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Tasmanian Anglican

February 2003

 

 

 

 

 

Greetings from the Parish Council of Longford/Perth

by Charles W. Burman, for the Parish Council

 

 

To all Christians:

Most of you will be aware that the Tasmanian Government is pressing to introduce legislation early this year to allow, amongst other things, homosexual couples to adopt children. In particular the State Labour Party intends to deny its members a conscience vote on this very important moral issue.

Some of you will also be aware that our own Bishop and some clergy have condemned the proposed legislation publicly. In addition, a group known as the Australian Christian Lobby have already had discussions with the Attorney General, Ms Judy Jackson, in opposition to it. As grass-roots Christians we, members of the Longford/Perth Parish Council as representative of our associated congregations, roundly condemn the Tasmanian Government for proposing this legislation. We would like to cite the following reasons for that condemnation.

The legislation:
  • Is not in the interests of children because, as Bishop Harrower has stated, 'God's design for parenting is that children have both a father and a mother.'
  • Is in direct opposition to natural law and, more importantly, it opposes the law of God.
  • Sends the wrong message to children.

In recent times the church-at-large is perceived as having lost its voice on moral issues because individual Christians have not spoken out against proposed and established evils. It is high time that we Christians stand up publicly for what we believe in, otherwise we become unworthy of our faith.

It is not the responsibility just of our church leaders and clergy to speak out on this moral issue. It is essential that all Christians on this island add their weight of disapproval in every legitimate way possible.

We therefore challenge each and every Christian that reads this letter to take some positive action in opposing the State Government move to introduce wicked and socially destructive amendments to current adoption laws, including sending a strong message of comdemnation to all politicians.

You may wish to consider the following:
  • Organise a committee with your Parish Council or church group, and pay your local politician a visit. It is easy. We have already done so.
  • Every church member to write a letter to the sitting members. Flood them with letters!
  • Get together with other denominations in your community. (Your Parish Council can do this), and discuss a joint opposition strategy. This is not just an Anglican issue.