Are churches above the law?

[village_person]

Peter Dutton warns churches over sanctuary to asylum seekers

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has warned churches and cathedrals offering “sanctuary” to asylum-seekers facing deportation to Nauru that the government expects them to obey the law “no matter who you are”.

As reported in The Australian today, more than 10 churches across Australia have today begun offering to shield asylum-seekers under the ancient Christian tradition that people fleeing unjust civil authorities can reside permanently inside a church.

With a series of rallies scheduled to commence starting today at 12.30pm in Sydney, Mr Dutton said the churches would receive no special exemptions from the law.

“Churches provide a lot of assistance to refugees and they feel very strongly about these issues, I understand that. In the end people have to abide by Australian law, no matter who you are,” Mr Dutton told Sydney’s 2GB radio.

[...]

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/peter-dutton-warns-churches-over-sanctuary-to-asylu...

It would seem that theomania is rampant in Dr Peter Catt's house of worship.

[moonflyte]

We live in a democratic society under the rule of law. Churches are breaking the law if they act in this way. We are not a banana republic ruled by a vicious despot where people are trying to get away from.

We live in a civilised society and the churches are just trying it on.

[the_great_she_elephant]

I think the Churches are making a stand in the same way  doctors and other detention centre staff have done by speaking out about conditions despite being under threat of prosecution.  

[the_great_she_elephant]

We are not a banana republic ruled by a vicious despot where people are trying to get away from.

No, we are a country people come to when they are trying to get away from vicious despots - and lok what happens to them when they get here.

[myoclon1cjerk]

George Pell is safe and sound in the Vatican.

[village_person]

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@djilukjilly wrote:

We live in a democratic society under the rule of law. Churches are breaking the law if they act in this way. 

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The churches need to be reminded that one of those laws allows them to operate in a tax free environment. Hands up anyone who has heard a priest, pastor, vicar, curate, or any other religious figure shout out loud:  "We demand to pay tax just like other Australians". The tax free law seems to agree with them and they are happy to embrace the law when it suits.

[myoclon1cjerk]

Now what was that about despots?

http://m.smh.com.au/national/a-fiveyearold-boy-allegedly-raped-to-be-sent-back-to-nauru-where-his-ra...

[debra9275]

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@myoclon1cjerk wrote:
George Pell is safe and sound in the Vatican.

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hmmm well, they must be above the law then myo

[Anonymous]

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@myoclon1cjerk wrote:
George Pell is safe and sound in the Vatican.

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exactly! 

the great she elephant - that is

what i was referring to earlier. 

[the_great_she_elephant]

I imagine the Church believes it is under an obligation to protect these people.

This:

Matthew 19: 13-14Then some children were brought to Him so that He might lay His hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, "Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

And this:

Matthew 25: 37-40  Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

[Anonymous]

I imagine the Church believes it is under an obligation to protect these people.

the church is also under obligation

to preserve all human life.  should

it interfere with abortion laws? or

contraception? 

there are many other examples.