Freedom of Religion and Belief in the 21st Century in Australia

In response to the above we submit the following:

Our Constitution was founded on Judeo-Christian principles and has ensured we have the freedom to live out our Christian beliefs.  We also have the freedom to follow a belief or not.

The people in our congregation who choose to become Christians, do so because they know firstly that God loves them and secondly because they have chosen to follow Jesus as Lord and Saviour.  Because of the freedom of religion we have in this country, we are free to become Christians, meet together for worship, have Bible studies etc.  This same freedom is not possible for people who live in many parts of the world.  

If this Legislation is enacted, the rights of freedom of religion will be determined by unelected Judges.  We believe this would be unconstitutional.  Their interpretations could be biased by personal knowledge, prejudices and beliefs.  The Constitution is the responsibility of elected parliamentarians who can be removed or re-elected by the people.

We believe that our freedoms are already encapsulated by our Constitution and therefore do not need any changes proposed by the Freedom of Religion and Belief in the 21st Century in Australia bill.   In fact, the proposals could possibly bring about restriction of freedom of religion.  

Tocumwal, Finley, Berrigan Presbyterian Church Mission Committee

Tom Binks
Convenor

25.2.09