ACL 22nd August 2013

If you can’t view this email correctly, it can be viewed on the web here.

ACL Sponsor:

22 August 2013

PM tries to address religious freedom worry in marriage debate

How abortion is a federal issue

The nations’ new clothes

Bishop Suriel on the Political Spot about conflict in Egypt

Toby Hall on the Political Spot about Mission Australia’s election statement

Dr Yvonne Luxford on Political Spot about Palliative Care Australia’s election statement

Election statement: Christian school group explores the primary purpose of education

MR: Voluntary euthanasia in Tas can never be safe: ACL

Euthanasia on the election agenda of some parties

Candidates in electorate of Fisher, Qld address voters at ACL’s Meet Your Candidate Forum.

Anti-discrimination amendments blocked in Tasmania

In the media – a wrap up of the last week’s commentary

For the diary – a selection of upcoming events

Staying in touch with ACL

We are now at the half way point of the election campaign.

This week’s enews is full of election commentary from the ACL team as well as some guest writers.

I’ve also jotted a few thoughts on last night’s “Peoples’ Forum” debate between Mr Rudd and Mr Abbott.

We have two guest blogs on education policy as it affects Christian schools which I commend.

Could I suggest taking time to circle back on this week’s enews over the weekend. Most of us live busy lives and it is difficult to stay across the issues.

But elections are important as they determine the policy direction of the nation. It is worth taking a bit of extra effort.

There’s been a great response from churches all over the nation for the Make it Count 2013 Election Panel webcast.

We’ve been speaking with the panellists in preparation and we are very excited about the expertise they are going to bring us as we try to make sense of some of the big policy issues.

I hope your church has signed up – it is certainly not too late to be part of this strategic event.

God bless,

Lyle Shelton
Managing Director

The Australia Christian Lobby’s Make It Count 2013 Election Panel event will be webcast live on Monday 2nd September at churches across the country. It’s not too late to register for your church for the screening. Visit the link below for more information on how you can get involved.

Make It Count 2013 Election Panel webcast website

PM tries to address religious freedom worry in marriage debate

By Lyle Shelton

ACL Managing Director

It may be that the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is concerned his new-found position on marriage is hurting his standing with Christians. At last night’s “peoples’ forum” debate with Tony Abbott in Brisbane, the two leaders were again asked for their positions on same-sex marriage.

How abortion is a federal issue

ACL recently featured Paul O’Rourke’s outpouring of anger about abortion. The Emily’s Voice CEO’s anger flowed at the misinformation being spread as Tasmania moves closer to legalising abortion. It is a righteous anger at injustice against society’s most vulnerable members, and at the lack of true concern for the women facing these situations. But what does this have to do with a national election? Isn’t abortion a state issue?

The nations’ new clothes

By Emma Lauren

ACL supporter

Hans Christian Anderson’s popular tale of The Emperor’s New Suit was first published in 1837. It tells of two swindlers who parade as weavers before a vain emperor. He agrees to provide them with expensive silk and gold-cloth to spin magnificent patterns in an exquisite light-weight material, which they determine to fashion into a new suit for him.

Bishop Suriel on the Political Spot about conflict in Egypt

Coptic Bishop SurielHis Grace Bishop Suriel is from the Coptic Orthodox Church in Australia. In this interview with the ACL’s Katherine Spackman he talks about the recent attacks on Copts in Egypt.

Read more plus audio interview

Election statement: Christian school group explores the primary purpose of education

One of the groups representing independent Christian schools is Associated Christian Schools in Queensland. Their executive officer Lynne Doneley has put together a federal election statement which parents of children in Christian schools may be interested to read.

MR: Voluntary euthanasia in Tas can never be safe: ACL

The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) has again rejected claims by proponents of voluntary euthanasia that the assisted dying model proposed for Tasmania would be safe.

Euthanasia on the election agenda of some parties

In any election campaign euthanasia is usually an issue under debate just outside the main campaign of the major parties.

Candidates in electorate of Fisher, Qld address voters at ACL’s Meet Your Candidate Forum.

On Tuesday 20th August, ACL conducted a Meet Your Candidate forum (MYCF) in the electorate of Fisher, Queensland. The electorate includes towns such as Caloundra, Mooloolaba, Woodford and Maleny. Approximately 150 people attended.

Read moe plus video

Anti-discrimination amendments blocked in Tasmania

There was good news out of the Tasmanian upper house this week with the Legislative Council blocking a controversial change to the State’s Anti-Discrimination Act.

In the media – a wrap up of the last week’s commentary

In the last week, the ACL has been quoted in the media on ACL’s Meet Your Candidate forums (MYCF) in Queensland and Victoria, in light of the upcoming federal election.

For the diary – a selection of upcoming events

23-25 August – Conference: Through trial and triumph, Canberra

23 & 26 August – Education Forum with Professor Brian J Caldwell, ACU Sydney

24 August – Vishal Mangalwadi tours Australia, Perth

24 August – Rally: Hold the Line on Marriage, 10am Manly NSW, more info: Mary-Louise Fowler 0400 302 392

17-19 September – Lectures: The Work of Theology: Thinking, writing and acting politically, Sydney

26-29 September – Conference: Ignite, Brisbane

11 October – Abortion Symposium: Ideology and Informed Consent, Melbourne

12 October – March for the Babies, Melbourne