LCA takes part in religious freedoms review
The LCA/NZ has made a submission to the Review of Freedom of Religion in Australia overseen by former Australian Government minister the Hon Philip Ruddock.
The review was announced by Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on 22 November 2017 to examine whether Australian law adequately protects the right to freedom of religion.
Concerns had been raised that the legalisation of same–sex marriage in Australia would prevent Australians from freely expressing their faith.
Mr Ruddock will be assisted by Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM, the Hon Dr Annabelle Bennett AO SC, Father Frank Brennan SJ AO and Professor Nicholas Aroney.
The review panel will consider the intersections between the enjoyment of the freedom of religion and other human rights; have regard to any previous or ongoing reviews or inquiries that it considers relevant; and consult as widely as it considers necessary.
All interested citizens and organisations were invited to contribute submissions to the review by 14 February.
LCA Bishop John Henderson made a submission to the review panel on behalf of the church last month. In part, it says:
‘Religious freedom is of great importance to Australian Lutherans. In the 19th century, a number of Lutherans left their homeland in Eastern Prussia where authorities were persecuting them for practising their faith in the way they believed was right and true … Their purpose in migrating was precisely in order to freely practice their faith without interference by the government …
‘We list six reasons why religious freedom – and the freedom to practise the Christian faith in particular – is important for our nation:
- The concept of universal human rights and freedoms grew out of Judaeo-Christian beliefs …
- Humans are innately religious …
- Religious faith approaches answers to existential questions that all humans ask at some stage in their lives, questions such as “Why am I here?”, “How do I live a good life?”, “Is this all there is?” and “Why do bad things happen?” …
- Christian faith produces good citizens who pray for and strive for the public good when their faith is lived faithfully and well …
- Christian churches and other religious organisations contribute greatly towards the quality of life of people in our society in Australia and overseas …
- Religious freedom is associated with our well-being …
‘We believe that Australians should respect the right of citizens of all religions and none to respectfully express their opinions in the public square …
‘Our lawmakers have the responsibility, of course, to enact just laws that place sensible limits on this freedom of expression, but we urge them to be cautious about suppressing it unduly …
‘The right to hold to one’s beliefs does not entail the right to threaten the life, safety or security of fellow others in society who do not share those beliefs …
‘The LCA encourages the practice of peaceful and respectful dialogue, reasoned discussion, and the accommodation of differences in ways that allow us to live in a peaceful and harmonious society. We look to the various levels of government to assist us all to realise and maintain these conditions so that all may live well together and without coercion or imposed uniformity of belief.’
Mr Ruddock and his panel will report on their findings by 31 March 2018.
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