With church-state relations increasingly on Australia's political agenda,
a public seminar on the topic will be held at 7pm on Saturday March 31st and
hosted by St Marks Chapel UNE.
The public seminar will centre around a presentation given by Dr Mark Thompson, lecturer in Church History and Head of Theology at Moore Theological College in Sydney, with particular reference to Martin Luther's 'Doctrine of Two Kingdoms' concerning the separation of church and state. Dr Thomspon will also address the provocative churchman's seemingly hardnosed call to the German princes of his day to crush the peasant revolt of 1524-1525.
When asked about the seminar, Anglican UNE Chaplain, Martin Trotman, explained,
"The place of religion in Australia's public life is a hot political issue. Unlike a few years ago, spokespeople for both major parties are now often in the media voicing their positions. The former Deputy Prime Minister's biography, "Faith and Duty" is in the stores. There's the new Family First Party with roots in Christian churches and Sheik Hilaly is now planning a Muslim-based political party. It touches an important question - how should spirituality engage community life? There's lots of dust in the political air, so as Australia approaches a fresh round of elections, we think it's important to promote some constructive community discussion on the debate.
We are not trying to push a position but to promote helpful public reflection. Of course Mark will present his position, but constructive engagement is the aim. I anticipate his position will be close to mine - a clear separation of church and state with the church, like any other civil group or citizen in our liberal democracy, free to argue for and promote it's approach. We welcome others to come along to join in with their thoughts."
Dr Mark Thompson
Dr Thompson is also speaking at several sessions during March 30 - April 1 as part of the annual St Mark's Chapel UNE community 'Teach-In' weekend. This year's theme is 'Truths Worth Living For, Truths Worth Dying For', an examination of the central tenets of the Reformation that so impacted and deeply influenced the doctrines and culture of the Lutheran and Protestant traditions, as well as the course of Western civilization.
Enquiries can be made through the UNE Anglican Chaplaincy on 6773 2029 between 8.30am and 12 noon Monday to Friday or by emailing stmarks@une.edu.au