Asylum Seekers

It is a great concern about the boats travelling to Australia. Some are concerned that there are queue jumpers who are trying to take advantage of us. Others look at the small vessels which are hardly seaworthy and wonder how many more lives will be lost at sea. So should we show steely resolution or compassion? What is a Christian’s view on the matter?

 

The point of reference for this topic is governments. They are the ones who God has given responsibility to. In fact, in Romans 13 governments are given authority by God to act for all people groups. This means that they must make decisions and have the power to enact them. It allows for the government to determine who is a citizen and who isn’t, and who is allowed to enter this country and who isn’t. Border protection isn’t wrong.

 

We are told more though. Governments are to do good for their people (Romans 13:4) and to restrain wickedness (1 Peter 3:13-15). They are described as servants of God (Romans 13:4), so they out to show righteousness and mercy.

 

So how does this all help? Governments are free to deny anyone entry into their country. That said, they must do what is right, in particular to treaties they sign. The 1951 Refugee Convention which Australia signed places an obligation on us to accept those who are fleeing and are unable or, owing to such fear, are unwilling to avail themselves of the protection of their own country.

 

Moreover, we need to treat those who arrive on our shores humanely. Every person is made in the image of God and ought to be treated with dignity. They cannot be the stick to wave at others.

 

Obviously this doesn’t solve all the dilemmas of the people smugglers and the millions of refugees worldwide. What it does is provide a framework within which the government must work to make choices and enact them for the glory of God.