As our hearts ache that this happened. That this happened here. As we stand in strong solidarity with a shattered, grieving, yet courageous, resilient Jewish community. As we remember families that will never be the same - like beautiful Matilda’s. As we reflect on the worst and the best of humanity. As we celebrate beautiful … Continue reading A choice
Justice
Prejudice dressed up as protest
Pauline Hanson’s political playbook hasn’t changed in 30 years. We saw it on display again in Federal Parliament this week. Sure, it was a stunt. She will say it was a protest. But when it comes to Senator Hanson, prejudice is often dressed up as protest. In the Hanson world there is always someone to … Continue reading Prejudice dressed up as protest
A different chorus
Pastors who sing the MAGA chorus are warmly welcomed at the White House. Pastors who stand for the just ways of Jesus alongside immigrant communities are being harassed, detained, arrested and shot at. The power obsessed have never liked the courageous, humble, just voices of the prophets. It’s an unwanted chorus! “Do not neglect the … Continue reading A different chorus
Standing with Min
I took this photo of Min* and her baby on a visit to the India-Myanmar border. I will never forget the day I met Min and a group of other courageous, inspiring, resilient people who had fled from Myanmar to Mizoram. About 5 million people are now displaced in Myanmar and in neighbouring countries. There … Continue reading Standing with Min
The violence spiral
Tragically too many more will die today in a descending spiral.Women, men, children, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters.Bullets, bombs and bowls bereft of food will be among the weapons used.Political and religious violence will kill them.Fuelled by hatred, ignorance, fear, discrimination, bigotry, misunderstanding, attention-seeking and extremism. Most of the victims will be ordinary people. We will … Continue reading The violence spiral
Bridges not walls
“Take our country back” is one of the catch cries for tomorrow’s March for Australia. But here’s where the premise of the march fails. Yes, those that will march tomorrow are a part of our country, and they have the right to peacefully protest. But Australia is no more “their country” than a beautiful Nepali-born … Continue reading Bridges not walls
Double down
As I read the news of the world this morning, my heart ached and I was struck by how dire, overwhelming and chaotic things seem. As I was reading, the words "double down" kept echoing in my mind. They are not words I often use. But yes, they are words for me in a season … Continue reading Double down
Stop the horror!
Intolerable, unacceptable and unforgiving! That’s how former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert describes the tragic humanitarian crisis in Gaza. UNICEF reports more than “one million children are at risk of starvation. They are being deprived of food, water and medicine … It is unconscionable that over 45 children have reportably been killed in air strikes … Continue reading Stop the horror!
Refusing to be silent!
Robert Reich highlights that in a world of chaos, conflict, fear and injustice it’s understandable, that in our humanness, we may choose denial, despair or silence. Reich writes: “When most of us believe that nothing can be done, or assume nothing will be done, or think that silence is the only practical choice, we fuel … Continue reading Refusing to be silent!
Seeing others!
One of the most powerful things we do in life is to see others, particularly to see those who often feel unseen! Senator Raphael Warnock says “you can’t serve me if you don’t see me”. This week it has been a joy to be with Baptist Mission Australia colleagues in Cambodia, witnessing how they are … Continue reading Seeing others!
apilgrimpens 