Bishop Huggins – ‘Mercy’ is the response of our common humanity.

‘Mercy’ is the response of our common humanity
A statement from Bishop Philip Huggins, Vicar General, Anglican Diocese of Melbourne

The Indonesian authorities have obviously facilitated, by all accounts, the remarkable rehabilitation of the two Australian former drug-traffickers.

Their own response to opportunities for rehabilitation further underscores the cruel folly of execution.

We recoil at the thought.

They are poised instead, should mercy be shown, to make some contribution to the common good.

Relations between Indonesia and Australia are complex and multi-layered but this is more than a matter of national sovereignty.

Our common humanity transcends matters of nationality and fosters co-operation, as we have seen over responses to lost airlines.

Here are two men who recognise the sins of their youth, as many of us do looking back.

They are seeking to redeem themselves.

“Mercy” is the response of our common humanity.

The prayer of the Psalmist is ancient wisdom, always true:

“Remember not the sins of my youth according to your love remember me, for you are good O Lord.”(Ps 25:7)

 

30th January 2015

From Bishop Philip Huggins: Australia Day amnesty for Manus Island detainees

Australia Day amnesty for Manus Island detainees
A statement from Bishop Philip Huggins, Chair, General Synod Migrant and Refugee Group, Anglican Church of Australia.

Australia Day is an opportunity to take a one-off and uplifting initiative: declare an amnesty for those now in the Manus Island Detention Centre.

Bring to Australia those found to be refugees.

The numbers are relatively small – something around 1000 men is the figure quoted in a world of 50 million displaced people.

Most have come from places of persecution and suffering.

Some have been detained for 18 months without there being a welcoming transition into PNG society.

Most are young and motivated to make a better life – just like those who followed the First Fleet.

The Manus Island arrangement is plainly not working. This is causing much distress, including to Australians of goodwill.

Australia Day is an opportunity to face this and take a positive initiative.