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Australian Christian Lobby does not represent all Australian Christians, nor all Christian viewpoints

Posted: December 8th, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Media | 16 Comments »

The Executive of the Victorian Council of Churches today expressed dismay at the one-sided view of Christianity portrayed in the Australian media.

“There are well-organised and well-financed lobby groups who routinely present their views as “the” Christian position”, General Secretary Theo Mackaay said.

“The community needs to know that there is a range of views held on many topics in the Christian tradition, just as there are numerous views in all areas of human endeavour. It is important that no one view captures the attention of the community, of the media and of government.”

“Some groups adopt a threatening stance in their commentary, seemingly to declare ‘debate closed’ when our nation needs as wide an engagement as possible to honour the diversity in our community. “

“Healthy debate does require input by various view points and understandings, but the VCC expresses deep concern that media portrayal of statements from an established and narrowly focused lobby group is presented as being representative of the entire Christian Community.”

“Australian Christian Lobby Pty Ltd (ACL) is a voice in the community that presents a particular Christian view on a range of issues, usually based on a fundamentally conservative view of the Christian faith.”

The VCC consists of 30 member churches of mainstream Christianity, and acknowledges a variety of emphases and input on many areas of social and political importance. As a body, it considers carefully many positions and enables a safe environment to prayerfully discuss and discern theologically differing viewpoints.

The VCC provides opportunity for leaders and church members to collegially contribute to issues of social importance, and facilitates regular meetings with the elected government on matters of social importance.

On matters of public concern and morality, the VCC encourages the community and elected leaders to consider carefully all matters before it without the need to threaten or admonish.

The VCC also notes that there is a growing concern amongst member churches that their voices are not heard or considered because of the media’s reliance on groups like ACL.

“The VCC encourages continued reflection and discernment with respect to current debates on issues like the sanctity of marriage, and acknowledges that it is up to each faith group to respond according to their traditions and reason,” Mr Mackaay concluded.

16 Comments on “Australian Christian Lobby does not represent all Australian Christians, nor all Christian viewpoints”

  1. 1 Avril said at 10:29 am on December 8th, 2011:

    Hooray!

  2. 2 Peter Weeks said at 10:33 am on December 8th, 2011:

    Thank you for publishing this.

  3. 3 Brendan said at 10:42 am on December 8th, 2011:

    Well done, VCC. An important and timely reminder.

  4. 4 Sandy said at 11:01 am on December 8th, 2011:

    Well done to the VCC – this needed to be said. Hope the media picks it up.

  5. 5 Lek said at 11:41 am on December 8th, 2011:

    Halleluia!

  6. 6 Caro said at 4:11 pm on December 8th, 2011:

    It’s great to hear the voice of the mainstream church reminding us all that groups like the ACL do not speak for all Christians. Let’s hope this media release gains wide publication.

  7. 7 Cogs said at 5:07 pm on December 8th, 2011:

    Thanks!, may the media pick it up

  8. 8 Heather said at 5:57 pm on December 8th, 2011:

    It is sometimes asked; “Where are the moderate Muslims?”
    Will someone ask: “Where are the moderate Christians?” – or do they think that the ACL is it?

  9. 9 Tamara said at 6:00 pm on December 8th, 2011:

    No, w don’t all think the same because some of us compromise

  10. 10 Helen said at 9:25 pm on December 8th, 2011:

    Agreed

  11. 11 Garry Deverell said at 10:45 pm on December 8th, 2011:

    I’m exceptionally glad that an ecumenical body has finally gotten around to saying something.

  12. 12 Nick said at 8:45 pm on December 9th, 2011:

    We aren’t debating the ” christian tradition” as this article says, We must use the Bible as the source of our opinions as it is God’s word, so read it !

  13. 13 Steve M said at 10:23 am on December 11th, 2011:

    How disappointing that the views of the “one-sided” ACL group are dismissed so easily, when quite often they are one of the only groups that are willing to stand up for what the Bible says as Truth. When is it that the entire Christian body will read the Word of God for what it is and remember the bits that society needs to hear the Good news. Read your Bible VCC, and known what is right. Don’t be like those mentioned in 2 Tim 4:3 – For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

  14. 14 Wendy said at 10:38 pm on December 16th, 2011:

    Glad I’ve found this site and it’s an important statement. But could it have got more coverage if it had been released as a signed letter to the major newspapers?

  15. 15 David Gill said at 5:12 pm on August 27th, 2012:

    Good for you!

  16. 16 Greg said at 3:30 pm on November 18th, 2012:

    If there were a God, she would be smiling now.
    Thank you for showing up this unChristian extremist group using religion to promote hate.

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