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About our Guest
Jeri Jones Sparks is the Ministry Director of the Good News series, an evangelistic video resource aimed specifically at reaching South Asians. Her impactful work extends to her role as a strategic consultant for the Satya Network, which focuses on engaging and integrating South Asian Christians in Australia. Jeri is also an Outreach Minister at St James Anglican in Croydon, Sydney, an area with a substantial immigrant population. Born in Chennai, South India, Jeri and her family migrated to Australia when she was just four years old. Her journey and advocacy stand as a vital testament to cultural integration and spiritual transformation.

Episode Summary:

In the latest episode of "With All Due Respect," hosts Megan Powell du Toit and Michael Jensen dive into the complex and timely topic of immigration in Australia. This conversation couldn't be more pertinent as recent protests, the March for Australia, have stirred national debate about whether the country faces an immigration problem and how people, especially Christians, should respond. The discussion progresses to explore the nuanced aspects of immigration, including its impact on cultural identity, the rising presence of non-Christian faiths, and how statistics can often misrepresent the real picture, creating unwarranted fear and tension.

Joining the conversation is Jeri Jones Sparks, a Tamil Indian Australian with an active ministry presence, who shares her experiences and insights on living as an immigrant and working within the church to foster intercultural understanding. The episode further highlights the gripping SBS series "The Secret DNA of Us," which unveils the hidden ethnic makeup of Australian towns. This, coupled with stories of individual ancestry, shines a light on Australia's multifaceted identity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of religion, culture, and social policy.

Key Takeaways:

• Immigration Debate: Recent protests have highlighted the complexity surrounding immigration in Australia, often fueled by misinformation and political agendas.
• Cultural and Religious Shifts: Australia's demographic changes bring both challenges and opportunities as the country navigates a more multicultural and religiously diverse population.
• Christian Response: The necessity for Christians to redefine what it means to engage with 'the other,' drawing from biblical examples of how to treat foreigners among us.
• Intercultural Church Dynamics: The importance of churches evolving towards interculturalism, incorporating various cultural perspectives to enhance community and belonging.
• Understanding Heritage: Emotional and personal journeys uncovering one's ancestry, as showcased in the SBS series, can redefine individual and communal identity.

Notable Quotes:

• "We're not as good at estimating numbers or proportions. It all comes through filters of bias." — Megan Powell du Toit
• "I think there's going to be some kind of shift in our normal of engaging with cultural commentary." — Jeri Jones Sparks
• "It's really messy. There's going to be conflict. But there's something gospel-hearted in how it shapes our gathering." — Jeri Jones Sparks
• "The church has a lot to teach our society by modeling that kind of internationalism, that kind of welcome which is blind to race." — Michael Jensen
• "When we know that it's God who appoints where and when all people should live, who are the people that God has put around us?" — Jeri Jones Sparks

Resources:

• Satya Network
• The Good News Series
• SBS TV Series: The Secret DNA of Us
• ABC Online article by Michael Jensen on immigration