Communities of faith from across Australia have been ringing their church bells at noon on Fridays as part of the #RefugeBell campaign started by Rural Australians for Refugees (RAR).

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The campaign aims to highlight the plight of refugees in indefinite detention on Nauru, but places a particular focus on the 22 children that remain in detention.

The stated goal of the campaign was to see all 22 children brought to Australian by Universal Children’s Day on November 22.

Ros, a parishioner of Holy Trinity Anglican church, Berrima first read about the #RefugeBell in the RAR Southern Highlands newsletter.

Ros said she was inspired by the idea and sought approval to participate with other parishoners and members of the community. 

Ros was taken by the idea and sought approval to ring the bell on Fridays. A number of the parishioners also thought it was a good idea.

“It is good news to hear the number of children are coming off Nauru. Having worked in residential care for some years I know how institutionalization can adversely affect children, even if they are in their own country,” she said.

November 16 was the third time the bells had rung in Berrima for the children on Nauru. In addition to the symbolic gesture, parishoners and community members heard stories of hope and said prayers for the refugee children and their families still on Nauru, as well as the children who have already been transferred to Australia. 

Ros said she would continue to ring church bells in Berrima each Friday in the hope that the Australian government will stay true to its original pledge to have all children removed by Christmas.

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