In his letter of August 17, the Rt Reverend Peter Brain, Anglican Bishop of Armidale, says that entering the words ‘no religion’ on the latest census form signifies “little appreciation or regard for the future of our community”. It may be noted that the ‘no religion’ campaign was devised by the Atheist Foundation (AF) in objecting to the Commonwealth’s transfer of money to religious organisations “on the basis of the Census results” (Atheist Foundation of Australia Campaign, January 18). Census-based or not, here the important principle is that as church-and-state is the governing moral and ethical entity of Australia, it is fitting that the state donate funds to assist the church for continuing religious and charitable work within the Australian community. To which organisations would the AF give our money to ensure appreciation and regard for the future well- being of our community?
As for the recent street riots in Britain where law and order seemed to collapse, even worse occurred when the very respect accorded law and order was overwhelmed by mob rule. Yet, within a week of the devastation caused by the mob, law and order returned to British cities and towns. Church, State and people set about restoring good government – the State by protecting the people and punishing the wrongdoers; the church by comforting and providing for the homeless and by spiritual leadership and unceasing advocacy of good over evil; the people by their unyielding determination to uphold and abide by the law. As in Britain, our own church-and-state governance works against the decline of moral and civic standards. We must defend that governance at all costs.
Dr Paul Fidlon,
Armidale
