Jesuit Social Services and Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS Australia) co-convene the Catholic Alliance for People Seeking Asylum (CAPSA) — a unified national network campaigning for the just and humane treatment of people seeking asylum in Australia, founded in 2013. CAPSA is supported by an advisory group of representatives from Australian Catholic organisations working to promote social justice.
How does the program help?
Australia’s treatment of people seeking asylum ought to reflect our collective values of solidarity, compassion, respect for human dignity, and our desire to do good – not harm. When we commit to welcoming people who are fleeing persecution, we do good and honour our values. When imprison people seeking safety and deprive them of what is necessary for life, we do harm. We can do better.
The Catholic Alliance for People Seeking Asylum:
- advocates to government to ensure the safety and wellbeing of people who have sought asylum in Australia, through just processes and attention to basic needs
- connects and strengthens existing voices for compassion by sharing resources, ideas and inspiration
- links in with and supports those who want to be more active through advocacy
Our actions include events, vigils, forums and workshops. CAPSA also organises an annual National Week of Prayer and Action for Catholic schools, parishes, groups and organisations around Australia.
How does the program work?
Why CAPSA?
Compassion for the stranger who has fallen on hard times is at the heart of Jesus’ life and message. Pope Francis has made care for people seeking asylum central for the Catholic community. He has visited camps, begged for refugees to be given a home and prayed at places where they have suffered. We hope to shape a Catholic community united in this kind of compassion.
How do we work?
We offer a unifying national network that connects and strengthens existing voices for compassion by sharing resources, ideas and inspiration.
We link in with and support those who want to be more active through advocacy. Our actions include events, vigils, forums and workshops. CAPSA also organises an annual National Week of Prayer and Action for Catholic schools, parishes, groups and organisations around Australia.
Want to be part of the change?
You can be a part of effective change. Sign up to CAPSA!
Who can participate?
Individuals, parishes, organisations and local groups can all join CAPSA and stay up to date by signing up to our monthly e-bulletin and taking part in our campaigns and advocacy.
For further details
Visit the CAPSA website for more information. Individuals can join via the CAPSA website. Groups (including parishes, schools, workplaces or community groups) can email info@capsa.org.au to sign up.