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Pages tagged "relationships"


The government’s Stronger Relationships trial begins

Posted on Blog · June 26, 2014 10:00 AM
Family on beachThe Australian government is looking for existing providers of relationship education or counselling to help deliver the Stronger Relationships trial.



The Stronger Relationships trial is part of the Department of Social Services’ (DSS) Families and Communities Program that seeks to support families and improve children’s wellbeing by providing $200 subsidies for up to 100,000 couples to access relationship education and/or counselling services.



The aim of the trial is to increase the number of couples who participate in education and/or counselling to help strengthen their marriage or relationship. It will run from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015.



Couples can register for the trial but both persons must be:

• in a committed relationship;



• Australian citizens, permanent residents or otherwise eligible to receive social security payments in Australia; and



• 18 years or older.



In order to qualify for the $200 subsidy, couples must choose from a service provider listed on the DSS website, www.dss.gov.au/strongerrelationships.



Counsellors and relationship educators can apply to be a service provider if they are existing Family and Relationship Services providers, or a not-for-profit provider that already offers education or counselling services to at least 100 couples per year.



Service providers must ensure that personnel providing counselling and education services possess current membership to a recognised professional institution including, but not limited to:

• the Australian Counselling Association;



• the Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists;



• the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia;



• the Australian Association of Family Therapy;



• the Australian Psychological Society;



• the Marriage and Relationship Educators’ Association of Australia;



• the Catholic Society for Marriage Education; and



• the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). For the AASW, personnel need only show evidence of eligibility for membership.



Although payment of the education and/or counselling service will remain the responsibility of the couple to the service provider, the couple will receive a $200 reimbursement of the total service fee.



Applications for the trial opened 19 June 2014 and will remain open until 31 March 2015.



For further information about the trial and the application process, read the operational guidelines here.



Stronger Relationships Trial - Funded by the Federal Government

Caring for kids needs to go back to basics

Posted on Blog · May 29, 2014 10:00 AM
Carmody report QLD PanelIt's not talked about nearly enough, but Australia's crisis in child well being should be higher on the national political agenda.



It has been almost three years since the ACL-commissioned For Kids’ Sake research was launched at Parliament House in Canberra.



A meta-analysis, it shone a bright light on the crisis.



Here is a reminder of just some of its findings:



- The number of children in out of home care because it is too dangerous to live at home doubled in a decade to 35,000



- More than a quarter of young people aged 16-24 years have a mental disorder compared with one in five (20 per cent) in the general population



- Self-harm for teenage girls 12-14 years of age leading to hospitalisation is six times the rate for boys



-    There was an increase from 28 per cent to 38 per cent in female school students experiencing unwanted sex between 2002 and 2008



-    There was a doubling in the rate of hospitalisation for alcohol intoxication for women aged 15-24 between 1998 and 2006.



ACL is working to keep the welfare of kids front and centre of the political debate.



On Monday night in Brisbane, ACL's Queensland director Wendy Francis hosted a panel of experts and state parliamentarians to discuss the crisis in a lively Q&A format.



The panel included State Opposition leader Annastacia Palaszczuk, Queensland child safety minister Tracy Davis, Bravehearts' Hetty Johnston and the Centre for Independent Studies' Dr Jeremy Sammut.



The audience included a number of people involved in foster care and advocates of adoption.







The reluctance of governments to allow kids in the care system to be adopted generated spirited debate.



According to Dr Sammut, no government wants to be accused of creating another stolen generation and this meant that kids with abusive parents remained in limbo for too long, as did their foster carers.



Other jurisdictions have a pathway to what is known as 'open adoption' so that kids with abusive parents could be given permanent living arrangements and foster carers certainty.



Clearly this is a win for both, but it is controversial.



In the United States there are 50,000 adoptions per year of kids from abusive situations. If we followed this in Australia it could potentially take 5,000 kids out of the care system and into permanent homes each year.



Breaking what seems to be an anti-adoption culture needs to be explored.



But so too does strengthening couple relationships.



The Federal Minister for Community Services, Kevin Andrews, has been subject to unfair ridicule for proposing vouchers for couples to pursue relationship counselling.



If those of us who are married or in a relationship are honest, we will all admit that we need to work on it because romantic feelings, while wonderful, are not enough to sustain us.



It stands to reason that if couple relationships are strengthened, children benefit.



Children benefit from permanency in their living arrangements and especially from the permanency of the relationship of their biological parents.



That is why when a couple make the commitment of marriage, they are not just benefitting themselves, they are providing unfathomable benefit to any children they produce but also a massive social and economic benefit to society.



Our modern approach to relationships, marriage and sex has become so self-centred that we have forgotten these basics.



Political correctness stops us from talking about this.



Meanwhile we wonder why we have a crisis in child well being.



Unless our political discourse gives us permission to talk about strengthening marriage, the endless cycle of state government inquiries into our failing child protection systems will continue.

ACL's Jim Wallace writes in the Illawarra Mercury

Posted on Blog · April 17, 2013 10:00 AM
Jim WallaceBelow is a copy of an opinion piece written by ACL's Managing Director Jim Wallace, first published in the Illawarra Mercury, entitled Marriage is mother + father = kids.



If some in popular culture are to be believed, redefining marriage to include same-sex couples is straight forward and has no adverse consequences.



This idea has gone unchallenged in part because of a fundamental shift in society from the community to the individual. Where once change was judged on its impact on the common good, now extreme individualism seeks its good first.



This mindset was on display in last week’s ABC 7.30 piece on polyamorous relationships. Polyamory is an open relationship involving more than one couple. Most revealing in the story were the final words of one of the polyamorists: “it’s all about people being happy and comfortable in whatever relationship they want to be in”.



Actually in Western society that has never been what marriage relationships have been “all about”.



They have primarily been about providing children the natural and stable relationship in which they flourish best, a commitment between their biological mother and father in marriage.



For that reason marriage has been viewed as not just about “us” but the children we bring into this world.



It is the relationship defined by the biological and sexual complimentarily of men and women. Marriage protects the biological identity of children. It provides the best environment for them to flourish.



Marriage should be reinforced by governments with much more vigour than wanting to enforce protection of the natural environment for trees.



As important as they are, trees are not in the same league as children.



It is interesting that those agitating to redefine marriage scoff at suggestions it will lead to polyamory. Yet the 7:30 story is evidence the former has led to unquestioning discussion of the later, something once unthinkable.



Last year the Australian Parliament voted overwhelmingly against Illawarra MP Stephen Jones’ same-sex marriage bill. The bill was defeated by a margin of two to one.



The vote came after a long and at times ugly debate within the Labor Party that saw it abandon its long-held position on marriage.



This was despite the fact that Labor went to the polls with a very clear promise they would not redefine marriage.



Government must legislate for what is best for children. We can be presented with any number of heart-rending examples of same-sex couple’s love, but they do not change the simple biological truth that it is different and not marriage.



Marriage will figure prominently in most Christians’ considerations at election time.



In a question distributed to a random representative sample in the National Church Life Survey in 2011, 49 per cent of respondents rated marriage and family in the top four issues of 13 options on the survey.



Marriage, the regional solution for asylum seekers, filtering dangerous and illegal content from the internet, supporting mums through the baby bonus, maintaining the unique character of the school chaplaincy program, problem gambling and meeting our international obligations on overseas aid were all commitments made to Christians at the last election.



Both sides of politics have disappointed at different times over the last three years on these issues, but only the Coalition has maintained its promise on marriage.



As people make up their minds who to support over the coming months there will certainly be no shortage of issues to consider, but for most Christians marriage will be one of them.



If a week is a long time in politics then Election Day is still an eternity away. Our politicians would do well to spend that time articulating a positive, credible vision for our nation that includes preserving and strengthening marriage as the very foundational block on which society is built.



Jim Wallace is Managing Director of the Australian Christian Lobby group.

In the media - a wrap up of the last week's commentary

Posted on Blog · October 04, 2012 10:00 AM
In the last week the ACL has been quoted in the media on marriage, on sexual education plans in Tasmania and federal funding for Queensland Tenant Advice and Advocacy Service. See below for links to mentions in the media.



ACL’s Managing Director Jim Wallace had an opinion piece published in Eternity Newspaper, where he comments on the issue of defending marriage and what that means for the church:



  • Eternity Newspaper (Jim Wallace) – Church must decide on whether it can remain silent




On the issue of marriage:



  • The International News Magazine – Three year campaign to redefine marriage fails to persuade parliamentarians


  • The Mercury – MPs vow new gay unions bid




Regarding new relationships and sexuality education strategy put forth by the Tasmanian State Education Department:



  • The Mercury – Sex ed plans under attack


  • The Examiner - Education on sex abuse wanted




On federal funding for Queensland TAAS:



  • Christian Today Australia – ACL welcomes federal funding for Queensland Tenant Advice and Advocacy Service



MR: ACL concerned for rights of parents under new Tasmanian relationships and sexuality education strategy

Posted on Blog · October 03, 2012 10:00 AM
MEDIA RELEASE



Wednesday, 3 October 2012



The Australian Christian Lobby has expressed concern about the rights of parents after the release of a new relationships and sexuality education strategy by the Tasmanian state Education Department includes teaching homosexuality to children.



Although the curriculum will not be mandatory for schools to take, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex issues would be covered in the teaching plans.



ACL’s Tasmanian Director Mark Brown said parents should have the right to determine how their children were taught about issues of sexuality, including homosexuality.



“It is important that parents have forewarning about the material that will be taught and a choice in what their children are being taught. Parents should have the right to know about and opt their children out of these classes should their school adopt this new program," Mr Brown said.



Studies show that many adolescents go through a period of confusion about their sexuality but this does not mean they are homosexual and many go on to lead a heterosexual lifestyle.



Data from the National Health and Social Life Survey shows that three quarters of boys who think they are gay turn away naturally from a same-sex identity between the ages of around 16 to 25.



Mr Brown also said that teaching homosexuality to children as normative is not the way to combat the issue of bullying in schools.



“Bullying is a phenomenon that needs to be eliminated in all of its various manifestations.”



Mr Brown said ACL was concerned that this was being used as part of the gay lobby’s political push for same-sex marriage.



“This parental right to choice about what their children are taught is clearly something that is at risk if gay marriage created the legal and cultural cement under which it cannot be challenged.



“This has been clearly indicated by cases in the US,” Mr Brown said.

Same-sex marriage defeated 98-42, see how your MP voted

Posted on Blog · September 20, 2012 10:00 AM
A bill to change the definition of marriage was defeated by 98-42 in Parliament’s House of Representatives yesterday.



A second bill in the Senate is expected to be voted on tonight and by all accounts will also fail.



The events this week in Canberra should draw a line under what has been a long campaign by activists to overturn the definition of marriage.



There is no doubt the response from so many of you in signing petitions, emailing your MPs and Senators and visiting them has had a tremendous impact in this result.



Participating in democracy is effective. Thank you for your great work over the past couple of years in responding to many calls to act at strategic times during the campaign.



The Coalition under Tony Abbott has shown great integrity in keeping its election promise to vote together against changing the Marriage Act.



Despite making the same election promise, 38 Labor MPs voted for Labor member Stephen Jones’ private members bill to change the definition of marriage.



We have listed how MPs voted below, along with the email addresses of those who voted to uphold marriage. Please thank them.



Now that the vote has been held, it is time to move on and ACL is looking forward to focussing fully on our core business of encouraging the Christian constituency to bring Christian influence into government across a wide range of issues of justice and righteousness.



Marriage has been in trouble for generations, quite independently of gay activists’ attempts to redefine it. We all have a responsibility to promote its good, especially for children, and to help our society again fall in love with this most important of human relationships.



We have also posted a list outlining how the Senate voted to keep the current definition of marriage. The Marriage Amendment Bill 2012 in the Senate was also defeated 41-26 votes. Click here to see the list.



 



FOR same-sex marriage:



Anthony ALBANESE - Labor



Adam BANDT - Greens



Sharon BIRD - Labor



Gai BRODTMANN - Labor



Mark BUTLER - Labor



Nick CHAMPION - Labor



Darren CHEESEMAN - Labor



Jason CLARE - Labor



Julie COLLINS - Labor



Greg COMBET - Labor



Simon CREAN - Labor



Mark DREYFUS - Labor



Justine ELLIOT - Labor



Kate ELLIS - Labor



Peter GARRETT - Labor



Steve GEORGANAS - Labor



Steve GIBBONS - Labor



Gary GRAY - Labor



Sharon GRIERSON - Labor



Alan GRIFFIN - Labor



Jill HALL - Labor



Harry JENKINS - Labor



Stephen JONES - Labor



Mike KELLY - Labor

Catherine KING - Labor



Kirstin LIVERMORE - Labor



Jenny MACKLIN - Labor



Richard MARLES - Labor



Rob OAKESHOTT - Independent



Melissa PARKE - Labor



Graham PERRETT - Labor



Tanya PLIBERSEK - Labor



Amanda RISHWORTH - Labor



Nicola ROXON - Labor



Janelle SAFFIN - Labor



Bill SHORTEN - Labor



Sid SIDEBOTTOM - Labor



Stephen SMITH - Labor



Laura SMYTH - Labor



Warren SNOWDON - Labor



Craig THOMSON - Independent



Andrew WILKIE - Independent



 



AGAINST same-sex marriage:



Tony ABBOTT - Liberal



Tony.Abbott.MP@aph.gov.au



Dick ADAMS - Labor



D.Adams.MP@aph.gov.au



John ALEXANDER - Liberal



john.alexander.mp@aph.gov.au



Karen ANDREWS – Liberal



karen.andrews.mp@aph.gov.au



Kevin ANDREWS - Liberal



Kevin.Andrews.MP@aph.gov.au



Robert BALDWIN - Liberal



Bob.Baldwin.MP@aph.gov.au



Bruce BILLSON - Liberal



B.Billson.MP@aph.gov.au



Bronwyn BISHOP - Liberal



Bronwyn.Bishop.MP@aph.gov.au



Julie BISHOP - Liberal

Julie.Bishop.MP@aph.gov.au



Chris BOWEN - Labor



Chris.Bowen.MP@aph.gov.au



David BRADBURY - Labor



David.Bradbury.MP@aph.gov.au



Jamie BRIGGS - Liberal



Jamie.Briggs.MP@aph.gov.au



Russell BROADBENT - Liberal



Russell.Broadbent.MP@aph.gov.au



Scott BUCHHOLZ - Liberal



scott.buchholz.mp@aph.gov.au



Anthony BURKE - Labor



Tony.Burke.MP@aph.gov.au



Anthony BYRNE - Labor



Anthony.Byrne.MP@aph.gov.au



Darren CHESTER - Nationals



Darren.Chester.MP@aph.gov.au



George CHRISTENSEN - Nationals



george.christensen.mp@aph.gov.au



Steven CIOBO - Liberals



Steven.Ciobo.MP@aph.gov.au



John COBB - Nationals



John.Cobb.MP@aph.gov.au



Mark COULTON - Nationals



Mark.Coulton.MP@aph.gov.au



Anthony CROOK – Nationals Western Australia



tony.crook.mp@aph.gov.au



Yvette D’ATH - Labor



Yvette.D'Ath.MP@aph.gov.au



Peter DUTTON - Liberal



Peter.Dutton.MP@aph.gov.au



Craig EMERSON - Labor



Craig.Emerson.MP@aph.gov.au



Warren ENTSCH - Liberal



Warren.Entsch.MP@aph.gov.au



Joel FITZGIBBON - Labor



J.Fitzgibbon.MP@aph.gov.au



Paul FLETCHER - Liberal



Paul.Fletcher.MP@aph.gov.au



John FORREST – Nationals



J.Forrest.MP@aph.gov.au



Joshua FRYDENBERG - Liberal



josh.frydenberg.mp@aph.gov.au



Teresa GAMBARO - Liberal



T.Gambaro.MP@aph.gov.au



Joanna GASH - Liberal



Joanna.Gash.MP@aph.gov.au



Julia GILLARD - Labor



Contact form



Natasha GRIGGS – Country Liberal Party



natasha.griggs.mp@aph.gov.au



Luke Hartsuyker - Nationals



Luke.Hartsuyker.MP@aph.gov.au



Alexander HAWKE - Liberal



Alex.Hawke.MP@aph.gov.au



Christopher HAYES - Labor



Chris.Hayes.MP@aph.gov.au



Joseph HOCKEY - Liberal



J.Hockey.MP@aph.gov.au



Gregory HUNT - Liberal



Greg.Hunt.MP@aph.gov.au



Ed HUSIC - Labor



ed.husic.mp@aph.gov.au



Stephen IRONS - Liberal



Steve.Irons.MP@aph.gov.au



Dennis JENSEN - Liberal



Dennis.Jensen.MP@aph.gov.au



Ewen JONES - Liberal



ewen.jones.mp@aph.gov.au



Robert KATTER - Independent



Bob.Katter.MP@aph.gov.au



Michael KEENAN - Liberal

Michael.Keenan.MP@aph.gov.au



Craig KELLY - Liberal



craig.kelly.mp@aph.gov.au



Andrew LAMING - Liberal



Andrew.Laming.MP@aph.gov.au



Sussan LEY - Liberal



Sussan.Ley.MP@aph.gov.au



Geoffrey LYONS - Labor



geoff.lyons.mp@aph.gov.au



Ian MACFARLANE - Liberal



Ian.Macfarlane.MP@aph.gov.au



Nola MARINO - Liberal



Nola.Marino.MP@aph.gov.au



Louise MARKUS - Liberal



Louise.Markus.MP@aph.gov.au



Russell MATHESON - Liberal



russell.matheson.mp@aph.gov.au



Robert MCCLELLAND - Labor



R.McClelland.MP@aph.gov.au



Michael MCCORMACK – Nationals



michael.mccormack.mp@aph.gov.au



Daryl MELHAM - Labor



D.Melham.MP@aph.gov.au



Sophie MIRABELLA - Liberal



Sophie.Mirabella.MP@aph.gov.au



Scott MORRISON - Liberal



Scott.Morrison.MP@aph.gov.au



Judith MOYLAN - Liberal



J.Moylan.MP@aph.gov.au



John MURPHY - Labor



John.Murphy.MP@aph.gov.au



Shayne NEUMANN - Labor



Shayne.Neumann.MP@aph.gov.au



Paul NEVILLE - Nationals



P.Neville.MP@aph.gov.au



Kenneth O’DOWD - Nationals



ken.o'dowd.mp@aph.gov.au



Kelly O’DWYER - Liberal



Higgins@aph.gov.au



Deborah O’NEILL - Labor



deborah.o'neill.mp@aph.gov.au



Julie OWENS - Labor



Julie.Owens.MP@aph.gov.au



Jane PRENTICE - Liberal



jane.prentice.mp@aph.gov.au



Christopher PYNE - Liberal



C.Pyne.MP@aph.gov.au



Rowan RAMSEY - Liberal



Rowan.Ramsey.MP@aph.gov.au



Don RANDALL - Liberal



Don.Randall.MP@aph.gov.au



Bernie RIPOLL - Labor



Bernie.Ripoll.MP@aph.gov.au



Andrew ROBB - Liberal



Andrew.Robb.MP@aph.gov.au



Stuart ROBERT - Liberal



Stuart.Robert.MP@aph.gov.au



Michelle ROWLAND - Labor



michelle.rowland.mp@aph.gov.au



Wyatt ROY - Liberal



wyatt.roy.mp@aph.gov.au



Kevin RUDD - Labor



Kevin.Rudd.MP@aph.gov.au



Philip RUDDOCK - Liberal



philip.ruddock.MP@aph.gov.au



Albert SCHULTZ - Liberal



Alby.Schultz.MP@aph.gov.au



Bruce SCOTT - Nationals



Bruce.Scott.MP@aph.gov.au



Patrick SECKER - Liberal

P.Secker@aph.gov.au



Tony SMITH - Liberal



Tony.Smith.MP@aph.gov.au



Alexander SOMLYAY - Liberal



Alex.Somlyay.MP@aph.gov.au



Andrew SOUTHCOTT - Liberal



Andrew.Southcott.MP@aph.gov.au



Sharman STONE - Liberal



S.Stone.MP@aph.gov.au



Wayne SWAN - Labor



Wayne.Swan.MP@aph.gov.au



Mike SYMON - Labor



Mike.Symon.MP@aph.gov.au



Daniel TEHAN - Liberal



dan.tehan.mp@aph.gov.au



Kelvin THOMSON - Labor



Kelvin.Thomson.MP@aph.gov.au



Warren TRUSS - Nationals



W.Truss.MP@aph.gov.au



Alan TUDGE - Liberal



alan.tudge.mp@aph.gov.au



Malcolm TURNBULL - Liberal



Malcolm.Turnbull.MP@aph.gov.au



Maria VAMVAKINOU - Labor



Maria.Vamvakinou.MP@aph.gov.au



Albertus VAN MANEN - Liberal



bert.vanmanen.mp@aph.gov.au



Ross VASTA – Liberal



Ross.Vasta.MP@aph.gov.au



Malcolm WASHER - Liberal



Mal.Washer.MP@aph.gov.au



Antony WINDSOR - Independent



Tony.Windsor.MP@aph.gov.au



Kenneth WYATT - Liberal



ken.wyatt.mp@aph.gov.au



Antonio ZAPPIA - Labor



Tony.Zappia.MP@aph.gov.au



 



Did not vote



Anna BURKE – Labor (Deputy Speaker - could not vote)



Michael DANBY – Labor



Laurie FERGUSON – Labor (on business overseas)



Martin FERGUSON – Labor



Barry HAASE – Liberal (on business overseas)



Andrew LEIGH – Labor (on paternity leave)



Rob MITCHELL – Labor



Brendon O’CONNOR – Labor (compassionate leave)



Luke SIMPKINS – Liberal



Peter SLIPPER – Independent

MR: Christian leaders urge Parliament to protect the definition of marriage

Posted on Blog · September 10, 2012 10:00 AM
MEDIA RELEASE



Sunday 9 September 2012



With Parliamentary debate on marriage beginning again tomorrow in Canberra, 19 of Australia’s denominational leaders and 267 other church leaders have urged the Parliament to protect the Marriage Act.



The leaders have signed a joint statement calling for the Act to remain unchanged.



There are four bills to change the definition of marriage before the Parliament, two of which are expected to be voted on in coming weeks.



“Marriage is the lifelong commitment and faithful union of one man and one woman. As such, marriage is the natural basis of the family because it secures the relationship between biological parents and their children,” The statement says.



Joint Statement on the Significance of Marriage



Marriage is the lifelong commitment and faithful union of one man and one woman. As such, marriage is the natural basis of the family because it secures the relationship between biological parents and their children.



As Christian leaders representing different denominations or churches, we join together and affirm our shared commitment to promote and protect marriage. We honour the unique love between husbands and wives; the vital place of fathers and mothers in the life of children; and the corresponding ideal for all children to know the love and role modelling of a father and mother.



Marriage thus defined is a great good in itself, and it also serves the good of others and society, as it has done for thousands of years. The preservation of the unique meaning of marriage is therefore not a special or limited interest, but serves the common good, particularly the good of children.



We call on Parliament to:



  • protect this definition of marriage in Australian law, and


  • not change the meaning of marriage by adding to it different kinds of relationships.




MEDIA INQUIRIES TO SIGNATORIES


Denominational Leaders:






  • Pastor Wayne Alcorn, National President, AUSTRALIAN CHRISTIAN CHURCHES


  • The Most Reverend Peter Jensen, Archbishop of the Diocese of Sydney, ANGLICAN CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA


  • Pastor Tim Jack, National Leader, APOSTOLIC CHURCH AUSTRALIA


  • Pastor David McDonald, National Chairman, CHRISTIAN OUTREACH CENTRE AUSTRALIA


  • His Eminence Cardinal George Pell AC, Archbishop of Sydney, CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF SYDNEY


  • Pastor Mark Connor, Senior Minister, CITYLIFE CHURCH


  • Reverend Dr Margaret Court, Senior Pastor, VICTORY LIFE CENTRE INCORPORATED


  • Very Rev Dr Michael Protopopov OAM, Australian & New Zealand Diocese, RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OUTSIDE RUSSIA


  • Pastor Bill Vasilakis, National Chairman, CRC CHURCHES INTERNATIONAL


  • The Right Reverend David Jones, Moderator General, PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA


  • His Grace Bishop Suriel, Diocese of Melbourne & Affiliated Regions, COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH


  • Very Reverend Father Tadros El-Bakhoumi, Diocese of Sydney & Affiliation Regions, COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH


  • Commissioner James Condon, Territorial Commander, THE SALVATION ARMY EASTERN TERRITORY


  • Commissioner Raymond Finger, Territorial Commander, THE SALVATION ARMY SOUTHERN TERRITORY


  • Pastor Ken Vogel, General Secretary, Australian Union Conference, SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH


  • Pastor Graham Nelson, Senior Minister, LIFE MINISTRY CENTRE


  • The Most Reverend Denis Hart, President, AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCE


  • Reverend Keith Jobberns, National Ministries Director, AUSTRALIAN BAPTIST MINISTRIES, BAPTIST UNION OF AUSTRALIA






Church Leaders:






  • Reverend Father Abram Abdelmalek, Parish Priest, HEAD OF THE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH OF WA


  • Pastor Gloria J Alcock, NORTHERN HIGHLANDS CHRISTIAN OUTREACH CHURCH


  • Senior Elder Barry K Alcock, NORTHERN HIGHLANDS CHRISTIAN OUTREACH CHURCH


  • Pastor Andrew Allinson, Associate Pastor, NORTH PINE BAPTIST CHURCH, MURRUMBA DOWNS


  • Pastor Faamanuia Aloalii, HOSANNA LOGAN CITY CHURCH


  • Pastor Ruta Aloalii, HOSANNA LOGAN CITY CHURCH


  • Pastor David Alston, LIVING HOPE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP, A FOURSQUARE GOSPEL CHURCH


  • Pastor Craig Anderson, Senior Pastor, PLENTY VALLEY CHURCH


  • Reverend Matthew Anstey, GOLD COAST CHRISTIAN FAMILY


  • Pastor Keith Applegate, KENMORE BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Pastor Andrew Appleton, LOGAN CITY BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Reverend Father Matthew Attia, ST GEORGE CHURCH KENSINGTON, NSW


  • Pastor Ray Baker, CROSSWATER CHURCH


  • Anne Baker, CROSSWATER CHURCH


  • Reverend Father Paula Elkomos Balamon, POPE SHENOUDA COPTIC CENTRE, LONG POINT NSW


  • Reverend Peter Barber, ST ANDREWS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH TOWNSVILLE (PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF AUSTRALIAN IN QLD)


  • Pastor Russell Barker, ROCKY CAPE FAMILY CHURCH, APOSTOLIC CHURCH AUSTRALIA


  • Pastors John and Jenny Barnes, HOUSE OF THE ROCK CHURCH, GISBORNE


  • Reverend Father Arsanious Barsoum, THE APOSTLE & ST ABANOUB CHURCH, BLACKTOWN NSW


  • Reverend Father Youhanna Bastawrous, ST MARY & ST MERCURIOUS CHURCH, RHODES NSW


  • Reverend Jay Beatty, CHUWAR BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Pastor Barry Benz, GATTON CHURCH OF CHRIST


  • Pastors Brian and Annette Bernays, C3 CHURCH TAMWORTH


  • Pastor Lorenzo Berry, HERVEY BAY & MARYBOROUGH SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCHES


  • Reverend Stuart Bonnington, SCOTS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, FREMANTLE


  • Pastors Paul and Trischa Botha, ONE CHURCH PERTH, MERRIWA WA


  • Reverend Noel Bowditch, Rector, THE ANGLICAN PARISH OF BURNIE


  • Pastors Mark and Rina Bowhay, CHRISTIAN OUTREACH CENTRE


  • Father Anastasios Bozikis, GREEK ORTHODOX COMMUNITY OF ST GEORGE, BRISBANE


  • Pastor B.E. Bramblet, FELLOWSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH QLD


  • Reverend Andrew J Bray, Immediate Past Moderator PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF VICTORIA & Interim Moderator, PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH GEELONG


  • Captain Dale Brooks, Corps Officer, Northside Corps, THE SALVATION ARMY AUSTRALIA EASTERN TERRITORY


  • Pastors Roger and Linda Brown, MORNING STAR MINISTRIES, QLD


  • Pastor Philip Brown, PORT CITY CHURCH


  • Elder Ken Bruce, COC BASSENDEAN


  • Reverend Tony Burgum, FERNTREE GULLY BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Reverend Philip Burns, BENDIGO PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH


  • Pastor Gordon Busse, CALOUNDRA CITYLIFE BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Pastor Cameron Butcher, UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH, BALLARAT


  • Reverend David Butterfield, JIMBOOMBA BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Pastor Murray Campbell, Lead Pastor, MENTONE BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Pastor Mike Cardy, LIGHTHOUSE COMMUNITY CHURCH, LANCELIN


  • Reverend Greg Carle, KANGAROO FLAT BAPTIST CHURCH, VIC


  • Pastor Bruce Chant, Executive Pastor, ONE CHURCH PERTH, MERRIWA WA


  • Pastor Geoff Charles, SPRINGWOOD CHURCH OF CHRIST


  • Pastors Charmayne and Steven Chinnery, SIGNS MINISTRIES


  • Pastor Steve Christian, TOOWOOMBA NORTH CHURCH OF CHRIST


  • Pastor Malcolm Clard, MERREDIN CHURCH OF CHRIST


  • Pastor Josh Cocks, BEAUDESERT BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Pastor Greg Coleman, Associate Pastor, DESTINY CHURCH, CABOOLTURE


  • Pastor Dean Comeford, GYMPIE COMMUNITY CHURCH


  • Reverend Kerry Connell, Executive Pastor, SOUTH BANK BAPTIS CHURCH


  • Pastor Peter Constantine, RIVERCITY FAMILY CHURCH


  • Pastor Ken Conwell, BEENLEIGH & DISTRICT BAPTIST CHURCH, QLD


  • Pastor Tim Cooper, LIFEHOUSE CHURCH, MAITLAND


  • Pastor Andrew Corbett, LAGANA CHRISTIAN CHURCH


  • Pastor Dermot Cottuli, Tasmanian State President, AUSTRALIAN CHRISTIAN CHURCHES (ACC)


  • Reverend Warren Crank, NORTHREACH BAPTIST CHURCH, TOWNSVILLE


  • Pastor Mike Cronin, Australian Missions Director, CRC CHURCH INTERNATIONAL


  • Pastor Daron Crothers, C2C Minister, LIFESTREAMS CHRISTIAN CHURCH, SOUTH PERTH


  • Pastor Greg Cumming, KING'S CHRISTIAN CENTRE, GOLD COAST


  • Pastor Shayne Cunningham, COASTWIDE CHURCH, GOLD COAST


  • Pastor Millin Curtis, CONNECT CHURCH CABOOLTURE, CHRISTIAN OUTREACH CENTRE


  • Pastors Nigel and Margaret Darch, THE LIFE CENTRE CHURCH, BROADBEACH, GOLD COAST, QLD


  • Pastor Paul Dare, MUNDUBBERA BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Reverend Michael Dasey, GUNGAHLIN ANGLICAN CHURCH


  • Thomas Davenport, National Leader, DADS IN FAMILIES FOUNDATION


  • Reverend Dr Max Davidson, MALYON COLLEGE


  • Pastor Fred Davis, ACACIA RIDGE CHURCH OF CHRIST


  • Pastor Kevan Denny, SUNNYBANK CHURCH OF CHRIST


  • Reverend Father Mina Diskoros, ST. ABRAM CHURCH MACQUARIE FIELDS, NSW


  • Reverend Bruce Docker, ANNERLEY CHURCH OF CHRIST


  • Pastor Chris Downes SILVERDALE CHURCH OF CHRIST


  • Reverend Jonathan Downs, Assistant Pastor, CALVARY CHAPEL UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH, CANBERRA ACT


  • Pastor John W Downs, General Superintendent, UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA


  • Reverend Dr Mark Durie, Vicar, ST MARY'S ANGLICAN CHURCH, CAULFIELD VIC


  • Reverend Tim Dyer, KILSYTH SOUTH BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Pastor Bill Eckersley, DALBY BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Pastor Barry Edwards, LONGREACH BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Very Reverend Father Augustinos El-Antony, ST. ABU NOFER CHURCH, BLACKTOWN NSW


  • Reverend Father Misael El-Antony, ST. MARY & ST. SIDHOM BESHAY CHURCH, DURAL NSW


  • Reverend Father Stephanos El-Antony, ST. MOSES THE MIGHTY & ST'S MAXIMOUS & DOMADIOS CHURCH, GOULBURN NSW


  • Reverend Father Moussa El-Antony, ST. MINA & ST. JOSEPH CHURCH, COOPERPLAINS QLD


  • Reverend Rowan Evans, Associate Pastor, CITY TABERNACLE BAPTIST, QLD


  • Pastor Karl Faase, GYMEA BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Reverend Christian Fandrich, REDEEMER EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, TOOWOOMBA


  • Pastor George Ferguson, WATER OF LIFE CHRISTIAN CHURCH, MOUNT ISA QLD


  • Reverend Geoff Findlay, WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, BELCONNEN


  • Pastor Dom Fiocco, WODEN VALLEY BIBLE CHURCH


  • Reverend Peter Francis, CITY TABERNACLE BAPTIST, QLD


  • Pastor Peter Frogley, GINNINDERRA CHRISTIAN CHURCH, ACT


  • Pastors Steve and Grace Fuhrmann, GOOD NEWS CHURCH, BUNBURY


  • Reverend Father Hanna Gad, ST. DEMIANA & ST. ATHANSIOS CHURCH, PUNCHBOWL NSW


  • Reverend Father Basilios Gad, ST. PAUL & ST. REWAIS CHURCH, COLAROY NSW


  • Reverend Dr Chris Ganter, ROCKHAMPTON BAPTIST TABERNACLE


  • Pastor Steven Gellatly, MURGON DISTRICT BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Pastor Larry Gibb, CHURCH OF CHRIST, KALGOORLIE WA


  • Pastors Paul and Robyn Glazbrook, COVENANT FAMILY CHURCH, SA


  • Pastor Garth Grant, MONTMORENCY COMMUNITY CHURCH


  • Reverend Father Abdelmessieh Guirgis, ST. MARY & ST. BAKHOMIOS CHURCH, KIRRAWEE NSW


  • Reverend Geoff Haase, CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTRE


  • Very Reverend Father Pavlos Hanna, ST. ABANOUB CHURCH, BLACKTOWN NSW


  • Pastor David Helyar, State President, AUSTRALIAN CHRISTIAN CHURCH, ASSEMBLIES OF GOD IN SA


  • Pastor Barry Henderson, TOWNSVILLE PENTECOSTAL CHURCH INC.


  • Pastor Damien Heres, DREAMBUILDERS CHURCH, SMITHTON


  • Pastor V.L. Hinds, TAMAR VALLEY CHRISTIAN CHURCH


  • Reverend Paul Horton, HERITAGE OF FAITH CHRISTIAN CHURCH, GOLD COAST


  • Reverend Tracy Horton, HERITAGE OF FAITH CHRISTIAN CHURCH, GOLD COAST


  • Pastor Patrick Humberston, CORNERSTONE CHURCH


  • Reverend Matt Hunt, CROSSLIFE BAPTIST CHURCH, HELENSVALE QLD


  • Pastor John Hunt, State President, AUSTRALIAN CHRISTIAN CHURCH THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD, QLD/NT


  • Reverend Father Athanasios Ibrahim, ST. MARY & ST. COSMAN & DEMIAN CHURCH, HARRIS PARK NSW


  • Pastor Adrian Iles, AGNES WATER BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Dr Paul Inglis, UNITING CHURCH COMMUNITY MINISTER, QLD


  • Reverend Rob Isaachsen, Founder, TRANSFORMING MELBOURNE


  • Reverend Father Jonathan Ishak, ST. MARK CHURCH, ARNCLIFFE NSW


  • Very Reverend Father Rafael Iskander, ST. GEORGE CHURCH, KENSINGTON NSW


  • Pastor Paul Jackson, PARK RIDGE BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Pastor Lance Jackson JP, GLEN INNES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH


  • Pastor Debra Jenkins, APOSTOLIC PENTECOSTAL FAITH CHURCH


  • Pastor Royree Jensen, RIVER OF LIFE CITY CHURCH


  • Pastor Stephen Jobe, M CITY CHURCH, MARYBOROUGH QLD


  • Pastor Roy John Johnston, NCCC


  • Reverend Kim L Jones, LIBERTY FAMILY CHURCH, GOSFORD NSW


  • Elder Norman Kalagayan, JESUS IS LORD CHURCH, CANBERRA


  • Reverend Charles Kennedy, ULVERSTONE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH


  • Peter Kentley, Convenor, RIVER OF LIFE CONFERENCE


  • Very Reverend Father Macros Khela, ST. GEORGE CHURCH, KENSINGTON NSW


  • Rueben Kositsin, SLAVIC EVANGELICAL FULL GOSPEL CHURCH OF TASMANIA


  • Pastor Candance Lahr, ONE CHURCH PERTH, MERRIWA WA


  • Reverend Grant Lawry, CANTERBURY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH


  • Reverend Clinton Le Page, DONVALE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH


  • Reverend Murray Lean, CITY NORTH BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Dr Morris Lee, GATEWAY BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Reverend Gary Lockyer, KNOX COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Reverend Dr David Loder, General Superintendent, QUEENSLAND BAPTISTS


  • Reverend Albert Loder, BUNDABERG BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Reverend Dr David Logan, ARMIDALE COMMUNITY CHURCH


  • Pastor Wayne Lyons, HIGH STREET CHURCH, QUEANBEYAN


  • The Ven Peter MacPherson, Archdeacon of Box Hill, Senior Minister, ST. ALFRED'S BLACKBURN NORTH


  • Very Reverend Father Yacoub Magdy, ST. MARK CHURCH, ARNCLIFFE NSW


  • Reverend Father David Mahrous, VIRGIN MARY CHURCH, CALAMVALE QLD


  • Pastor Slawomir Malarek, EDENS LANDING SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH


  • Reverend Allan Male, CHURCH OF CHRIST, BOONDALL QLD


  • Very Reverend Father Luke Malik, ST. MARY & ST. MARINA CHURCH, PENRITH NSW


  • Reverend Father Shenouda Mansour, ST. ANTHONY & ST. PAUL CHURCH, GUILDFORD NSW


  • Pastor Eric Marquez, JESUS IS LORD, CANBERRA


  • Pastor Ed Marshall, MOORE PARK BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Pastor Jenny Marshall, MOORE PARK BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Reverend Russell Matthews, Associa e Pastor, WINDSOR ROAD BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Colonel Wayne Maxwell, Chief Secretary, THE SALVATION ARMY, AUSTRALIAN EASTERN TERRITORY


  • Reverend Dr Edgar Mayer, LIVING GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, TOOWOOMBA


  • Pastor David McAllan, ECHUCA COMMUNITY CHURCH


  • Pastor Stuart McClelland, President, FULL GOSPEL CHURCHES OF AUSTRALIA


  • Pastor Garry McDonald, METRO CHURCH


  • Reverend Ian McIver, CALOUNDRA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA


  • Pastor John McMartin, State President, AUSTRALIAN CHRISTIAN CHURCHES THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD IN NSW


  • Lewis C McMaster, Director, EMMANUEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS & MINISTRIES INC.


  • Pastor Tim McMenamin, SANCTUARY PARK CHURCH OF CHRIST, NAMBOUR


  • Pastor Sandy McMillan, ST. AIDAN'S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, WAGGA WAGGA


  • Reverend Frank Meijer, FAITHPOINT, SHELLHARBOUR NSW


  • Very Reverend Father Michael Michael, ST. MARY & ST. MINA CHURCH, BEXLEY NSW


  • Pastors Gary and Gloria Middleton, HOLYROUND MINISTRIES, WA


  • Alexander Minchenko, SLAVIC PENTECOSTAL CHURCH, SYNDEY NSW


  • Pastor Don Modarelli, NORTHERN BEACHES PENTECOSTAL CHURCH, BEACON HILL NSW


  • Pastor Duncan Moody, NORTH PINE BAPTIST CHURCH, MURRUMBA DOWNS


  • Pastor Rod Morris, ST. STEPHEN'S ANGLICAN CHURCH, GREYTHORN NORTH BALWYN


  • Reverend Vivian Morse, WYNYARD BAPTIST CHURCH, TASMANIA


  • Pastor Lyall Muller, GLADSTONE CHURCH OF CHRIST


  • Reverend Gary Mulquiney, KAMBAH ANGLICAN CHURCH


  • Reverend Father Augustinos Nada, ST. MARK CHURCH, ARNCLIFFE NSW


  • Reverend Father George Nakhil, ST. DEMIANA & ST. ATHANASIOUS CHURCH, PUNCHBOWL NSW


  • Leonid Nehoroshev, SLAVIC PENTECOSTAL CHURCH, GOLD COAST QLD


  • Dr Haydn Nelson, RIVERVIEW CHURCH, PERTH


  • Pastor Larry Nelson, GOSPEL BAPTIST CHURCH, WANNEROO WA


  • Reverend Doug Newman, ST. PAUL'S, SPENCE ACT


  • Pastor Wayne Nichols, HARVEST CHRISTIAN CENTRE & GRACE CHRISTIAN CENTRE


  • Pastor Jenny Nixon, KINGAROY CHURCH OF CHRIST


  • Pastor Steve Nixon, KINGAROY CHURCH OF CHRIST


  • Pastor Rob Nyhuis, SOUTH EASTERN CHRISTIAN CENTRE


  • Pastor Jonathan Oastler, CITILIFE CHURCH TOOWOOMBA (CHRISTIAN OUTREACH CENTRE)


  • Reverend David O'Brien, WAVERLEY BAPTIST CHURCH, VIC


  • Pastor Maurie O'Connell, HOUSE OF GOD CHURCH, JERRABOMBERRA


  • Pastor Eddie Olsen, TUMUT VALLEY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP


  • Pastors Tim and Sharon O'Neill, Senior Leaders, NEW DIRECTIONS, LAUNCESTON TAS


  • Pastor Mark Oommen, VICTORY LIFE CHURCH, BROOME


  • Pastor Phil Oster, GINNINDERRA CHRISTIAN CHURCH, ACT


  • Pastor David Palmer, BELIEVE CHURCH, QLD


  • Reverend Neil Pattemore, FAIRFIELD CHRISTIAN FAMILY


  • Pastor Ruth Peckman, TOOWOOMBA COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Minister Greg Peisley, PITT TOWN ANGLICAN COMMUNITY CHURCH


  • Pastor Geoff Pengilly, NORTH BELCONNEN BAPTIST


  • Pastor Randy Perkins, NORTHPOINTE BAPTIST CHURCH, GUNGAHLIN ACT


  • Reverend Stewart Pieper, GLADSTONE BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Pastor Peter Pilt, Senior Pastor, COC, NOWRA NSW


  • Pastor Andy Pitt, ONE CHURCH PERTH, MERRIWA WA


  • Pastor Matt Prater, NEW HOPE BRISBANE


  • Pastor Stuart Quarterman, Campus Pastor, CROSSLIFE BAPTIST CHURCH, HELENSVALE QLD


  • Father Peter B Quin, ST. IGNATIUS PARISH, TOOWONG


  • Very Reverend Father Georgious Ramandious, ST. GORGE & PRINCE TADROS CHURCH, LIVERPOOL NSW


  • Reverend Dr Andrew Reid, Lead Pastor, HOLY TRINITY ANGLICAN CHURCH, VIC


  • Reverend Steve Roberts, ALBION PARK ANGLICAN CHURCH


  • Reverend Brian Robertson, CORAL COAST CHRISTIAN CHURCH, A BAPTIST CHURCH FAMILY


  • Reverend David Rock, CHURCH BY THE BAY, PORTARLINGTON


  • Pastor Steve Rodda, HORNSBY BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Reverend Bob Rogers, STAFFORD HEIGHTS BAPTIST CHURCH, QLD


  • Pastor Len Rossow, GENESIS CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES


  • Pastor Moa Sailor, UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH, BEULAH CHURCH


  • Very Reverend Father Tadros Samaan, ST. ANTHONY & ST. PAUL CHURCH, GUILFORD NSW


  • Reverend Ashley Saunders, IPSWICH BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Pastor Richard Schoenmaker, MT EVELYN CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH


  • Pastor Darryl Schwarz, SPIRIT SONG CHURCH, HORSHAM VIC


  • Reverend Father James Sculy, THE FOUR INCORPOREAL CREATURES CHURCH, NINGI QLD


  • Reverend Craig Semple, PHILLIP ISLAND BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Reverend Graeme R Semple, MOOLAP BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Pastor Ian Shelton, TOOWOOMBA CITY CHURCH


  • Pastor Malcolm Shooter, DUBBO CHRISTIAN OUTREACH CENTRE & GILGANDRA CHRISTIAN OUTREACH CENTRE


  • Reverend Ian Slack, HERITAGE OF FAITH CHRISTIAN CHURCH, GOLD COAST


  • Reverend Diane Slack, HERITAGE OF FAITH CHRISTIAN CHURCH, GOLD COAST


  • Pastor Gifford Smith, WITHCOTT CHURCH OF CHRIST


  • Very Reverend Father Moussa Soliman, ST. ABRAM CHURCH, PEAKHURST NSW


  • Pastor Victor Soo, REACH COMMUNITY CHURCH


  • Pastor Treverendor Springate, CHRISTIAN VICTORY CENTRE, WARWICK QLD


  • Pastor Jenny Spyve, RIVERS COMMUNITY CHURCH


  • Pastor Sean Stanton, CANBERRA CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTRE, ACT


  • Pastor Dale Stephenson, CROSSWAY BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Reverend Keith Stevenson, HERVEY BAY BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Pastor Don Stewart, BUNDAMBA & SPRINGFIELD OASIS CHURCH OF CHRIST


  • Pastor Ron Stocks, CALOUNDRA CHURCH OF CHRIST


  • Reverend Peter Sweetman, BRIDGEMAN BAPTIST COMMUNITY CHURCH


  • Gregory Tarasenko, SLAVIC PENTECOSTAL CHURCH, ORANGE NSW


  • Pastor Carneliu Telegaru, RISING SUN INTERNATIONAL, CHURCHES OF CHRIST IN QLD


  • Reverend Stephen Thomas, STANLEY RIVER VALLEY COMMUNITY CHURCH


  • Reverend Peter M Thompson, VISION CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP


  • Church Elder Bruce Thomson, TUGGERANONG PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, ACT


  • Reverend Peter Tuchyna, UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA INC. IN ACT


  • Pastor Richard Utber, NOWRA BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Reverend Russell van Delden, ARUNDEL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH


  • Reverend Nico Van deVenter, HERITAGE OF FAITH CHRISTIAN CHURCH, GOLD COAST


  • Reverend Marcel Van deVenter, HERITAGE OF FAITH CHRISTIAN CHURCH, GOLD COAST


  • Ivan Vinaev, SLAVIC PENTECOSTAL CHURCH, ADELAIDE SA


  • Pastor Trevor B Vinnell, SOUTHLAKES CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP INC.


  • Pastor Glen Vonhoff, CHURCH OF CHRIST, MURGON


  • Very Reverend Father Samuel Wadie, ST. MARY CHURCH, BEXLEY NSW


  • Reverend Father Mattaous Wahba, ST. MINA & ST. ANTHONY CHURCH, HELENSVALE QLD


  • Pastor Myles Waldron, MACKAY CHURCH OF CHRIST


  • Reverend Neil Walthew, Rector, ST. PETER'S ANGLICAN CHURCH, WANNEROO


  • Pastor Simon Ward, ARANA HILLS CHURCH OF CHRIST


  • Pastor Keith Ware, BYFORD BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Pastor Neil Warner, THE CHURCH OF CHRIST, BURLEIGH HEADS, GOLD COAST QLD


  • Pastor John Warwick, WA ACC STATE PRESIDENT


  • Reverend Father Yastos Wasef, ST. MARY & ST. JOHN CHURCH, WAGGA WAGGA NSW


  • Martin Weatherston, Authorised Marriage Celebrant, ZEBULUN HOME FELLOWSHIPS, WA


  • Reverend John Westendrop, Moderator, CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCHES OF AUSTRALIA


  • Reverend Geoff Westlake, CHEERS NEIGHBOURS NETWORK


  • Pastor Graham Wheat, COOMERA CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY


  • Pastor Rodney Whitford, WESTERN PORT CHRISTIAN FAMILY CHURCH, TYABB VIC


  • Pastor Bruce Wilding, WONDAI BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Pastor Nathanael Wood, SEAVIEW CHURCH


  • Pastor Anthony Woodward, CANNON HILL BAPTIST CHURCH


  • Pastor Martin Woodward, SOUTHERNLIFE CHURCH INC. NSW


  • David Worboys, Warden, ST. MARTIN'S ANGLICAN CHURCH, NSW


  • Pastor David Wright, CAIRNS FAMILY CHURCH, CRC CHURCHES INTERNATIONAL


  • Hank Wurtz, HUTTERITE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY, DETENTION RIVER TAS


  • Very Reverend Father Bishoy Yassa, ST. MARY & ST. ABU SEFEIN CHURCH, CONCORD NSW


  • Reverend Father Gabriel Yassa, ARCHANGEL MICHAEL CHURCH, MT. DRUITT NSW


  • Pastor Li Fang Zhou, CHINESE METHODIST CHURCH IN CANBERRA





MR: Consequences of gay marriage a concern after Brazil's three person civil union

Posted on Blog · August 29, 2012 10:00 AM
MEDIA RELEASE



Wednesday, 29 August, 2012



The Australian Christian Lobby remains unconvinced that gay marriage will stop the push for polygamous ‘marriage equality’ in Australia in light of Brazil’s acceptance this week of a civil union between three people.



Greens politicians and Labor supporters of same-sex marriage keep downplaying calls from Greens members and officials and the poly community for ‘marriage equality’ to be extended beyond two people.



In May former High Court Justice Michael Kirby told a Senate inquiry (pg. 13) that if same-sex marriage is passed, there could be further redefinitions in the future.



“The question that is before the parliament at the moment is the question of equality for homosexual people,” Justice Kirby said



“There may be in some future time, some other question. The lesson in courts and in the parliament I suggest, is that you take matters step by step,” he said.



ACL Managing Director Jim wallace said he was concerned that the Greens will push the marriage debate even further to the extent that polygamous and polyamorous relationships would be considered a part of the ‘marriage equality’ push.



The ACT Greens political party convenor, Simon Copland, wrote on his blog: “I just think we need to use it (the same-sex marriage campaign) as a step to the broader goal of sexual liberation, not the end in and of itself.”

Anglicans urge parliament to reject same-sex marriage bill

Posted on Blog · August 29, 2012 10:00 AM
Wednesday, 29 August, 2012





The Anglican Church in Tasmania has today urged Members of Parliament to reject the Premier’s same-sex marriage Bill, which was tabled in Parliament yesterday.



Assistant Bishop Ross Nicholson, said, “We are very disappointed that The Premier, Lara Giddings, has gone ahead with this legislation. It is a clear break of Labor’s promise made to Tasmanians before the 2010 election not to do this.”



Bishop Nicholson said, “The State of Tasmania already has an excellent tool that recognises diversity. Bishop John Harrower and the Anglican Church have always supported the existence of the Significant Relationships Register, but strongly reject this redefinition of marriage.



“The Premier's proposal is not about equality, it is about the redefinition of marriage itself. Such redefinition does not extend rights to a minority, it only imposes a novel and unnecessary view onto everyone. In an attempt to avoid the constraints of the Australian Constitution, the Premier is inventing an institution.



“The Bill attempts to deny the real distinction between two categories of relationship. The Government has failed to provide sufficient reasons as to why such a divisive and radical change in society should be rushed through Parliament without consulting the Tasmanian people.”



“This Bill, if it is passed, will increase the burden on our State. It will put a load on our bureaucracy and our judicial system. It reveals misplaced Government priorities at this time in Tasmania. The Premier's increasingly radical social agenda is not only ill-advised, but bewildering.”



Bishop Harrower is currently on leave. Bishop Nicholson may be contacted for comment using the details below.




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