Fri 23 Nov 2007
Aussie Christians say, ‘Give the Sheikh a Fair Go’
Posted by Father Dave under Press Releases[31] Comments
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
Father Dave
Holy Trinity Church, Dulwich Hill
Tel: 02-9569-1255
Fax: 02-9569-1220
Email: dave@fatherdave.org
11 Herbert Street, Dulwich Hill, NSW 2203
Australia
Aussie Christians say, ‘Give the Sheikh a Fair Go’
A coalition of Christian clerics in Sydney’s inner-west has expressed outrage at seeing their local Islamic Sheikh threatened with deportation.
Father Dave, coordinator of the ‘Save the Sheikh’ Christian coalition, said, “Sheikh Mansour is a great guy. He’s a personal friend of mine and someone I deeply respect and admire. Moreover, he’s a pacifist and a man committed to building bridges between our faith communities and ethnic communities. The idea that this man could somehow be a threat to national security is simply outrageous”.
Last week Sheikh Mansour Leghaei lost his High Court appeal that might have allowed the Iranian-born Sheikh to stay in the country. The appeal was not over whether he was a risk to national security risk, but simply over whether he had the right to have the matter heard in court. Mansour’s request was denied. He was told that because he is not an Australian citizen, he does not have the right to a fair trial!
“Denying Mansour the right to defend himself is nothing short of outrageous”, said Father Dave. “If I was picked up in Iran on suspicion of some crime, but told that because I was an Australian, I had no right to a fair trial, the community here would be understandably incensed, and we’d see it as an act of a totalitarian regime. Why is it any different when the boot is on the other foot?”
Sheikh Mansour has no idea why ASIO has assessed him as a security risk and threatened to deport him. Indeed, given the sheikh’s immaculate record as a bridge-builder and man of peace, his supporters wonder if it isn’t the result of some clerical error. But there is no way of knowing! No one will tell the Sheikh what he has been accused of, and now the High Court has denied him the right to have any independent assessment made of the government’s supposed concerns!
Father Dave said, “Our government has been talking about how immigrants to this country should be accepting Australian values and the Australian way of life. What could be more Australian than giving someone a fair go? My mate Mansour has been denied the right to a fair go!”
Local Christian leaders met with the Sheikh at the Islamic centre in Earlwood on Friday, November 23rd, to show their support and to discuss ways forward. This will be the first of a number of meetings, providing that the Sheikh isn’t forcibly deported before further actions can be organised. Updates will be posted to www.savethesheikh.com and to Father Dave’s website: www.fatherdave.org
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November 27th, 2007 at 6:29 pm
We live in a multi-cultural society. Different relgion is practiced and respected.
A fair go is a must because that is what this beautiful country is all about.
All this accusation is just there to create more conflict between the community and society. All we want is to have peace and live with our religious breif and guidance.
No public threat i have witnessed or felt during my time with this mosque and Sheikh Mansour Leghaei
November 27th, 2007 at 10:12 pm
Father dave, you are a rare example among the christians who has a positive and constructive thinking. I agree with you that the Sheikh has been denied natural justice which is the right of every human being on the earth of our Lord or God whatever you want to call Him. Those who are at the helm of the affairs and playing this unfair drama with the sheikh, as a matter of fact are neither Christians, nor Muslim or Jews, they are infact not rational human beings who could not see the self evident truth through their coloured glasses of prejudice and power drunken appititude. May Lord provide them the light of tguth.
November 27th, 2007 at 10:14 pm
Father dave, you are a rare example among the christians who has a positive and constructive thinking. I agree with you that the Sheikh has been denied natural justice which is the right of every human being on the earth of our Lord or God whatever you want to call Him. Those who are at the helm of the affairs and playing this unfair drama with the sheikh, as a matter of fact are neither Christians, nor Muslim or Jews, they are infact not rational human beings who could not see the self evident truth through their coloured glasses of prejudice and power drunken appititude. May Lord provide them the light of truth.
November 28th, 2007 at 3:16 am
to ASIO,
please!!!!!leave him alone,he is innocent.
he is loyal.
November 28th, 2007 at 3:19 am
to Father Dave,
i agree with u sir.
he is really a great guy,i dnt know why they are(goverment and ASIO) doing this.
they are soo many bad guys are present in Australia but they dont do any thing against them..shame
November 28th, 2007 at 5:47 pm
Well done Father Dave on a superb website- its fantastic to see such honesty and support from different groups! Glad to see you see the same sh. i know 🙂
November 29th, 2007 at 3:19 am
Father Dave , you are a man who will always be rembered among the islamic community in our prayers, we truly appreciate your concern in this matter as it would break our hearts deeply if they took away our beloved Sheik Mansour, thanking you deeply for your support and true Australian way
God Bless you and guide you closer to him
November 29th, 2007 at 11:32 am
thank you father Dave for having the conviction & courage to support your friend & our sheik. Im at a loss to understand why our politicians & community leaders are’nt doing more to support a man who preaches peace, tolerance, education, honesty & assimilation…. to our confused youth & community… australia needs more men like sheik mansour & father Dave to support & educate the disalusioned australian muslims
November 29th, 2007 at 8:58 pm
Until I followed the link I was unaware that Sheikh Mansour was so close to me, geographically.
It makes my heart ache to hear of such injuctice in a land where there is supposed to be freedom, justice and truth.
We must pray for this land and for the world and for those we love and admire – for those who manipulate our country are not the elected leaders.
Syed Mohsin Says”they are soo many bad guys are present in Australia but they dont do any thing against them..shame”
Let there be peace and may good prevail
Br Andrew
November 29th, 2007 at 9:27 pm
Thank you Father Dave for showing your untiring support for Sheikh Mansour. I really admire and respect you and Sheikh Mansour for all the work you guys do to bring the Christian and Muslim communities closer together. Well done.
November 30th, 2007 at 11:05 am
Thanyou Father dave for this Beneficial website to help support Sheikh Mansour. It saddens me to see the injustice that takes place in this so called “democratic country”. I also want to show my appreciation to you and sheikh Mansour for working together to educate and bring two communities together. Once again thank you for your support and with the power of faith and prayers I am sure we can win this battle.
November 30th, 2007 at 5:49 pm
Father dave you are definately a person who has great humility and understanding towards other faiths, and with your suppourt and influence we hope this site and you admiration towards suppourting Sheikh Mansours situation, leads to a positive outcome.
December 2nd, 2007 at 12:00 pm
My best friend Dave Smith
After meeting with you and having a bit of conversation with you on various community topics especially about sheikh mansour, I am more than convinced that you are a divine person who works above the differences among the religions. So you are one of the best example of the Christian priests. There are others as well but you are bold enough to take initiatives for the rightiest cause for example making this website and co-ordinate other activities about his genuine cause.In my earlier e-mail I had said that you are a rare example. It definitely does not mean that their are no other christians or christian priests who support the right cause for the good people irrespective of their religion of background but what I meant was that you are rare in the sense that you took initiative and a practicle step by erecting this web page in order to stand for justice and fair go in this country, which by the way,is one of the Australian values propogated by the Australian people and the Australian Government.It is very interesting Dave Smith that the masses believe in the fair go for the all residents of this land but ASIO does not.People who visit your web page should publicise it so that members of the public should express thier views about this community issue in this democratic country. Dood on you Dave
December 3rd, 2007 at 3:08 pm
thank you Father Dave for this website.
I remember when I was introduced IHIC and Shiekh Mansour I enjoyed those lectures the most. I have heard some of the best speakers from all over the world, but Shiekh Mansour is the Best. He taught me the meaning of being loving and responsible member of society. This man Should stay in Australia and be allowed to teach and Practice his religion without any bother what so ever from society. He has not committed any crime and nor would he ever. This Shiekh I love him. & I miss him dearly.
Your Friend
Hasnain Ahmed(from toronto, canada)
December 3rd, 2007 at 3:13 pm
I am living here in Canada but please let me know How I can help
December 3rd, 2007 at 5:09 pm
“Australians all let us rejoice
For we are young and free
We’ve golden soil and wealth for toil,
Our home is girt by sea:
Our land abounds in nature’s gifts
Of beauty rich and rare,
In history’s page let every stage
Advance Australia fair,
In joyful strains then let us sing
Advance Australia fair.
Beneath our radiant Southern Cross,
We’ll toil with hearts and hands,
To make this Commonwealth of ours
Renowned of all the lands,
For those who’ve come across the seas
We’ve boundless plains to share,
With courage let us all combine
To advance Australia fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia fair”
I thought it was Australian National Anthem. I think we should ask Father Dave to organize a petition for Federal Government that following lines should be deleted from Australian Anthem.
“We’ve boundless plains to share,
With courage let us all combine”
I hope with the departure of John Howard the politics of FEAR, racist and xenophobic immigration policies would come to an end.
My hat off to you Father Dave. I hope and pray that your efforts and prayers of so many people would bring a result majority wants, that is, Justice and Fair Go for Sheikh Mansour and grant of Permanent Resident Visa for him.
December 3rd, 2007 at 5:11 pm
“Australians all let us rejoice
For we are young and free
We’ve golden soil and wealth for toil,
Our home is girt by sea:
Our land abounds in nature’s gifts
Of beauty rich and rare,
In history’s page let every stage
Advance Australia fair,
In joyful strains then let us sing
Advance Australia fair.
Beneath our radiant Southern Cross,
We’ll toil with hearts and hands,
To make this Commonwealth of ours
Renowned of all the lands,
For those who’ve come across the seas
We’ve boundless plains to share,
With courage let us all combine
To advance Australia fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia fair”
I thought it was Australian National Anthem. I think we should ask Father Dave to organize a petition for Federal Government that following lines should be deleted from Australian Anthem.
“For those who’ve come across the seas
We’ve boundless plains to share,
With courage let us all combine
To advance Australia fair.”
I hope with the departure of John Howard the politics of FEAR, racist and xenophobic immigration policies would come to an end.
My hat off to you Father Dave. I hope and pray that your efforts and prayers of so many people would bring a result majority wants, that is, Justice and Fair Go for Sheikh Mansour and grant of Permanent Resident Visa for him.
December 3rd, 2007 at 5:31 pm
Reverened Father Dave,
Although we havent met, but what I have gathered is that you are a remarkable person. Visiting your website reminds me of a historical event which took place in the early days of Islam. When a small group of people too refuge to the Negus,King of ABYSSINIA (ethopia), from the infidels of Arabia. On hearing the remarks of Jafar, leader of the group, Negus refused to hand them back to the infdels that they (muslims) are his guests and shall remain in ethopia as long as they like. Adding that they are Monotheist like us, and I will not hand them over to you.”
Dear Dave you are an exellent symbol of a true follower of the Jesus Christ.
We humbly pray to our Lord for the your longevity and success of our sheikh.
December 3rd, 2007 at 9:28 pm
Reverend Father Dave,
I look forward to meet you personaly to thank you for your efforts. And I am sure your efforts will be answered positively by the Australian authorities. I extend my deep concern on this type of attitude from a developed country and hope that the new elected democratic government will resolve this issue positively. Indeed Sheikh Mansoor is a person who has played a key role in developing good releations between different cultures and also introduced and opened the dialogue between religions. I am quite sure his efforts will be regarded.
Syded Muhammad Jafar
December 4th, 2007 at 12:43 pm
Dave said:
>>Denying Mansour the right to defend himself is nothing short of outrageous”, said Father Dave. “If I was picked up in Iran on suspicion of some crime, but told that because I was an Australian, I had no right to a fair trial, the community here would be understandably incensed, and we’d see it as an act of a totalitarian regime. Why is it any different when the boot is on the other foot?”
December 4th, 2007 at 8:24 pm
Sheikh Mansoor is a beautiful link between Christian and Muslim communities in Australia. Australia need such a person who is creating a strong bond and developing understanding between Muslims and Christians. Congratulations to father Dave who really can see the importance of the unity between Australian communities. Again my humble request to authorities is to keep Sheikh Mansoor in Australia. AUSTRALIA NEEDS HIM.
December 4th, 2007 at 10:05 pm
Syed Muhammad Jafar, when I came across this website,I was unconsciously attracted to Father Dave.I spoke with him straightaway after I found the website at night.He impressed more when I spoke with him. Next afternoon I was privileged to see him.I found him extra ordinary
really really a humane and friendly.Jafar if you want to know him read the Courier weekly newspaper of 27th, November or Canterbury Express of the 4th of December or the Torch of the 5th of December,2007 Dave has written about Sheikh Mansour. But if you want to meet him personally come in the advertised community get together on the 9th of December and hear him or any evening go to his church in Dulwidh Hills in Sydney.Both Sheikh Mansour and Father Dave are godly persons and father dave can see the qualities of uniting various religions and cultures in the sheikh which the ASIO can not. I wish without any prejudice the authorities would have seen what service he has provided to the community. Our present Attorny General must have seen some qualities in him when he had apparently had given him a glowing reference but his subardinate department ASIO could not see any good thing in him.What a joke!!!
December 5th, 2007 at 1:31 am
When the angels said: ‘O Mary! Surely God gives thee good news of a word from Him whose name is the Messiah, Jesus, Son of Mary, worthy of regard in this world and the hereafter, and of those who are highly accepted by God.’ ” Quran 3:45
Father Dave, thank you for your support to save our Sheikh, Sheikh Mansour. We really appreciate your concern in this matter and we will always remember you during Our Prays. Since both Muslims and Christians love Jesus, believe in all his miracles and noble morality, know that he will come back to the world again to save humanity and we are all eagerly waiting for this great and blessed event to happen; and for that reason, Australians need more people like Father Dave and Sheikh Mansour to educate and bring both religions closer and prepare them for Jesus’ return.
Together with his return to earth, the lack of understanding between Christians and Muslims who believe in the same God, share the same moral values and, as the Qur’an says, are closer to one another in love than all other people (Qur’an, 5:82) will be repaired, and these two greatest of the world’s religious communities will be united. The members of the world’s third monotheistic religion, the Jews, will also accept Jesus as their true Messiah and find their way to the true religion (Qur’an, 4:159).
The love of Jesus has given Christians throughout history a proper morality. In the Qur’an, God describes Christians as “most affectionate to those who believe” and says that “That is because some of them are priests and monks and because they are not arrogant.” (Qur’an, 5:82)
The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah and he will reign forever and ever.” (Rev. 11:15)
It is stated several times in the New Testament that Jesus will return to earth. “So Christ . . . will appear a second time . . . to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” (Heb. 9: 28)
Since Christians and Muslims believe in Jesus and will be united in a common faith when he comes, both communities must try from this moment to overcome their prejudice and distrust between them. They should leave aside their differences, arguments and hostilities that will soon have no significance.
So, let us all prepare together for the coming return of Jesus. Let us have respect for one another’s differences in belief knowing that Jesus will teach us the truth anyway. Let us strive to fill the world with peace, brotherhood, mercy and love as he wants to see it. Let us struggle together in word and deed against philosophies and ideologies that are hostile to him and reject God. Let us wait together for this glad tiding and the greatest miracle in world history.
December 5th, 2007 at 5:34 pm
Dear Respectfull Father Dave,
I have to write couple next sentences that we can compare different justice decision in most worse comparation.
I am from country background where was in one day slaughtered and kiled 7,000 people like as chicken. The killers put them in mass grave together at different locations. The creators of this horible genocide are still enjoy freedom and they are far away from justice and execution of sentence.The mothers still looking for their children bones after fifteen years.
I think just reading those words in people hearths provocates feelings like a loathsome crime.Every day many hearts has been bleeding and souls didn’t found peace. All innocence victims from 2 months baby to 85 years grandfathers. No one answer, why it’s happened? Where is justice for them, we don’t know, but I strongly believe that one day justice will come.
Thanking to all people for writing words, I would like in first place to thank you father Dave for supporting justice in our democratic society where every human being needs, and for our respectfull sheikh Mensour too.Hundreds thousands refugees found peace and safety in Australia. It is very nice country with many good people including you father Dave. Our sheikh Mensour was present at many community meetings, and he has been always promoting peace, living in harmony,respect, tolerance, and communication within all religious and comunities in Australia. He was always good teacher, mentor, and leader looking just for benefit to all people. His presentations and speaches are always from heart, knowledge, and holy books, that I saw many times people eyes brimming with tears.
It has many Muslim leaders here, but it’s not any Muslim religious leader used to work so hard for unity,peace, tolerance,and humanity, like sheikh Mensour did, even he was not permanent resident. I didn’t know for that.He was acting always like that this is his home country, and all people are his family members, or children threating them with respect and compassion.
After meetings people from all religious background would like to greet him and shake a hands. Many people see that Sheikh Mensour is a person in Australia such as human bridge between Christians and Muslims that are like two eyes, and it’s every should be closed -we will not have clear vision. Together, they are the best unity such as this world just needs strong and peacefull solution.
God bless you both of you Father Dave.
December 5th, 2007 at 5:37 pm
Sheikh Mansour is a devoted Moslem who has delivered many spritual guidances as well as family conseling and support for Moslem comunity in Sydney.
He is a knowledgeable, devoted and sincere individual and should be given all opportunities to serve Moslem community in Sydney and wider Australia.
I strongly support his appeal against a politically motivated and baseless allegation.
I wish Shekh Laghaie and his family all the best of health, prosperity and success, and demand Australian government to give him the right to stay in Australia indefinately.
December 9th, 2007 at 11:44 am
RESPECTED FATHER DAVE,
JUDAISM, CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM ALL ARE THE DIVINE RELIGIONS BASED ON THE HOLY BOOKS, THE TORAT, BIBLE AND QURAN FROM THE GOD, SHARING THE SAME VIRTUES AND VALUES. ALL THE RELIGIONS RECOMMEND GOOD WILL, LOVE AND PEACE AMONG ALL THE HUMANBEINGS OF ANY RELIGION OR RACE. AS LOVE AND KINDNESS ARE OF PRIME IMPORTANCE, THOSE CRITERIA ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED IN ISLAM, TOO. WE ALL ARE FROM THE SAME PROGENY OF PROPHET ABRAHAM AND THEN KILLING EACH OTHER OR TERRORISM MAKES NO SENSE. IN ISLAM, KILLING INNOCENT PEOPLE OR EVEN KILLING ANIMALS OR TORTURING THEM UNNECESSARILY IS PROHIBITED. THEN HOW CAN A PIOUS PERSON LIKE SHEIKH LEGHAIE, WHO IS AN EXPERT OF ISLAMIC THEOLOGY AND PRINCIPLES, MAY BE INVOLVED IN ANY THREAT TO AUSTRALIAN SECURITY. ALL THESE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST HIM ARE BASELESS AND JUST A DIRTY GAME OF POLITICIANS TO GET FAVOUR FROM A CERTAIN GROUP OF NARROW-MINDED PEOPLE.
I PERSONALLY KNOW THE SHEIKH FOR OVER 10 YEARS AND HE HAS BEEN A VERY NICE FAMILY PERSON HELPING ALL AUSTRALIANS, WHETHER MUSLIMS AND CHRISTIANS, ALL ALIKE ADVOCATING HUMANITY AND NOBLE VIRTUES. I EARNESTLY BELIEVE THAT THE NOBLE CHRISTIAN AUTHORITY SHALL OPPOSE THE SHAMEFUL BIASED DECISION OF THE GOVERNMENT TO DEPORT HIM FOR NO REASON, BUT TO FULFIL THEIR ILLEGITIMATE PRESTIGE ISSUE.
WITH BEST REGARDS.
DR. S.K.IMAM
LIVERPOOL,
SYDNEY
December 9th, 2007 at 3:06 pm
Dear Robert McClelland MP and Senator Evans,
First of all, congratulations on your new posts!
I live opposite the Imam Husain Islamic Centre, a place of gathering and worship for Muslim brothers and sisters from around Sydney, where services are conducted in English. I havent visited the centre but I believe its ethos is quite community minded and that the Imam is involved in a “Multi-faith Round Table” along with other religious leaders in our area. I believe one of issues this group will be addressing with their respective congregations is ‘violence against women’ – what better way to reach communities on this issue than through their leaders.
But Sheikh Mansour faces deportation because he is supposedly a ‘national security threat’, with no evidence provided as to why this could be so. Could the Sheikh be like all the others so wrongfully accused by the Howard Government:- Haneef , children overboard, those who languish too long in detention centres as ‘national security threats’. Its an emotive term, designed to obfiscate, to cover transparency, and is too often firmly directed at muslims. Without redress.
I believe Immigration issues will be the lithmus test of the ALP. First Pauline Hanson, then John Howard gained the ground, playing into a racist nerve. And I’m hoping that the ALP will have the guts now to show some leadership once again and win back our humanity as a nation.
Sheikh Mansours threatened deportation will be the ALPs test case, and I hope that it can be transparent in that process.
Yours Faithfully,
Vivienne Martin
December 11th, 2007 at 6:47 am
Father Dave,
Throufg your thoughts,through your press releases, through your practical participation in the BBQ and through your latters to the press, you are not doing any favour to Sheikh Mansour or the Muslim community.Rather you are doing a great favour to the wider Australian community which is being served and cared for by the sheikh. Alas the the Authorities who are the decision makers I mean the present government including the Immigration minister, the attorney general and the Prime Minister should realise that sheikh is a real asset for the community and not the risk. John Howard’s team which was the real risk for the multicultural Australian community has now gone and we hope that the present Labor Government shoul use some sense in dealing and finilizing the case of sheikh Mansour against nothing could be proved.
December 11th, 2007 at 9:50 pm
GOD BLESS YOU FATHER DAVE!
Its the priests like you who demonstrate the strength of such strong inter-faith relationships. Sheikh Mansour is the most lovely, kind-hearted and forward-thinking muslim Leader I have ever had the genuine pleasure of meeting. I feel anyone who even simply talks to him for a FEW minutes would immediately see this and would be as absolutely flabbergasted at the charges against him. Perhaps those so quick to judge and accuse should look into his background and the REAL warm, kind-hearted and loving man he is before setting such stern accusations! Also, I think it is a reflection of our post 9/11 national terrorisim fears that have frighteningly manifested themselves as unfair federal laws in which a man can be charged on *SUSPICION* and doubts, rather than HARD, SOLID evidence. And also, not be allowed to recieve the correct evidence against them, as “legal procedures with non-citizens do not require this basic fairness”.-That is frankly despicable. The BASIC, HUMAN legal rights to “not be required” with non-citizens, shaky evidence (e.g. the poorly translated notebook, which was later lost by the authorities) is an unacceptable level of injustice. Perhaps we should look at the prosecutors [with their shaky evidence,unfair clauses, and the laws not requiring procedural fairness for non-citizens] rather than the prosecuted as to what is TRULLY a threat to our individual legal securities…
July 17th, 2009 at 11:00 am
Father Dave, it is clear that you mean well. It is good that you are engaging with the Muslim community. Please do it with knowledge and truly shine a light on the clear differences between Islam and Christianity.
The truth will not be afraid of light.
These two religions do not share the same god.Simply ask the sheik, does he believe that God could become man, as Jesus did, for us.
Simply ask the sheik, would he like to see sharia law, eventually imposed, in Australia.
Engage with the truth and arm yourself with knowledge, not simple ‘goodwill’. This is called ‘polemics’.
June 29th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
Father Dave truly Shaikh Mansour is a great guy and a great teacher unfortunatly our children have lost a great rolle modle and a teacher who helped them to stay in the right path and we all lost a good friend we all pray that he comes back to Australia ASAP may God grant our wish.
Inshaallah.