Female Christian Leaders Call for Stronger Australian Foreign Aid

A delegation of 48 Christian female leaders from 13 denominations will meet with more than 30 MPs at Parliament House today, urging the government to restore foreign aid to one per cent of the federal budget.

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Hope 103.2 News journalist Sarah Wiedersehn is in Canberra, reporting on the event.

“This advocacy is occurring at a time when humanitarian needs across the world are rising, yet foreign aid spending is decreasing,” she said.

Bec Wilesmith, co-ordinator of the Micah Women’s Network, said the call is clear: “We specifically want to see Australian aid restored to one per cent of the federal budget.”

“We specifically want to see Australian aid restored to one per cent of the federal budget,” said Bec Wilesmith, co-ordinator of the Micah Women’s Network.

The push comes amid unprecedented global challenges. “Across the globe, there are currently 61 active state-based armed conflicts – the highest number since the Second World War. One in six children live in conflict zones,” Sarah explained.

Unfortunately, it’s the most vulnerable who pay the highest price.

“Federal MPs will today hear about how much the Australian Church cares about the poor and wants to see more investment in foreign aid.”

Over the next few days, the women will take part in small group meetings with MPs across the political spectrum.

“Federal MPs will today hear about how much the Australian Church cares about the poor and wants to see more investment in foreign aid,” Sarah said.

The Micah Women’s Network describes the gathering as a flagship event: “This year marks the seventh time we’ve had the privilege of bringing a women’s delegation to Australian Parliament House in Canberra.

“Each time, we’re encouraged by the warm and positive response from MPs across the political spectrum, who welcome the chance to engage with influential faith leaders.”

The annual Micah Women’s Delegation represents denominations including Baptist, Lutheran, Uniting, Anglican and Hillsong churches, as well as The Salvation Army and World Vision.

Now in its seventh year, the annual Micah Women’s Delegation represents denominations including Baptist, Lutheran, Uniting, Anglican and Hillsong churches, as well as The Salvation Army and World Vision.

After prayers and a group photo on the lawns of Parliament House, the women will move into meetings with more than 30 federal MPs, with one clear message – foreign aid matters to the Australian Church.

The event is part of Micah’s Safer World for All campaign, which is gathering momentum as other nations scale back their commitments. The campaign calls for Australia to play a compassionate and active role in addressing global injustice.

“We believe this gathering offers a meaningful opportunity to strengthen relationships with our nation’s decision-makers and to demonstrate the strong support among Christian women for Australia playing a compassionate and active role in addressing global injustice,” said a representative from the delegation.

Visit micahaustralia.org for more information.

Feature image: Supplied (Beck Wilesmith, Micah Women Leaders Network)