Churches to Offer Prayers for Sh

Thousands of Churches across Australia will hold prayers for Shayan and over 500 other children currently being held in Australia's detention centres.

The announcement comes amidst an outpouring of emotion from the Australian public over the physical and emotion well-being of a six-year boy, who stopped eating and drinking after seeing blood pour from the wrists of a detainee who tried to commit suicide. Since then, he has not spoken and remains in a near-catatonic state, severely depressed and withdrawn.

"Since Shayan's case came to light, the Churches have been inundated with calls. They want action" said Sister Loreto Conroy of the National Program on Refugees and Displaced People "and are willing to volunteer."

"The minister does have the power to release these children, but has never made provisions for the release of both parents. And since it is not in the interest of the child to be taken from their parents and placed in foster care, they are rarely released. Its this 'catch 22' that keeps children in detention and it has infuriated Church-goers."

"The Churches have long argued for the release of children and their parents from detention. Shayan's case highlights why. Last year there were allegations of sexual abuse. Now we hear of children being exposed to horrific incidents. Children in detention are having the life drained out of them."

The prayer will be offered on Refugee Sunday, a national day of prayer for refugees on 26 August. Refugee Sunday is held by the 15 member Churches of the National Council of Churches in Australia, with the Roman Catholic Church celebrating Refugee and Migrant Sunday. The day of prayer is organised by the National Program on Refugees and Displaced People, the Australian Catholic Refugee and Migrant Office (ACRMO) and Mercy Refugee Service.

webmaster www.evangelizationstation.com