Newsletter

In 1948, Alan Paton, a white South African, wrote a haunting book called Cry the Beloved Country which described the situation in South Africa under apartheid. In a truly prophetic book, he spoke of his dream that there would come a day when there was justice and equality for all.

“You are my friends” (Jn 15:14)

When COVID-19 began to impact negatively on all aspects of our lives last year, we questioned when the situation would turn around for the better. We heard a lot of predictions but in reality, no one knew when the pandemic would end. And we still don’t.

Kindness is a trait that is sometimes in short supply. Just think of how people interact on social media or while driving on the road. Think how children socialise at school or in the playground. Or how family members interact at home. How often have you witnessed behaviour that can be described as unkind? How often have you struggled to be kind especially when someone is mean to you? This week’s Majellan article examines the Christian call to be kind.

The shocking scenes at Kabul airport — reminiscent of the images of the fall of Saigon in 1975 — highlight the desperate situation many Afghans face following the unexpectedly quick Taliban victory.

In the 1970s, the Fraser government responded generously to the plight of the Vietnamese people seeking refuge in Australia, taking 15,000 refugees a year. In contrast, last week, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced Australia will take in 3,000 Afghan refugees.

In the final episode of Back in Time For Dinner, following the decade of the 2000s, Carol Ferrone was in a scene that focused on Australia experiencing a drought. Six short months later this became a startling reality. As part of this scene Carol visited Foodbank, Australia’s largest food charity and distributor of food to millions of Australians each year.