As far as I'm aware Fester's comment about "kicking Jesus"
is false. Nobody is suggesting that.

What is being said is that with so many religious affiliations
in Australia and having parliaments and councils who
represent multicultural, multi faith societies we should no
longer align ourselves with just one religious viewpoint.

There is a great deal of talk about "religious freedom,"
But Australians should also have the right to their own
religious beliefs as well as freedom from religion,
especially in our institutions of government.

While some may believe the best solution in our secular
society is no prayer or similar recitation at all. A short
formal reflection of some kind can serve a useful purpose,
giving our representatives a moment to recall and ponder
their commitments.

Last year the City of Whitlesea replaced the Lords Prayer
with a diversity statement:

"We strive to be an inclusive, welcoming City that fosters
active participation, well being, and connection to each
other and this land."

Clearly there are varied solutions.

We can expect that each state and parliament will find one
that suits.

Foxy, all very nice, but has no one accountable to any higher power than themselves.
"We strive to be an inclusive, welcoming City that fosters
active participation, well being, and connection to each
other and this land."

The City of Greater Dandenong has for many years drawn
on leaders from its multi faith community to deliver their
own affirmations. Some councils such as the Surf Coast
recite a pledge, others have chosen to affirm their
responsibility to the Local Government Act. And so it goes.

Clearly as stated earlier there are varied solutions.

There's a lot of talk about "religious freedom," but
Australians should also have the right to freedom from religion
especially in our institutions of government.

With more than 100 religious affiliations in Australia
and parliaments and councils who represent a multicultural
multi-faith, others with no faith, society.

We should not longer align ourselves with just one religious
viewpoint.

Dear David,

I think you should instead be blaming a trait common to all living creatures, that of manipulating one another for advantage. Religious belief is simply a means of manipulating others in this respect. You might also note that the manipulation can also serve the common good.

Dear Banjo,

It is part of our history and heritage. Perhaps you think that it should all be discarded because it doesn't reflect how people live today? Like mythology, I think it gives a richness to life if people have the inkling to seek it, but you wont die if it is denied to you. It is quite another thing if it is rammed down your throat and anyone who doesn't go along with it is singled out as a bad person. That is where I think the Voice will take us.

Dear Foxy,

Then what of all this acknowledgement of country/welcome to country then? Does that have universal acceptance and approval? I think it all a bit insidious and Orwellian.

Religion is a personal thing.
It should not be exhibited blatantly in public?
In private, you can experience all the religious fervour you desire.
And you can dress how you want to.
But in a public place, public standards should be observed.
Mostly quiet and sober dress?

The young need leeway in this, as they must express themselves.
Ladies too like to experiment with 'fashions'.
But full religious 'regalia' is to be abhorred?
In businesses etc, I just don't speak with the 'faceless' ones any more.

It is imperative that religion does not prevail in the halls of government.
Religion and the state must be kept worlds apart.
Why religious ceremony is undertaken at the beginning of meetings and so on, is questionable.
Probably because the chief 'head of state' is also the head of a church?
A crazy state of affairs to be sure.