services, Rob Floyd has announced he will step down from the role following the next Board meeting on 31 March. Over the past month,…
Assembly's new strategy for 2026–31: Second Strategic Goal explained
The 2026-31 Strategy: Second Strategic Goal explained As the Assembly launches its new five-year strategy, General Secretary Andrew Johnson introduces the Strategic Goals – in this article, the second called Thriving Communities by Andrew Johnson, Assembly General Secretary In 2026, the National Assembly has commenced its new strategy for the period 2026–31, centred on…
Australia Day 2026 Honours for Church members
Australia Day Honours 2026 The UCA congratulates those members of our Church who have been recognised for their outstanding service to the communityThe Uniting Church in Australia warmly congratulates members of our Church community who have been recognised in the 2026 Australia Day Honours List. From compassionate doctors and dedicated Church Council members to tireless…
President's Conference 2025 in review
President’s Conference 2025 in review Gathering as pilgrims and partners in Tonga, Uniting Church delegates reflect on faith, friendship and renewal from the 2025 UCA President’s ConferenceWhen members of the Uniting Church gathered for the 2025 UCA President’s Conference last November, they did so as pilgrims and partners. Hosted by President Rev Charissa Suli, the…
Assembly's new strategy for 2026–31: First Strategic Goal explained
The 2026-31 Strategy: First Strategic Goal explained As the Assembly launches its new five-year strategy, General Secretary Andrew Johnson introduces the first of the Strategic Goals – Flourishing Faith by Andrew Johnson, Assembly General Secretary In 2026, the National Assembly commences its new strategy for the period 2026–31, centred on the vision Uniting in Christ:…
Rev Dr Paul Goh reflects on the President's Conference 2025
Weaving the Mat of Belonging In his first-ever visit to Tonga for the 2025 President’s Conference, Rev Dr Paul Goh unearthed many takeaways that we can apply within the Uniting Church. He penned this article upon his return last November.by Rev Dr Paul Goh, President-Elect, Uniting Church in Australia, and current Mission Activator, Mission Resourcing…