Recent public comments that may have questioned the prudence of permitting migration to Australia from Lebanon have been difficult to witness.
We, Bishops and Leaders of Christian communities in Australia from Lebanese and Middle Eastern heritage (Catholic, Orthodox and Oriental), stand firm with our friends and neighbours from the Australian Muslim community of Lebanese ancestry. The contribution of Australians from Lebanese background to building this wonderful, multicultural, multi-faith society has been overwhelmingly positive since the 1800s.
This is not to minimise the significant problems we face with acts of terrorism which are clearly condemned by both Christians and Muslims from the same ancestry.
We seek to emulate the success of Australian society as the world’s beacon in continuing to uphold harmony and unity between all faiths and ethnicities. In particular, we will remain resilient in building our ever increasing close working relationship with the Muslim community in Australia, hands bonded as one in a socially cohesive and rich culturally diverse Australian community.
Issued on 30 November 2016.
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