Anglican Archbishop of Sydney Peter Jensen speech to ACL event
Earlier this year the Anglican Archbishop of Sydney, Peter Jensen, gave a speech to an Australian Christian Lobby event. His speech was an encouragement to the public benefit churches provide and relevant to the challenges in Australia.
Cousins
When I was a little boy I asked my Father which party he voted for. ‘I vote Liberal’, he told me, ‘because I own and run my own business.’ So he did. It was a two-man printing business in Bondi Junction. And he was President of his local branch of the Liberal Party at one time.
At the same time, his cousin Harry Jensen, belonged to the Labor Party and was a long term member of the Legislative Assembly, Lord Mayor and a Minister of the Crown. I never asked Harry why he was in the Labor party, but my guess is that it was his early days as a union member and official which was decisive. He was Roman Catholic; my father was Anglican.
Both men lost their fathers when they were very young and both belonged to large families which had to struggle, not least in the Depression. But I know how much they admired each other and I know how proud my father was that Harry was his cousin.
I may be romanticising, but perhaps you could say that Harry represented that central Labor instinct in which people bonded together in order to help each other. And you could say that my father was giving voice to that central Liberal instinct in which the sturdy individual took responsibility for himself and for others. Both were men of the community; both were men who served; both were men of integrity; both were churchmen.
And it was all a very long time ago, in a different world.
Progressives
I do not say that these central moral tenets of either party are dead and buried. Not so. Sometimes they are twisted and corrupted and exploited. Sometimes it is possible to look back and find deep fault with the way they were acted on. But the principles of both parties can be found in some at least of those who serve and have a vision for the Australian community which is built on truth, justice and compassion.
But there is another impetus in public life which transcends party and calls itself progressive. This, too, at its best, is deeply moral, although whether it has the same commitment to community and the same values, is a different matter. The prevailing impetus of so-called progressive thought is individual autonomy, demanding equality as the touchstone of public policy and discrimination as the sin to be fought to the end. It is secularist in temper. It may be an entirely unintended consequence that when the progressive voice is given weight, denominational churches for whom the individualist philosophy is anathema, feel beleaguered and threatened, as though the intention is to purge the nation of many of the moral positions which have stemmed by tradition from the teaching of the Bible and the churches. It is as though such progressives are still fighting the French Revolution.
The evils to be addressed are prohibitions on sexual behaviour, euthanasia, abortion, pornography, Sunday trading and the like and the freedoms to be defended are those such as divorce, gambling and alcohol distribution. In the hands of the socialist progressives, the paradox is that voluntary societies are strangled with red tape. In the hands of the capitalist progressives, choice and freedom is paradoxically granted in ways which burden families and inhibit community.
Community
The Marxist vision is the collective; the progressivist vision is of the autonomous self-directed individual; the Christian vision is of the individual in community. Human identity and purpose is found in relationships with others; pre-eminently in stable and loving family life. As a Christian, I have always instinctively been committed to the idea that our nation will best be served, not by government moving into the space left by the shrinking and disintegrating family, let alone by redefining the family, but by supporting families and providing whatever context they can best prosper. It is the mediating institutions such as the family, but also voluntary organisations, professional associations, clubs, schools, hospitals and the like which best safeguard our liberties and enrich our lives. True community is set of many interconnecting relationships of which one is government, not a simple entity ruled by an over-mighty state.
Sinews
That, of course is not our current situation, although the decline in volunteerism, the assault on marriage and the revolution in communication technology may be opening us to that possibility. It is not our current situation very much because the denominational churches have been so active, and continue to be, in massive educational and charitable good works. The schools, universities, aged care facilities, hospitals, advocacy and other charitable works done by the churches are part of the very sinews of our society. Australia would be unimaginable and unmanageable without all that the denominations have done and are doing. Christianity is not a scratch on the surface soil of Australian history – it is ploughed into the very ground itself.
Please notice the following key points:
First, all this is inspired by Jesus Christ in foundation and in delivery. It is done in his name and in accord with his teaching, death and resurrection.
Second, the manner in which this work is done – and its cost - is not easily replicable by state organisations. These are works which stem from faith, hope and love and inspire faith, hope and love.
Third, all this yields much of the indispensable social capital which makes for community and creates the nation of which we are part.
Fourth, the suburban local churches themselves play a key role in providing this social capital. On the whole, Christians are outstandingly generous with time and money; they care for one another; they care for others outside their own ranks; they work together to do good works and to do them in a compassionate way.
Fifth, the teaching of the Bible as disseminated by the churches gives faith, hope and love and it goes towards sustaining the family life which every wise person knows is essential to the well being of humans, communities and nations. The Christian teaching on repentance and forgiveness, for example helps provide the healthy heart of family. The current spurious plea for so-called marriage equality is an assault on the family and needs to be resisted, as the Bible teaches us.
The State has always recognised and embraced the work of charities and religion. I believe that many members of parliament know that the local churches in their electorate are vital to social health and social capital. I believe that they also know that other agencies which deliver that capital – sporting clubs, interest groups, even branches of the political parties – are struggling to sustain community. I also believe that many of them value the faithful prayer support they receive from local churches and where appropriate the pastoral care shown to them by ministers and people. The job of a parliamentarian is lonely, difficult and demanding. Christians should believe in its importance, offer to do it themselves, honour those who fulfil the role, expect the highest standards from them and minister the gospel of God’s grace when they fail.
Advocacy
I define advocacy by using the Biblical phrase, ‘speaking the truth in love’.
I was taught by two cousins, Harry and Arthur Jensen, men who were on different sides of politics, that public service was an authentic act of love for neighbour, stemming from a desire to see community flourish. I do not think that the vision and impetus which inspired them has died, but I think it is threatened.
The noise created by those who so threaten is formidable. Many Christians feel intimidated by it, or simply feel that we have no right to take part in the debates which people label secular. It has been put to me that our current attempts to take part in debates about marriage for example are negative rather than positive and doing damage to the gospel for which we stand. It is suggested by some that it is only the gospel which we should be speaking about and that we have no place in speaking publicly or privately to the community as a whole and our elected representatives in particular. They also think that we are wrong to defend the traditional rights we have enjoyed, rights such as who we employ and what we say.
I understand this point of view. Certainly Christian advocates should delineate the connection between what we are saying and the Christian gospel. But I also believe that Biblical teaching makes sense of the reality of the world and will be found to work. Certainly, too, we should speak to the positive, although it is difficult to attack social evils such as gambling and abortion in the positive. I have never known the media to do it, for example. In the end, we have to see however that the Christian gospel is itself transformative because it is both positive and negative and that when we affirm it is only of value because we also deny. The Christian message is not for private and personal consumption only. It has radical social implications arising from its insistence on faith, hope and love and we fail our community and ourselves if we draw back into the ghetto of privatised religion. Silence is not love of neighbour.
Australia is a big country, the churches get on with their local business, people feel intimidated when they wish to advocate and impotent when they see cherished and fruitful Christian values under attack. The censorship exhibited by libertarians is frightful to behold. Yet, the Christian message matters. Let us defend it and promote it; let us defend our right to promote it, as for the good in public life.
I believe that the next decade will see the contest quicken. It will be between an enthusiastic secularism, activated by a wowseristic morality, narrowly based on individualism and over excited by a false idea of equality, and Christian community virtues and values. We will continue to see attacks on the teaching of the churches and some of the community rights which we enjoy now.
Silence, passivity and inactivity are not options.
Cousins
When I was a little boy I asked my Father which party he voted for. ‘I vote Liberal’, he told me, ‘because I own and run my own business.’ So he did. It was a two-man printing business in Bondi Junction. And he was President of his local branch of the Liberal Party at one time.
At the same time, his cousin Harry Jensen, belonged to the Labor Party and was a long term member of the Legislative Assembly, Lord Mayor and a Minister of the Crown. I never asked Harry why he was in the Labor party, but my guess is that it was his early days as a union member and official which was decisive. He was Roman Catholic; my father was Anglican.
Both men lost their fathers when they were very young and both belonged to large families which had to struggle, not least in the Depression. But I know how much they admired each other and I know how proud my father was that Harry was his cousin.
I may be romanticising, but perhaps you could say that Harry represented that central Labor instinct in which people bonded together in order to help each other. And you could say that my father was giving voice to that central Liberal instinct in which the sturdy individual took responsibility for himself and for others. Both were men of the community; both were men who served; both were men of integrity; both were churchmen.
And it was all a very long time ago, in a different world.
Progressives
I do not say that these central moral tenets of either party are dead and buried. Not so. Sometimes they are twisted and corrupted and exploited. Sometimes it is possible to look back and find deep fault with the way they were acted on. But the principles of both parties can be found in some at least of those who serve and have a vision for the Australian community which is built on truth, justice and compassion.
But there is another impetus in public life which transcends party and calls itself progressive. This, too, at its best, is deeply moral, although whether it has the same commitment to community and the same values, is a different matter. The prevailing impetus of so-called progressive thought is individual autonomy, demanding equality as the touchstone of public policy and discrimination as the sin to be fought to the end. It is secularist in temper. It may be an entirely unintended consequence that when the progressive voice is given weight, denominational churches for whom the individualist philosophy is anathema, feel beleaguered and threatened, as though the intention is to purge the nation of many of the moral positions which have stemmed by tradition from the teaching of the Bible and the churches. It is as though such progressives are still fighting the French Revolution.
The evils to be addressed are prohibitions on sexual behaviour, euthanasia, abortion, pornography, Sunday trading and the like and the freedoms to be defended are those such as divorce, gambling and alcohol distribution. In the hands of the socialist progressives, the paradox is that voluntary societies are strangled with red tape. In the hands of the capitalist progressives, choice and freedom is paradoxically granted in ways which burden families and inhibit community.
Community
The Marxist vision is the collective; the progressivist vision is of the autonomous self-directed individual; the Christian vision is of the individual in community. Human identity and purpose is found in relationships with others; pre-eminently in stable and loving family life. As a Christian, I have always instinctively been committed to the idea that our nation will best be served, not by government moving into the space left by the shrinking and disintegrating family, let alone by redefining the family, but by supporting families and providing whatever context they can best prosper. It is the mediating institutions such as the family, but also voluntary organisations, professional associations, clubs, schools, hospitals and the like which best safeguard our liberties and enrich our lives. True community is set of many interconnecting relationships of which one is government, not a simple entity ruled by an over-mighty state.
Sinews
That, of course is not our current situation, although the decline in volunteerism, the assault on marriage and the revolution in communication technology may be opening us to that possibility. It is not our current situation very much because the denominational churches have been so active, and continue to be, in massive educational and charitable good works. The schools, universities, aged care facilities, hospitals, advocacy and other charitable works done by the churches are part of the very sinews of our society. Australia would be unimaginable and unmanageable without all that the denominations have done and are doing. Christianity is not a scratch on the surface soil of Australian history – it is ploughed into the very ground itself.
Please notice the following key points:
First, all this is inspired by Jesus Christ in foundation and in delivery. It is done in his name and in accord with his teaching, death and resurrection.
Second, the manner in which this work is done – and its cost - is not easily replicable by state organisations. These are works which stem from faith, hope and love and inspire faith, hope and love.
Third, all this yields much of the indispensable social capital which makes for community and creates the nation of which we are part.
Fourth, the suburban local churches themselves play a key role in providing this social capital. On the whole, Christians are outstandingly generous with time and money; they care for one another; they care for others outside their own ranks; they work together to do good works and to do them in a compassionate way.
Fifth, the teaching of the Bible as disseminated by the churches gives faith, hope and love and it goes towards sustaining the family life which every wise person knows is essential to the well being of humans, communities and nations. The Christian teaching on repentance and forgiveness, for example helps provide the healthy heart of family. The current spurious plea for so-called marriage equality is an assault on the family and needs to be resisted, as the Bible teaches us.
The State has always recognised and embraced the work of charities and religion. I believe that many members of parliament know that the local churches in their electorate are vital to social health and social capital. I believe that they also know that other agencies which deliver that capital – sporting clubs, interest groups, even branches of the political parties – are struggling to sustain community. I also believe that many of them value the faithful prayer support they receive from local churches and where appropriate the pastoral care shown to them by ministers and people. The job of a parliamentarian is lonely, difficult and demanding. Christians should believe in its importance, offer to do it themselves, honour those who fulfil the role, expect the highest standards from them and minister the gospel of God’s grace when they fail.
Advocacy
I define advocacy by using the Biblical phrase, ‘speaking the truth in love’.
I was taught by two cousins, Harry and Arthur Jensen, men who were on different sides of politics, that public service was an authentic act of love for neighbour, stemming from a desire to see community flourish. I do not think that the vision and impetus which inspired them has died, but I think it is threatened.
The noise created by those who so threaten is formidable. Many Christians feel intimidated by it, or simply feel that we have no right to take part in the debates which people label secular. It has been put to me that our current attempts to take part in debates about marriage for example are negative rather than positive and doing damage to the gospel for which we stand. It is suggested by some that it is only the gospel which we should be speaking about and that we have no place in speaking publicly or privately to the community as a whole and our elected representatives in particular. They also think that we are wrong to defend the traditional rights we have enjoyed, rights such as who we employ and what we say.
I understand this point of view. Certainly Christian advocates should delineate the connection between what we are saying and the Christian gospel. But I also believe that Biblical teaching makes sense of the reality of the world and will be found to work. Certainly, too, we should speak to the positive, although it is difficult to attack social evils such as gambling and abortion in the positive. I have never known the media to do it, for example. In the end, we have to see however that the Christian gospel is itself transformative because it is both positive and negative and that when we affirm it is only of value because we also deny. The Christian message is not for private and personal consumption only. It has radical social implications arising from its insistence on faith, hope and love and we fail our community and ourselves if we draw back into the ghetto of privatised religion. Silence is not love of neighbour.
Australia is a big country, the churches get on with their local business, people feel intimidated when they wish to advocate and impotent when they see cherished and fruitful Christian values under attack. The censorship exhibited by libertarians is frightful to behold. Yet, the Christian message matters. Let us defend it and promote it; let us defend our right to promote it, as for the good in public life.
I believe that the next decade will see the contest quicken. It will be between an enthusiastic secularism, activated by a wowseristic morality, narrowly based on individualism and over excited by a false idea of equality, and Christian community virtues and values. We will continue to see attacks on the teaching of the churches and some of the community rights which we enjoy now.
Silence, passivity and inactivity are not options.
NSW same-sex marriage inquiry told state doesn't have power to redefine marriage
A NSW parliamentary inquiry into same-sex marriage has been told the state government doesn't have the power to redefine marriage.
The NSW Parliament's Social Issues Committee held its first public hearings in Sydney yesterday. The Committee heard evidence from eminent constitutional and family law experts from across Australia.
University of Sydney law professor Patrick Parkinson told the inquiry the state government, "could not deliver what the [same-sex marriage] advocates want it to deliver."
Witnesses at yesterday's hearing described the serious and significant legal impediments preventing states from trying to go-it-alone on marriage laws.
A number of witnesses referred to a 2004 amendment to the federal Marriage Act which defined marriage as the union of a man and a woman. They argued the federal parliament had sought to "cover the field" and there was no room for states to redefine marriage.
Last year the Tasmanian parliament rejected a bill that sought to redefine marriage in that state. South Australia is also considering similar legislation.
The NSW inquiry will hold its second and final public hearing next week and is expected to present its final report by July 2013.
The NSW Parliament's Social Issues Committee held its first public hearings in Sydney yesterday. The Committee heard evidence from eminent constitutional and family law experts from across Australia.
University of Sydney law professor Patrick Parkinson told the inquiry the state government, "could not deliver what the [same-sex marriage] advocates want it to deliver."
Witnesses at yesterday's hearing described the serious and significant legal impediments preventing states from trying to go-it-alone on marriage laws.
A number of witnesses referred to a 2004 amendment to the federal Marriage Act which defined marriage as the union of a man and a woman. They argued the federal parliament had sought to "cover the field" and there was no room for states to redefine marriage.
Last year the Tasmanian parliament rejected a bill that sought to redefine marriage in that state. South Australia is also considering similar legislation.
The NSW inquiry will hold its second and final public hearing next week and is expected to present its final report by July 2013.
Lake Macquarie and Wollongong candidates speak to Christians
ACL has held its final two candidates’ forums for the NSW election this week in Lake Macquarie and Wollongong.
Thank you to all the wonderful church leaders and ACL volunteers who helped organise and run candidates’ forums.
Some highlights from the last two forums are below.
Lake Macquarie
Candidates answered a range of questions including Australia’s Christian heritage, indigenous welfare, same-sex couple adoption, youth and drugs, decriminalisation of abortion, and same-sex marriage.
The meeting was attended by Independent MP Greg Piper, Greens candidate Charmian Eckersley and Christian Democratic Party candidate, Kim Gritten. ALP candidate Marcus Mariani had to pull out at the last minute to attend to a family emergency.
Asked about recent changes to adoption law that allow same-sex couples to adopt, Ms Eckersley (Greens) said that gender should not be a ‘barrier’ to relationships or people being allowed to adopt.
Greg Piper (Ind) told the meeting, “I didn’t go into parliament to deal with these issues,” but nevertheless voted for the legislation. He described the decision to support the bill as a difficult one but said it was an “anomaly” that same-sex attracted people could already adopt as individuals but not as couples.
Kim Gritten (CDP) said same-sex adoption did not reflect “God’s model for the family.”
When asked if candidates would support the decriminalisation of abortion, Ms Eckersley (Greens) replied, “No secrets on that one. Of course I would.”
On same-sex marriage, Mr Piper (Ind) said that while he believed same-sex marriage was inevitable, he was uncomfortable with the idea. While he had no problem with ensuring that same-sex couples received the same entitlements as heterosexual couples, he believed that marriage was something between a man and a woman.
Wollongong
In Wollongong, candidates addressed a similar range of questions.
Greens candidate, Brendan Cook declared, “The Greens position on abortion is that it should be removed from the criminal code.” While Liberal Candidate, Michelle Blicavs said, “every life is very important from the time of conception.
Clarence Pratt (CDP) said all people, “should be given legal protection at all stages of conception.”
Independent candidate and Uniting Church Minister, Rev Gordon Bradbery said he believed, “at times there needs to be a termination. I don’t live in the ideal world that everybody else seems to.
“I am not happy [with abortion]. I do not want it.” But he said he was concerned for women’s health and did not want to see so-called “backyard abortions” taking place.
Meanwhile Wollongong MP, Noreen Hay (ALP) told the gathering, “I do not agree with abortion. I do not support abortion... Abstinence is what I would recommend.”
On euthanasia, Ms Hay (ALP) said, “I would not support it... I believe the decision [to end life] should be left to God,” and described legalising euthanasia as opening up, “a can of worms”.
Rev Bradbery expressed his concern about euthanasia describing it as, “heading down the path of being manipulated and distorted.” He called for more funding for palliative care.
Mr Pratt (CDP), a medical doctor who runs a small palliative care practice, expressed similar concerns.
Ms Blicavs (Lib) believed, “there’s a time to be born and a time to die. That decision should be made by God.” While Greens candidate Brendan Cook said euthanasia was a “very complex policy... The Greens support euthanasia. I support euthanasia.” Asked about the need to close brothels, Mr Cook said brothels were like any other workplace.
Ms Blicavs (Lib) told the meeting that while she valued the lives of female sex-workers, “it is not a legitimate career path.” Meanwhile Rev Bradbery said brothels should be regulated and supervised properly. He also told the meeting there was no need for a Kings Cross style injecting room in Wollongong.
Asked if candidates would support state-based same-sex marriage laws, Brendan Cook (Greens) said he did not believe that sexuality was “a life style choice.” The Greens, he said, are “active and enthusiastic supporters of same-sex marriage.”
Ms Blicavs (Lib) told the gathering she did not believe in same-sex marriage and congratulated Labor MP Noreen Hay for voting against the recent same-sex adoption bill.
Rev Bradbery said he did not “necessarily” support same-sex marriage but said, “there needs to be an opportunity for people in same-sex relationships [to] formalise their commitment.”
Labor MP Noreen Hay concluded the evening saying, “I don’t and won’t support gay marriage.”
Thank you to all the wonderful church leaders and ACL volunteers who helped organise and run candidates’ forums.
Some highlights from the last two forums are below.
Lake Macquarie
Candidates answered a range of questions including Australia’s Christian heritage, indigenous welfare, same-sex couple adoption, youth and drugs, decriminalisation of abortion, and same-sex marriage.
The meeting was attended by Independent MP Greg Piper, Greens candidate Charmian Eckersley and Christian Democratic Party candidate, Kim Gritten. ALP candidate Marcus Mariani had to pull out at the last minute to attend to a family emergency.
Asked about recent changes to adoption law that allow same-sex couples to adopt, Ms Eckersley (Greens) said that gender should not be a ‘barrier’ to relationships or people being allowed to adopt.
Greg Piper (Ind) told the meeting, “I didn’t go into parliament to deal with these issues,” but nevertheless voted for the legislation. He described the decision to support the bill as a difficult one but said it was an “anomaly” that same-sex attracted people could already adopt as individuals but not as couples.
Kim Gritten (CDP) said same-sex adoption did not reflect “God’s model for the family.”
When asked if candidates would support the decriminalisation of abortion, Ms Eckersley (Greens) replied, “No secrets on that one. Of course I would.”
On same-sex marriage, Mr Piper (Ind) said that while he believed same-sex marriage was inevitable, he was uncomfortable with the idea. While he had no problem with ensuring that same-sex couples received the same entitlements as heterosexual couples, he believed that marriage was something between a man and a woman.
Wollongong
In Wollongong, candidates addressed a similar range of questions.
Greens candidate, Brendan Cook declared, “The Greens position on abortion is that it should be removed from the criminal code.” While Liberal Candidate, Michelle Blicavs said, “every life is very important from the time of conception.
Clarence Pratt (CDP) said all people, “should be given legal protection at all stages of conception.”
Independent candidate and Uniting Church Minister, Rev Gordon Bradbery said he believed, “at times there needs to be a termination. I don’t live in the ideal world that everybody else seems to.
“I am not happy [with abortion]. I do not want it.” But he said he was concerned for women’s health and did not want to see so-called “backyard abortions” taking place.
Meanwhile Wollongong MP, Noreen Hay (ALP) told the gathering, “I do not agree with abortion. I do not support abortion... Abstinence is what I would recommend.”
On euthanasia, Ms Hay (ALP) said, “I would not support it... I believe the decision [to end life] should be left to God,” and described legalising euthanasia as opening up, “a can of worms”.
Rev Bradbery expressed his concern about euthanasia describing it as, “heading down the path of being manipulated and distorted.” He called for more funding for palliative care.
Mr Pratt (CDP), a medical doctor who runs a small palliative care practice, expressed similar concerns.
Ms Blicavs (Lib) believed, “there’s a time to be born and a time to die. That decision should be made by God.” While Greens candidate Brendan Cook said euthanasia was a “very complex policy... The Greens support euthanasia. I support euthanasia.” Asked about the need to close brothels, Mr Cook said brothels were like any other workplace.
Ms Blicavs (Lib) told the meeting that while she valued the lives of female sex-workers, “it is not a legitimate career path.” Meanwhile Rev Bradbery said brothels should be regulated and supervised properly. He also told the meeting there was no need for a Kings Cross style injecting room in Wollongong.
Asked if candidates would support state-based same-sex marriage laws, Brendan Cook (Greens) said he did not believe that sexuality was “a life style choice.” The Greens, he said, are “active and enthusiastic supporters of same-sex marriage.”
Ms Blicavs (Lib) told the gathering she did not believe in same-sex marriage and congratulated Labor MP Noreen Hay for voting against the recent same-sex adoption bill.
Rev Bradbery said he did not “necessarily” support same-sex marriage but said, “there needs to be an opportunity for people in same-sex relationships [to] formalise their commitment.”
Labor MP Noreen Hay concluded the evening saying, “I don’t and won’t support gay marriage.”
NSW hopes for new era of public confidence in politics damaged
MEDIA RELEASE
For Release: 3rd February 2011
The NSW community’s hope the election might usher in a new era of public confidence in politics was in doubt today with the Opposition breaking a key election promise before the election has even occurred.
The Australian Christian Lobby’s NSW Director David Hutt said the Christian constituency was extremely disappointed that the Opposition had backed away from its commitment to scrap ethics classes which compete directly with Scripture in Schools.
“ACL has always said that if ethics classes are so important, they should be available to all students and that they should not compete with and undermine Scripture in Schools.
“We had welcomed the Opposition’s previous commitment to scrap the ethics classes should they win Government and we cannot understand why they have now retreated from this.
“There is now absolutely nothing separating the Coalition from NSW Labor and the Greens on this issue, although we hope if the Liberals win power they will at least amend the legislation to ensure a flawed ethics syllabus is not used to undermine Scripture.
“Many people were looking forward to having a choice between the major parties on this issue as they head to the ballot box.
“Across NSW many people have been hoping an election might usher in a new era of public confidence in State Government. This backflip means politicians will have to work even harder to restore trust with the community.”
ENDS
For Release: 3rd February 2011
The NSW community’s hope the election might usher in a new era of public confidence in politics was in doubt today with the Opposition breaking a key election promise before the election has even occurred.
The Australian Christian Lobby’s NSW Director David Hutt said the Christian constituency was extremely disappointed that the Opposition had backed away from its commitment to scrap ethics classes which compete directly with Scripture in Schools.
“ACL has always said that if ethics classes are so important, they should be available to all students and that they should not compete with and undermine Scripture in Schools.
“We had welcomed the Opposition’s previous commitment to scrap the ethics classes should they win Government and we cannot understand why they have now retreated from this.
“There is now absolutely nothing separating the Coalition from NSW Labor and the Greens on this issue, although we hope if the Liberals win power they will at least amend the legislation to ensure a flawed ethics syllabus is not used to undermine Scripture.
“Many people were looking forward to having a choice between the major parties on this issue as they head to the ballot box.
“Across NSW many people have been hoping an election might usher in a new era of public confidence in State Government. This backflip means politicians will have to work even harder to restore trust with the community.”
ENDS
ACL welcomes passing of legislation to make Easter Sunday a public holiday
Media Release
The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) today welcomed the overnight passage of legislation making Easter Sunday a public holiday in New South Wales.
ACL’s NSW Director, David Hutt, said the addition of a public holiday on Easter Sunday meant more people would be able to celebrate Easter Sunday with family and friends.
“The Australian Christian Lobby congratulates the Keneally Government for this initiative,” Mr Hutt said.
“Easter Sunday is one of the most important days on the Christian calendar and it is wonderful to see that people will now be able to spend this day celebrating with friends and family.”
Mr Hutt noted that support for the changes was bipartisan, again demonstrating the importance of creating a public holiday for Easter Sunday.
The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) today welcomed the overnight passage of legislation making Easter Sunday a public holiday in New South Wales.
ACL’s NSW Director, David Hutt, said the addition of a public holiday on Easter Sunday meant more people would be able to celebrate Easter Sunday with family and friends.
“The Australian Christian Lobby congratulates the Keneally Government for this initiative,” Mr Hutt said.
“Easter Sunday is one of the most important days on the Christian calendar and it is wonderful to see that people will now be able to spend this day celebrating with friends and family.”
Mr Hutt noted that support for the changes was bipartisan, again demonstrating the importance of creating a public holiday for Easter Sunday.
ACL congratulates NSW Opposition for policy on Special Religious Education
Media Release
The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) today congratulated the NSW Opposition for making a stand to protect Special Religious Education Classes (SRE).
ACL’s NSW Director David Hutt welcomed the announcement by the NSW Opposition that they will scrap the St James Ethics Centre’s secular ethics classes if they win the March 2011 state election.
“I would like to congratulate the NSW Opposition for showing leadership on this issue,” Mr Hutt said. “This decision guarantees a bright future for SRE – an important part of the NSW education system.
“Of course no one is opposed to the idea of children being taught ethics in schools however the St James Ethics Centre’s proposal was unworkable and put ethics classes – something all children should be able to attend – in competition with SRE. This meant that children attending SRE would be unable to attend both SRE and ethics classes.
“However we also have very strong reservations about the ethics syllabus. We note the Education Minister had to intervene on the eve of the trial and remove controversial material about terrorist hijackings and designer babies from the Year 5 and 6 syllabus. Many schools also banned lessons on graffiti,” he said.
“ACL welcomes today’s announcement by the Opposition. There is now a clear choice for voters on this issue in the lead up to the March election.”
The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) today congratulated the NSW Opposition for making a stand to protect Special Religious Education Classes (SRE).
ACL’s NSW Director David Hutt welcomed the announcement by the NSW Opposition that they will scrap the St James Ethics Centre’s secular ethics classes if they win the March 2011 state election.
“I would like to congratulate the NSW Opposition for showing leadership on this issue,” Mr Hutt said. “This decision guarantees a bright future for SRE – an important part of the NSW education system.
“Of course no one is opposed to the idea of children being taught ethics in schools however the St James Ethics Centre’s proposal was unworkable and put ethics classes – something all children should be able to attend – in competition with SRE. This meant that children attending SRE would be unable to attend both SRE and ethics classes.
“However we also have very strong reservations about the ethics syllabus. We note the Education Minister had to intervene on the eve of the trial and remove controversial material about terrorist hijackings and designer babies from the Year 5 and 6 syllabus. Many schools also banned lessons on graffiti,” he said.
“ACL welcomes today’s announcement by the Opposition. There is now a clear choice for voters on this issue in the lead up to the March election.”
Roll-out of NSW ethics classes a “hot button” issue for Christians
Media Release
The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) today urged the NSW Government not to rubber-stamp the roll-out of ethics classes in competition with Scripture classes – saying this is a “hot button” issue for the Christian constituency.
“Cabinet needs to understand the depth of concern in the Christian constituency and in the community generally about the introduction of ethics classes in the Special Religious Education (SRE) time-slot – undermining a system that has worked effectively for more than 100 years,” ACL NSW Director David Hutt said.
“ACL supports the teaching of ethics and values in schools but we are very concerned that ethics classes are to be run in direct competition with SRE classes in primary schools – meaning students have to choose between the two and SRE students will be forced to forgo ethics teaching,” he said.
“There are also valid questions about whether the course material for ethics classes conforms to community standards on ethics. For example, I think most parents would be shocked to learn the St James Ethics Centre’s ethics classes don’t actually teach the difference between right and wrong. In fact some Principals involved in the trial expressed concern that there seemed to be no right or wrong answers in the course.”
Mr Hutt said that SRE represents one of the largest volunteer efforts in NSW, with an estimated 12,000 volunteer teachers giving up their time each week across the state to teach SRE.
“Earlier this year ACL collected over 50,000 signatures on a petition which called on the NSW Government to protect the place of SRE in schools and reschedule the proposed ethics classes to another time slot.”
Mr Hutt said he will be writing to churches that participated in the petition, thanking them for their hard work and informing them of any developments on the issue.
Facts about Education Minister Verity Firth’s trial ethics classes
• The classes were rejected by 1 in 3 non-SRE students.
• There were not enough volunteers to staff ten schools for a ten week trial. The shortfall had to be made up by teachers from the DET.
• The Education Minister was forced to intervene at the last minute and removed controversial course content on terrorist hijackings and designer babies from the Year 5-6 classes.
• A number of principals involved in the trial were concerned the classes contained no ‘right or wrong’ answers.
• A report into the trial found that a roll-out of ethics classes will draw heavily on the resources of the Education Department.
Media Contact: Glynis Quinlan on 0408 875 979
The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) today urged the NSW Government not to rubber-stamp the roll-out of ethics classes in competition with Scripture classes – saying this is a “hot button” issue for the Christian constituency.
“Cabinet needs to understand the depth of concern in the Christian constituency and in the community generally about the introduction of ethics classes in the Special Religious Education (SRE) time-slot – undermining a system that has worked effectively for more than 100 years,” ACL NSW Director David Hutt said.
“ACL supports the teaching of ethics and values in schools but we are very concerned that ethics classes are to be run in direct competition with SRE classes in primary schools – meaning students have to choose between the two and SRE students will be forced to forgo ethics teaching,” he said.
“There are also valid questions about whether the course material for ethics classes conforms to community standards on ethics. For example, I think most parents would be shocked to learn the St James Ethics Centre’s ethics classes don’t actually teach the difference between right and wrong. In fact some Principals involved in the trial expressed concern that there seemed to be no right or wrong answers in the course.”
Mr Hutt said that SRE represents one of the largest volunteer efforts in NSW, with an estimated 12,000 volunteer teachers giving up their time each week across the state to teach SRE.
“Earlier this year ACL collected over 50,000 signatures on a petition which called on the NSW Government to protect the place of SRE in schools and reschedule the proposed ethics classes to another time slot.”
Mr Hutt said he will be writing to churches that participated in the petition, thanking them for their hard work and informing them of any developments on the issue.
Facts about Education Minister Verity Firth’s trial ethics classes
• The classes were rejected by 1 in 3 non-SRE students.
• There were not enough volunteers to staff ten schools for a ten week trial. The shortfall had to be made up by teachers from the DET.
• The Education Minister was forced to intervene at the last minute and removed controversial course content on terrorist hijackings and designer babies from the Year 5-6 classes.
• A number of principals involved in the trial were concerned the classes contained no ‘right or wrong’ answers.
• A report into the trial found that a roll-out of ethics classes will draw heavily on the resources of the Education Department.
Media Contact: Glynis Quinlan on 0408 875 979
NSW parliament passes surrogacy law
Last night the NSW Government’s Surrogacy Bill 2010 was passed by the NSW Legislative Assembly.
While the often strong desire of people to have children is fully understandable, ACL does not support surrogacy because of concerns for the welfare of children born through surrogacy arrangements and also for the mental and physical health of birth mothers.
Whilst, it is extraordinary to think that surrogacy has been largely unregulated in NSW for such a long period of time, the Surrogacy Bill does not go far enough to protect the rights of children to be raised by a mother and a father.
If the Government is to regulate surrogacy then we urge them to ensure that children have the benefit of the love and role models of both a mother and a father – something we believe there is broad community support for.
While the often strong desire of people to have children is fully understandable, ACL does not support surrogacy because of concerns for the welfare of children born through surrogacy arrangements and also for the mental and physical health of birth mothers.
Whilst, it is extraordinary to think that surrogacy has been largely unregulated in NSW for such a long period of time, the Surrogacy Bill does not go far enough to protect the rights of children to be raised by a mother and a father.
If the Government is to regulate surrogacy then we urge them to ensure that children have the benefit of the love and role models of both a mother and a father – something we believe there is broad community support for.
Time for NSW to kick its poker machine addiction
MEDIA RELEASE
For release: October 15, 2010
Time for NSW to kick its poker machine addiction
The Australian Christian Lobby today urged the NSW Premier and Leader of the Opposition to stop playing politics on gambling policy.
ACL’s NSW Director David Hutt, said problem gambling was a serious issue for Australia and called on the Government and Opposition to take a more constructive approach to tackling problem gambling.
“What we have seen today from the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition has been a completely unedifying display,” Mr Hutt said. “NSW needs a premier who will show leadership in tackling problem gambling.
“The ‘he said/she said’ debate of the last 24 hours has missed the mark completely. Poker machines are a serious problem for NSW.
“The Productivity Commission report into gambling estimated the social cost of problem gambling to Australia as being as high as $4.7 billion a year. This is unacceptably high.
“Both the Federal and Tasmanian Governments are looking at ways of reducing the burden poker machines place on society. There is no reason why NSW can’t lead the way on tackling problem gambling.
“It’s time for Labor and the Liberals to check into rehab and wean themselves off their poker machine addiction.”
Media Contact: David Hutt 0409 678 484
For release: October 15, 2010
Time for NSW to kick its poker machine addiction
The Australian Christian Lobby today urged the NSW Premier and Leader of the Opposition to stop playing politics on gambling policy.
ACL’s NSW Director David Hutt, said problem gambling was a serious issue for Australia and called on the Government and Opposition to take a more constructive approach to tackling problem gambling.
“What we have seen today from the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition has been a completely unedifying display,” Mr Hutt said. “NSW needs a premier who will show leadership in tackling problem gambling.
“The ‘he said/she said’ debate of the last 24 hours has missed the mark completely. Poker machines are a serious problem for NSW.
“The Productivity Commission report into gambling estimated the social cost of problem gambling to Australia as being as high as $4.7 billion a year. This is unacceptably high.
“Both the Federal and Tasmanian Governments are looking at ways of reducing the burden poker machines place on society. There is no reason why NSW can’t lead the way on tackling problem gambling.
“It’s time for Labor and the Liberals to check into rehab and wean themselves off their poker machine addiction.”
Media Contact: David Hutt 0409 678 484
ACL congratulates NSW Govt for declaring Easter Sunday a public holiday
MEDIA RELEASE
For release October 14, 2010
ACL congratulates NSW Govt for declaring Easter Sunday a public holiday
The Australian Christian Lobby has today congratulated Premier Kristina Keneally for declaring Easter Sunday a public holiday from 2011.
ACL NSW Director, David Hutt said it was appropriate for the government to recognise the importance of Easter Sunday. “This is a sensible decision that I know will be welcomed by many people,” Mr Hutt said.
“Kristina Keneally is to be congratulated for recognising the importance of Easter Sunday and guaranteeing that workers will not be required to work on Easter Sunday.
“Easter Sunday is the most significant day of the Christian calendar. While the Good Friday public holiday recognises Christ’s passion and suffering, it is the Sunday resurrection that is the focal point of Easter.
Media Contact: David Hutt 0409 678 484
For release October 14, 2010
ACL congratulates NSW Govt for declaring Easter Sunday a public holiday
The Australian Christian Lobby has today congratulated Premier Kristina Keneally for declaring Easter Sunday a public holiday from 2011.
ACL NSW Director, David Hutt said it was appropriate for the government to recognise the importance of Easter Sunday. “This is a sensible decision that I know will be welcomed by many people,” Mr Hutt said.
“Kristina Keneally is to be congratulated for recognising the importance of Easter Sunday and guaranteeing that workers will not be required to work on Easter Sunday.
“Easter Sunday is the most significant day of the Christian calendar. While the Good Friday public holiday recognises Christ’s passion and suffering, it is the Sunday resurrection that is the focal point of Easter.
Media Contact: David Hutt 0409 678 484