ELECTION RESOURCES
Following are some value links to help in making heads or tails of the upcoming Federal Election from a Christian perspective: 1.GROWING A NATION OF HOPE:Federal Election 2007 - Your faith,your vote,your voice.
Probably the best resource on linking faith and voting. Produced by the UCA it covers issues such as a faith imperative for political engagement, indigenous Australians,work justice,peace and climate change. There is no more comprehensive site than the UCA one.
http://assembly.uca.org.au/election2007/
2. A VOTE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE: Australian Catholic Social Justice Council leaflet.
A handy 2 page leaflet setting out a number of priorities, as well as justice issues for indigenous people,workers,the poor,asylum seekers and the environment. Its value lies in the set of suggested questions which could be directed to candidates at community meetings.
http://www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au/
3. A Litany for use during an election campaign: The Liturgy Commission of the Anglican Church of Australia.
It can be found at the end of the Social Issues page on the Federal Election
http://www.anglican.org.au/index.cfm?SID=2&SSID=97&PID=297/
4. Christian Principles in a Election Year. Victorian Council of Churches.
This 2 page leaflet "lists 10 principles to guide decision making at election time", together with a group study guide.(NB. Open page and hit "the brochure")
http://www.vcc.org.au/update.html/
5. FEDERAL ELECTION 2007: SALVATION ARMY
A comprehensive collection of key election statements including issues related to poverty reduction,housing affordability,health and aged care.
http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/SALV:NEWSRELESE::pc=PC_62058/
Thanks to Alan Matheson for these excellent links.
BURMA: PROSPECTS FOR DEMOCRACY?
Thursday 11 October 6.30 pm - 7.30 pm
Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne, 185 Pelham St, Carlton (room to be confirmed)
The University of Melbourne Human Rights Forum and the School of Political Science, Criminology and Sociology present a forum on the current crises in Burma.
In recent days the large demonstrations in Rangoon and the aggressive response of the ruling military junta have once again thrust Burma into the global spotlight. Are there any prospects for democratic change in Burma? What can, and should, states such as Australia, and their people, do in support of such change? And is there anything we can learn from Burma’s history to help answer such questions? In this public seminar these issues are addressed by:
Dr Garry Woodard - Senior Fellow, School of Political Science, Criminology & Sociology Australian Ambassador to Burma, 1973-75 Australian Ambassador to China, 1976-80
Alison Tate - International Officer, ACTU Former Program Officer for South-east Asia for Union Aid Abroad Former Burma Research and Information Officer, AUSTCARE
U Teddi Buri - Member of Parliament, National League for Democracy, Burma. Exiled in Australia.
Ample time will be allowed for questions from the audience.
Please pass this information on to others who might be interested in attending.
All welcome: Please RSVP to human-rights@unimelb.edu.au
Cause for Celebration and Repentence!
On Sunday 16 September the halls of Churches of Christ Theological College filled with people gathered to continue the Centenary Celebrations with an art show, "Reminiscence: Reflection upon Life’s Journey," and a vibrant tribute to Sir Doug Nicholls, co-sponsored by the Australian Churches of Christ Indigenous Ministries and the Social Justice Network. A magnificent photographic portrait of Sir Doug, donated to the College, was hung by his three daughters – Pam, Lillian and Nora in the foyer beside a certificate of recognition reading,
"On this occasion of celebration & remembrance, the Churches of Christ Social Justice Network recognizes "Pastor Doug" Sir Douglas R. Nicholls MBE OBE Pastor in the Churches of Christ with gratitude for his inspiring Christian commitment to Justice and his outstanding contribution to the Fight for Aboriginal Rights in Australia."
Many people shared reminiscences in word and song including Pastor Neville Lilly, Pastor Richard Radcliff and Bruce Alcorn. Dick Menteith, National President of Churches of Christ, drove down from Sydney for the occasion. Darren Wight of ACCIM, flew in from NSW with his didgeridoo, the tones of which filled the campus. Greetings were brought by Alan Griffin MP for Bruce and Greg Warmbrunn, Chair of Council for the Vic-Tas Conference. A book of greetings included a letter from Premier John Brumby and Churches of Christ around the country. A "Table of Memories" held books, photos and newspaper clippings about the life of Sir Doug Nicholls. An article by Alan Matheson in the special edition of the Churches of Christ Historical Digest, called upon us all to seek out action for justice in relationship to our Aboriginal sisters and brothers and to reflect upon the budget of Conference and how that demonstrates our commitment (or lack thereof) to the plight of Australian Indigenous peoples
