Dear Friends,

It is the role of the disciple to rise up when oppression and suffering is occurring, using our voice to assist those without. In our nation today, neighbours who knocked on our door asking for help are living in conditions we would not wish upon our enemy, and we as followers of Christ cannot sit by without action.

Attached is a statement from the Australia Mission Centre Leadership Team about the current humanitarian crisis on Manus Island.

I encourage you to share it with neighbours, friends, politicians and business leaders to join together with thousands of others in protest.

Doctrine and Covenants 163:4a reminds us that “God, the Eternal Creator, weeps for the poor, displaced, mistreated, and diseased of the world because of their unnecessary suffering. Such conditions are not God’s will. Open your ears to hear the pleading of mothers and fathers in all nations who desperately seek a future of hope for their children. Do not turn away from them. For in their welfare resides your welfare.”

Let us join together in this mission as one people in love and compassion.

Ben Smith, President, Australia Mission Centre