Election 2004: Uniting Church Calls For Cultural, Social And Political Growth
Saturday, September 4, 2003
This election, the Uniting Church calls for our leaders to go beyond economics and ensure a fair go across every aspect of our lives.
“Politicians are always trying to take responsibility for economic growth, but who is taking responsibility for the cultural, social and political growth of our country?” asks Uniting Church President, Rev. Dr Dean Drayton.
“The Uniting Church believes that quality of life is enhanced by a creative balance in our personal, local, and national lives. Economic gains need to be matched by our growth as people and contribute to genuine social progress for Australia.
“Australia needs to grow as a culture: we must return to valuing and promoting diversity, seeking to build and harness new ways of being Australia. This requires a national re-embrace of the identity that was emerging from reconciliation and our honest attempt to face our past and reshape our future,” Rev. Drayton said.
“The high fence mentality that has increasingly seen us defined out of our fear and an obsession with security at all costs is damaging our nation’s spirit. Australia’s identity should be grounded in hope and our common humanity. In this way, we can reignite our compassion, generosity and commitment to a fair go for all.
“Australia needs to grow as a society: we need a true development plan for the whole nation which takes seriously both sustainability and cherishing the environment for its own sake. The future economic and social life of rural and remote Australia must be assured, and the needs of communities where people suffer high unemployment and poverty must be addressed. Our economic growth should be used to benefit those who need it most.
“We want a revival of the public sphere. The Australian people are more than consumers, we are citizens. Citizens require government spending to ensure quality and universally accessible education and healthcare, adequate social services, welfare and support.
“Australia needs to grow politically: we can restore the vibrancy and integrity of our democracy by standing up for a more ethically rooted and morally responsible politics. Good politics offers hope and brings trust - genuine trust that depends on elected political leaders serving public needs.
“The Church wants to see justice on the election agenda. There is no security without justice, no matter how much the economy grows,” Rev. Drayton said.
Media contacts: Reverend Dr Dean Drayton, 0400 354 237
Gavin Melvin, Senior Communication Officer, 0417 416 674
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