If these sentiments seem inconsistent with Australia’s offshore processing and detention of asylum seekers, it’s worth noting that many of us prefer Prime Minister Tony Abbott, a self-confessed “very imperfect Catholic”, to keep his faith at a similar distance from his political decisions. In his maiden speech to federal parliament six years ago, Morrison proclaimed:įrom my faith I derive the values of loving kindness, justice and righteousness, to act with compassion and kindness, acknowledging our common humanity and to consider the welfare of others to fight for a fair go for everyone to fulfil their human potential and to remove whatever unjust obstacles stand in their way … Desmond Tutu put it this way: ‘We expect Christians … to stand up for the truth, to stand up for justice, to stand on the side of the poor and the hungry, the homeless and the naked, and when that happens, then Christians will be trustworthy believable witnesses.’ These are my principles. Like the Amnesty International badge–wearing Philip Ruddock before him, the immigration minister considers himself compassionate. One of his two young daughters is carrying a large parcel. The previous week, Pastor Alison had encouraged them to bring Christmas presents for children who are living with their mothers in a local women’s shelter and in detention at Villawood.Īmong the congregation, and looking like any modern dad in shorts and loafers, is the local federal MP, the immigration minister Scott Morrison.
Most of the worshippers are bearing gifts. Dressed in tailored jacket and jeans, he says of his congregation: “We’re the United Nations!” He recently moved from Perth with fellow pastor Alison and their children. The diversity at this Pentecostal Christian church is embodied by its energetic new senior pastor, Brad Bonhomme, a South African of Mauritian descent. Some are dressed in designer labels others boast a range of tattoos, even the odd Southern Cross. Among the predominantly blonde and grey heads, there are large numbers of Islanders, Asians and Africans. The smiling families who drift into Shirelive Church defy stereotypes offered by “reality” shows like Sylvania Waters and The Shire, not to mention images from real events such as the 2005 Cronulla riots.
It’s an overcast Sunday morning in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire, ten days before Christmas.
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