One of Melbourne's most senior Anglicans has warned politicians against stoking fears of Australia's African communities.
In a statement on Thursday, Bishop Philip Huggins urged politicians to "moderate their language" and think of "unintended consequences".
Bishop Huggins said he was aware of several recent "attacks" on South Sudanese-Australian young people by "non-Africans" as well as a South Sudanese-Australian who died by suicide after online bullying.
His comments came as some politicians conflated Saturday's death of 19-year-old Laa Chol with so-called "African gangs" in Melbourne.
Bishop Huggins said he also heard of some African-Australian youth being verbally abused on the street and on public transport.
"The children are afraid to go out and about on their own, and there is great anxiety among the African, South Sudanese and Sudanese communities," his statement read.
The children are afraid to go out and about on their own. Bishop Philip Huggins
"While acknowledging that a small number of South Sudanese youth are serious troublemakers, I believe that the entire community is being intimidated and silenced in a very troubling way that is bad for democracy."
Bishop Huggins specifically cited Victorian state Liberal leader Matthew Guy, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Immigration Minister Peter Dutton and former prime minister Tony Abbott as part of a "negative chorus" against these communities.
Mr Abbott's recent comments questioning all African immigration to Australia had broadened the negative stereotyping, the bishop said.
"This makes these young people feel they cannot belong and debases their genuine efforts to contribute," he said.
Earlier in the week, Victoria Police Commander Stuart Bateson echoed some of these concerns.
Mr Bateson told 3AW radio that the sensationalist coverage against African-Australian communities may already be having negative consequences.
"They feel they are excluded from lots of things because of this feeling that everyone is looking at them thinking they're a gang and out to assault [people]. Nothing could be further from the truth."
"I heard one [story] on the weekend that there was a recent suicide in the community."
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (for young people aged 5 to 25).
- Additional reporting: AAP
