Anglican Bishop of Newcastle calls for unity at Samaritans Christmas Appeal launch

Newy 87.8 FM – Anglican Bishop of Newcastle Dr Peter Stuart has used the launch of the Samaritans Christmas Appeal to call on Australians to unite for the common good.

His call comes after yet another interest rate rise, a continuing cost of living crisis and a flattening global economy.

Speaking from the new Samaritans Family and Community Services hub at Islington, Bishop Peter said there is a growing sense of disconnect in the community.

“Politicians and members of Parliament are meeting regularly with members of the community to help sort out their needs. So, I do want to encourage us to move away from that narrative that says that politicians don't understand,” he said.

“And we do need to begin with an understanding that the politicians are listening. But we have complex problems at the moment in Australia.”

Each year, Samaritans responds to community need through more than 100 services across the Hunter, Central Coast and Mid North Coast.

The annual Christmas Appeal funds some of these programs year round, as well as several Christmas lunches for anyone in need.

“We want to give them a step up so that they're able to see themselves better, be enthusiastic about themselves, feel a sense of purpose and worth. And our generosity makes a difference in that,” Bishop Peter said.

He encouraged people to consider offering the equivalent cost of two cups of coffee through the appeal to help those most in need at this time of year.

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