NZ Christian leaders, groups call for Gaza humanitarian visas

The letter from Christians United for Refuge was signed by leaders from Anglican, Baptist, Presbyterian, Catholic, Quaker, non-denominational and Methodist churches, and leaders from organisations and groups such as Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, Student Christian Movements and Te Mīhana Māori.

The letter’s delivery to Parliament coincided with nationwide Gaza ceasefire pilgrimages.

The pilgrimages each involved praying at the arrivals terminals of international airports in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington, in the hope that one day those doors would open to families of Palestinians in Gaza. 

On Ash Wednesday, the letter was presented to MP Phil Twyford, who was joined by six other Members of Parliament. 

Minister for Immigration Erica Stanford and Associate Minister for Immigration Chris Penk were invited to receive the letter, but both declined the invitation.

The letter stated that, in partnership with Australian Church leaders, “we are calling on our respective governments to help families reunite and find safety”.

Three actions were listed as to how this should be done.

Firstly, by “granting immediate emergency humanitarian visas to Palestinians in Gaza who have family in New Zealand”.

Secondly, by “providing sustained diplomatic pressure on the Israeli government to allow visa-holders to safely evacuate from Gaza and humanitarian aid to freely enter”.

And thirdly by “providing robust resettlement assistance once these families arrive in New Zealand”.

“Together in Christ, united across the breadth of the Church, we stand for compassion,” the letter stated.

“Our governments must speak and act boldly to help families in Gaza to safely reunite with their loved ones in Aotearoa. Open the way!”

Among the Catholic signatories were Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand chief executive Mena Antonio and Dr Susan Healy for Pax Christi Aotearoa. Retired Palmerston North Bishop Peter Cullinane, Msgr Gerard Burns from Wellington and Deacon Sanele Poluleuligaga from South Auckland were also signed the letter.

A similar open letter to the New Zealand Government last year noted that some 300-400 individuals in Gaza have existing family connections in New Zealand, making them eligible for a visa similar to the one granted to Ukrainian families in 2022.

New Zealand’s humanitarian response to Ukrainian and Afghan families has set a precedent, the 2024 letter stated.

FULL STORY

Christians United for Refuge Aotearoa – Aotearoa Christians for Peace in Palestine (Christians United for Refuge Aotearoa)

PRESS RELEASE: Beginning of Lent sees 100 Christian leaders present open letter for humanitarian visas, group complete pilgrimage to international airports – Aotearoa Christians for Peace in Palestine (Press Release)

Visas for Gaza Open Letter (2024 Open Letter)