Anti-Muslim protests in Bendigo

#1141 for broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 18 October 2015

There’s rising tension in Bendigo this weekend as supporters of the nationalist group United Patriots Front protest the construction of a mosque in the regional Victorian city.

Some of those joining the protests are Christians fearful of their Muslim neighbours. Others prefer not to take sides, arguing that getting involved distracts from the church’s mission.

But the dean of Bendigo’s St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, the Reverend John Roundhill, says while the Bible promotes a particular and exclusive faith,

there are deeper texts in the Bible that talk about God’s love for everyone, and Jesus’ injunction that we go out and help people and love our neighbour as ourselves.

Brad Chilcott, from Welcome to Australia, says Christians should “reflect the character of Jesus, the kingdom of God and the community we hope to see built in light of that character.”

The way of Jesus has no place for hatred, prejudice or violence.

I’m Rod Benson for the NSW Council of Churches.