|
|
Message from the Managing Director
A new year always brings new challenges and 2008 will be no exception.
The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) enters this year on the back of a very busy and successful year in 2007 in which we saw the prominence of the Christian constituency increased significantly in both the political and public spheres.
However this is not something we want to be complacent about and we are very much aware of the need to build on that success.
Last year saw elections both in NSW and federally, with the Iemma Government returned to office in NSW in March and the Rudd Labor Government ushering in a new political era for Australia in late November.
In the lead-up to the Federal election we hosted the landmark Make it Count 2007 event, which saw the leaders of Australia’s two major political parties speak live via webcast to around 100,000 Christians across the nation. A total of 880 churches, gathered at 706 venues, took part in the high-profile event, which played a significant role in confirming the importance of the Christian vote.
In addition we ran our Meet Your Candidate Forums prior to both the NSW and Federal elections, to facilitate Christians hearing directly from those wanting their vote.
It is vitally important that we continue to work hard to raise the profile of the Christian constituency with governments and the community in order to engender an increasingly moral, just and caring society. This remains our priority as we enter 2008.
Prior to the Federal election late last year, ACL also obtained responses from the different political parties on 25 issues ranging from homelessness and refugees to family life and film classification. These responses provided the basis for special election packs sent out to 5,800 churches around Australia and also a special election website at http://www.australiavotes.org
We start 2008 with a Federal Government of a new political persuasion, and with ACL with good and deep relationships on both sides of politics. Through the questionnaire responses, the Make it Count event and lobbying activities we have been able to secure a number of commitments for the Christian constituency from the Rudd Government and we will, of course, be looking to them to meet these commitments.
There are many issues we are currently campaigning on at both Federal and State levels and we will continue our endeavours to bring a strong influence to bear on government policy and law-making in 2008. This year, there will be an ACT election in October and we will also be getting ready for the 2010 Federal election, so that we can maximise our effectiveness then.
In all that we do we are very mindful of the vital role our supporters play. Whether it be sending emails to politicians, praying about crucial issues, contributing to our financial support, or a myriad of other things – we greatly appreciate all the support we receive.
The ACL’s high level of activity and increased professionalism has come at an increasing cost and we rely on contributions from our supporters to function effectively.
We ask that you prayerfully consider three options:
• Increasing your regular monthly giving. If you don’t give yet, why not begin with $20 a month? If you are giving $20 a month, why not increase it to $50? Regular contributions by credit card or direct debit allow long-term planning for ACL.
• Give a one-off donation. Whether you are giving regularly to ACL or are unable to do so, why not consider a larger one-off donation?
• Make a bequest to ACL. Information is available that will allow you to include a bequest to ACL in your will. This will allow us to continue our work for many years to come.
You can become a supporter of ACL and make secure donations directly from the website at https://secure18.vosn.net/~acl/donate/intro.stw
For any other financial contributions or information on bequests, email the national office at natoffice@acl.org.au or call us on (02) 6259 0431.
If you have not already, you might explore this ACL website. One place to start is The Australian Christian list of lists : http://www.acl.org.au/national/browse.stw?article_id=14931
We look forward to 2008 and the many challenges ahead. Early this year we have already seen reports that show the desperate state of children in our society with one estimate that one in five Victorian children will be referred to child protection authorities before the age of five. At the same time there is growing homelessness as we experience the twin effects of a housing affordability crisis and the growing gap between the rich and poor.
We continue to battle against various agendas which the media wrongly attribute as “progressive”, that continue to undermine the main protection for a society under pressure – the traditional family. Homosexual adoption and civil unions, abortion and the increasingly overt sexualisation of children through media and advertising all remain as issues to be contended with this year.
Thanks to the high activity of the Christian constituency during the 2007 Federal election there is a new receptiveness to Christian opinion in governments. We need to follow this up so that God’s desire that good governance represent both justice and righteousness be reflected in our governments and their policies.
Many thanks for your support
Jim Wallace AM
Managing Director
Australian Christian Lobby |
|
 
|
|
