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Marching for justice and peace on Palm Sunday

If you or your community are taking part in an event on Palm Sunday we would love to see and share your photos. Use event hashtag #justice4refugees, email photos to comms@nat.uca.org.au, or tag our social media: @unitingchurchau on Facebook, Instagram and X.

On Palm Sunday, as Christians remember Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, people from all walks of life will call for justice and dignity for refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia.

Palm Sunday marches and rallies will take place in capital cities and regional towns across the country as part of a long tradition begun by Christian Churches in the 1970s. In 2024, actions will be calling for justice and permanent protection for refugees.

Uniting Church in Australia President Rev Sharon Hollis encouraged Uniting Church members to pray for refugees across the world, and where possible to join in actions calling for a more just and compassionate approach to those seeking safety. 

"On Palm Sunday we remember Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey, determined to tread the path of peace. In marching for peace and justice we join his parade, following the one in whose Kingdom the marginalised find hope and home."
 
"We act, march and pray that we might become a more compassionate nation where every person who seeks refuge finds safety and welcome."
 
Also below is a prayer for Palm Sunday, written by Mark Brisbane in the Synod of Western Australia. This is the first in a series of prayers the Assembly will be sharing over Easter. Make sure you're following us on social media.
 
Below are the 2024 events confirmed so far. Check back as we add further capital city and regional events as details become available. Do you know of any confirmed events not listed here? Let us know: comms@nat.uca.org.au

National and Capital cities

Canberra
Sunday 24 March, 1pm
Permanent Visas Now
Garema Place, Civic, Canberra
Webpage here 

Brisbane
Sunday 24 March, 3pm
Palm Sunday Rally for Peace and Refugees 
King George Square 
Facebook event here 

Melbourne
Sunday 24 March, 10:30am
Palm Sunday Walk for Justice and Peace 
Parliament Gardens (cnr Spring and Albert Streets)
More information here 

Sydney
Sunday 24 March, 2pm
Permanent Visas for All Refugees
Belmore Park, near Central Station 
Facebook event here

Perth
Saturday 23 March, 9am
Perth's Big Walk for Refugees
Hyde Park, Highgate WA
Facebook event here

Darwin
Sunday 24 March, 5pm
Meet at Nightcliff Swimming Pool

Regional events

Bowral, NSW
Sunday 24 March, 2pm
Big Walk 4 Palm Sunday
Cherry Tree Walk, Mittagong Rd, Bowral
Facebook event here 

Prayer for Palm Sunday

written by Mark Brisbane, Synod of Western Australia

God of the oppressed,

As we journey with Jesus this Palm Sunday,
entering the city with a message of peace.

Let us join the procession, the protest,
with palms raised high, symbols of hope and resistance,
of solidarity with all those who yearn for freedom.

Unite our voices with those crying out for justice,
"Hosanna" - “Save us now!”,
for we are bound together in your liberation.

Disturb us from the quiet calm of injustice,
from our need for comfort and self-assurance
for true peace is not in the absence of conflict. 

Guide us on the path of justice,
help us find hope in a world made anew,
a world without fear,
where all people live in freedom, equality, and reconciliation.

In Jesus name,Amen.