Coming Up

Death Penalty

Our annual Good Friday death penalty prayer vigil will take place on Friday 22 April at noon at Christ the King Church, Churchill Street, Graceville.  As we recall the execution of Jesus, we will take the time to remember those who wait for execution around the world.  We will pray especially for the three Australians on death row in Bali, Scott Rush, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran and also for Titus Ani, the Nigerian detained with them.  All are welcome.

Refugees

The Commission this week issued a release calling on the Federal Government to change its refugee policies which have caused so much suffering and injustice for asylum seekers.  The full release is available on our blog at http://cjpcbrisbane.wordpress.com/ The Refugee Action Collective (RAC) is holding a public meeting to provide information about the memorandum of understanding on the return of asylum seekers between Australia and Afghanistan. There are serious concerns that this agreement may mean that Australia will deport Afghanis back to danger in their homeland.   The meeting will take place on Wednesday 30 March at 6.30 p.m. on the second floor of the TLC Building, 16 Peel Street, South Brisbane.  Speakers will include Sonia Caton, prominent immigration lawyer, Dr Sara Davies, School of Governance & Public Policy, Griffith University, and Hassan Ghulam, Afghani Community worker, the Romero Centre. RAC will also hold a rally to express opposition to the policy of mandatory detention of asylum seekers on Saturday 9 April at 1 p.m. at Brisbane Square (across from the top of the Queen Street Mall), George Street, Brisbane

What’s On

Mar 27 Indonesian Women’s Emancipation Day – speakers, lunch, fashion and dance, 10.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m., Griffith Uni Multi-Faith Centre, Nathan, free, but donations welcome, RSVP to Wendy info@believingwomen.org.au or 3350 5802 Apr 16 Qld Nuclear Free Alliance Workshop – considering uranium mining and war games, CEPU Bldg, 41 Peel St, South Brisbane, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Enquiries and register at nuclearfreequeensland@yahoo.com.au Apr 17 Palm Sunday Peace Rally – Brisbane Square, George St, Brisbane (top of Queen St Mall), 2 p.m.

West Papua

The Justice and Peace Commission participates in the West Papua Solidarity Group in Brisbane.  The Group promotes peaceful means to address human rights abuses and environmental destruction in the province of West Papua in Indonesia.  Among the current areas of focus for the Group are the plight of political prisoners and illegal logging in the province.

The Group is holding a fund-raising and information night on Thursday 15 April at 7 p.m. at the Aspinall Centre, St Bernard’s parish, 4 Klumpp Road, Upper Mt Gravatt.

A number of films on human rights issues in West Papua will be shown and Budi Hernawan ofm, former Director of the Office of Justice and peace in Jayapura will speak.   Papuan students currently in Brisbane will also sing on the night. Movies include: The Tears of Mother Mooi (Mooi Sorong Moi)

Witness- Pride of warriors

Refreshments will be served.  Cost is $20 ($15 concession).  Tickets should be purchased before the day.  You may book your tickets by e-mailing em.fl@bne.catholic.net.au or by phoning 3336 9174.

West Papua Fundraiser Promotional Flyer for April 15 2010

Coral Sea Protection

The Australian Marine Conservation Society is campaigning for a Coral Sea Heritage park to protect this valuable marine site.  The Society can provide presenters to speak on the issue.  Simply contact the campaign coordinator, Daisy Barham at daisybarham@amcs.org.au or on 3393 5811.  To find out more about the campaign and to sign the Society’s on-line petition, go to What We Do?

Aboriginal Prayer

Aboriginal Prayer

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission (NATSIEC) now has a blog on which its prayer diary is posted.  For the prayer diary and information on current issues relevant to justice for Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders, go to http://www.natsiec.wordpress.com/