The Brisbane City Council has refused to bow to calls to cease traditional Christian prayers at council meetings, supporting the position in the Australian Christian Lobby’s petition to retain the practice.
Council had received petitions supporting and opposing practice and told the ACL that prayer retains a legitimate place in all levels of government.
“Over 1,300 citizens petitioned council to continue prayers,” ACL state director and petition organiser Wendy Francis said today. “The majority of Australians identify as Christian. Prayers at the start of our Council meetings maintains a longstanding, inoffensive practice that is part of our legal and cultural heritage. Council rightly acknowledged that heritage, tracing back to the year 1558. Queensland and Australian heritage has been decisively and irrevocably shaped by a Christian ethos, which continues to foster our free, compassionate and prosperous democracy.”
“Long may councillors be reminded before every meeting to forgive, treat others as they would be treated themselves, and to put others’ interests ahead of their own.”
ENDS
