CANBERRA DECLARATION
The Preamble to the Australian Constitution contains the
words, "Humbly relying on the blessing of Almighty God. As
Australian citizens we continue to declare that we too put our trust
in Almighty God.
For centuries, to speak of Western civilisation was to speak of Christian
civilisation. The two were in many ways synonymous. The values that
we have cherished and sought to strengthen are in large measure founded
on the Judeo-Christian belief system. The many freedoms, advantages,
opportunities, values and liberties which characterise the West owe
much to the growth of Christianity with its inherent belief in the dignity
of the human person as created in the image of God and the code of behaviour
that flows from this belief.
The Canberra Declaration follows on from the 2009 Manhattan Declaration
and the 2010 Westminster Declaration. It declares that when Christian
values are respected and allowed freedom of expression, not just confined
to so-called sacred spaces but in the public arena as well, society
is richer and healthier.
We wish to emphasise three areas that demand particular attention in
our contemporary Australian society, namely religious freedom, marriage
and the family, and the sanctity of human life. Were we to undermine
any one of these values, the social fabric of our nation would be seriously
weakened, to our personal and collective detriment.
Religious Freedom
Religious freedom includes freedom of conscience and freedom of speech.
The importance of these freedoms is shown in countries where they are
threatened or absent. Police states and totalitarian nations inevitably
begin with the curtailment of basic liberties, including religious freedom
and the right to speak ones mind and conscience. This includes
the right to change ones religious beliefs.
We affirm the basic necessity of freedom of conscience, having the liberty
to speak publicly about ones faith and beliefs, and having the
right to practise the religion of ones choice. If these freedoms
are removed even in the name of supposed benefits the
prized values of democracy and liberty are seriously undermined.
In Australia today these freedoms are being restricted by laws which,
although appearing positive on first reading, have the potential to
lead to unintended and unacceptable consequences. These laws include
anti-discrimination legislation, hate crime laws and legislation on
religious and sexual vilification each of which may be interpreted
in a way that effectively works as a barrier to religious freedom and
freedom of speech.
Thus the signers of this declaration affirm the fundamental right of
Australians to religious freedom and freedom of speech, and we oppose
legislation which denies such freedoms. We likewise oppose laws subjugating
our nation to foreign powers and instrumentalities which restrict these
freedoms.
Marriage and Family
Another vital package of values and social benefits is the long-standing
institution of the natural family resulting from marriage between a
man and a woman as affirmed by the definition of marriage in
the Marriage Act:
the union of a man and a woman to the
exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.
No other social institution has done so much good for people and for
nations, yet marriage is being undermined, to the detriment of children,
individuals, and society itself.
Lifelong marriage between a man and a woman guarantees children their
biological birthright to a mother and a father and has a proven track
record of providing them with protection, education, welfare, support
and nurture. No other arrangement has improved upon the benefits of
marriage.
In the face of competing alternatives and moves to redefine marriage,
we affirm the importance and social utility of marriage between a man
and a woman and the families formed thereby.
Human Life
The third important set of values revolves around the sanctity of human
life which is being undermined in much of the Western world, through
abortion, euthanasia, and some of the new reproductive technologies.
We believe that all human life, being made in the image of God, has
intrinsic and equal value from conception to lifes natural end.
The very heart of a humane and civilised society is based on the way
it treats its most vulnerable and innocent members including the unborn
and the disabled. We therefore insist on the right of all persons, including
those who are vulnerable or dependent, to protection from conception
to natural death. We will support, protect, and be advocates for such
people, since to do anything less is to weaken our humanity and despise
our personhood.
We will not comply with any directive that compels us to participate
in or facilitate abortion, embryo-destructive research, assisted suicide,
euthanasia, or any other act that involves the intentional taking of
innocent human life.
Conclusion
Religious freedom, marriage and family, and the sacredness of human
life have provided the foundations enabling Western democratic societies
to flourish. We erode these foundations at our peril.
The faith which is at the heart of many of the values and strengths
underpinning the Australian nation now compels us to speak up in their
defence.
For the future of this nation, and for our childrens future, we
call upon all like-minded citizens to support and sign this declaration.
Released Friday 23rd July 2010
Now that you've read the Canberra Declaration, would you like to sign
it?
You can read and sign the Canberra Declaration online at www.canberradeclaration.org.au
If readers prefer, photocopy this page, sign it and post to Australian
Christian Values Institute, P.O. box 378, Unanderra, NSW 2526.