Army gets keys to offshore detention facilities
Photo supplied by Peter McGuigan.
The Salvation Army has entered into an agreement with the Federal Government to provide humanitarian support services for asylum seekers who will be housed and processed on Nauru and Manus Island.
Under the agreement with the Federal Government, The Salvation Army will provide counselling, pastoral care and recreational and other programs aimed at supporting the welfare and mental well-being of those housed in detention.
Territorial Mission and Resource Director – Social – Major Paul Moulds says The Salvation Army is already involved in a significant ministry to asylum seekers through visitation to immigration detention centres and the provision of housing and support under the Australian Government’s Community Detention initiative. Today’s announcement, he says, will mark a major step forward in the Army’s involvement in this ministry.
“This is a huge undertaking for our Territory. We fully understand the enormity of the task and the challenging environment where we will work. Our involvement does not indicate that our Territory endorses off shore processing as the best or most appropriate response to asylum seekers.
“But, compelled by the love of Christ and moved with compassion by their circumstances, we cannot just stand on the sideline as vulnerable people suffer. Our history and our calling calls us to the frontline, and so we go to be Christ's ambassadors in these places, and in His name and with His heart to serve those who will live there.”
A number of Salvation Army personnel have already flown to Nauru and Manus Island to begin the work. Major Moulds and Secretary for Program Li-Colonel Miriam Gluyas will fly to Nauru next week.
The new ministry will require prayer support and the deployment of teams of people to Nauru and Manus Island to fulfil a number of social work and ministry roles.
“We go in the Spirit and name of Christ to offer a range of professional, compassionate and caring services that will make their potentially long stay in these facilities, more humane and liveable,” says Major Moulds. “We intend to put in place a range of services that will enable them to grow and develop while they wait the outcome of their protection applications.”
It’s hoped that The Salvation Army’s work with asylum seekers on the Manus Island and Nauru will open up opportunities to develop further work with local communities there, now and into the future.
Applications and expressions of interest for service on Manus Island and Nauru should be sent immediately to:
Major Paul Moulds
Attention: charlotte.james@aue.salvationarmy.org
THQ Social Department
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