This was Frank in the role of an 'honest broker' responding to Kevin Rudd’s challenge for anyone wanting a different approach to the Government’s policy: 'What would you do to stop thousands of people including children, drowning off shore, other than undertake a policy direction like this? What is the alternative answer?'
The lecture walked the difficult line between what is ethical and what works. It offered a six point response to Rudd’s challenge, including a medium term negotiation of a regional solution, especially with the Indonesian Government (upstream processing and protection of refugees, a 'real queue').
In the short term, it was suggested that the boats can only be stopped by 'some sort of shock and awe campaign.' Whether this can be ethically justified is pursued by considering parallels in ethical discussions of the use of nuclear weapons and the justification. It seems it can – to save lives – but with a clearer focus on the wellbeing of those seeking asylum.
The lecture introduced three theological themes: the speech by Pope Francis I at Lampedusa delivered 8 July; a paraphrase of the Parable of Dives and Lazarus; and a quote from Morris West about what gives weight to pronouncements by religious leaders. These all help motivate and orient the proposed solution. They do not appear directly in the proposal, which is aimed at securing a hearing from politicians and a chance of making a positive difference to asylum seekers. 'Those who speak with a Church mantle must speak with the voice of public reason. Therein lies the tension.'
The lecture clearly embodied the tension.
Trinity College Theological School Adjunct Faculty Member, The Revd Canon Dr Stephen Ames
