Thou dost mention religion.
Well, sometimes it must be discussed.
I was raised in a Christian household; religion was a topic of conversation because of our heritage. We are orange, while others are green.
On my side of politics, I was the only member sworn-in to the House of Assembly with my hand on a Bible. When at Government House, I received the New Testament signifying my promotion to the State Government Ministry and Executive Council.
Christianity, and perhaps faith has always underpinned my thinking – in both positive and negative ways.
But, I’m a huge Tim Minchin fan; a pragmatist who believes deeply in the need for society to set standards and, ultimately, do our utmost to protect children from harm’s way.
As a consequence, I have always struggled to understand the differing “powers” of denominations. Pentecostalism allows worshipers to practice Glossolalia or speaking in tongues, while others of equal belief cannot. And for Catholicism in the main, to campaign so strongly against same sex marriage, yet, devoutly defend the confessional, including the protection of criminals, leaves my thinking challenged at best.
I comprehend the notion of confession and repent, although never a part of my Christian upbringing. I respect the belief that faith in confessing one’s sins can assist life’s journey.
Yet, what I will never understand is the need to protect criminals such as pedophiles from prosecution under the seal of the confessional and Canon Law. No one will ever be able to convince me otherwise because it is a sin and completely unacceptable. And if the best argument those fighting against change can articulate, that zero pedophilia matters will be forthcoming as a result, they completely fail to understand the deterrent factor of the criminal justice system. And further, they are totally detached from society’s expectations
I applaud the Tasmanian Government and other states and territories who are working towards changing the law, ensuring that Catholic priests are considered mandatory reporters. After all, it is the one issue where Church and State should not be separate.
Sometimes, our community can strongly suggest that certain behaviour is wrong. As Attorney General, I removed the common law defence of mistake of fact for sexual crime perpetrated against children under the age of 13 years. Simply put, a 65-year-old is no longer permitted to argue that they thought a 12-year-old was 17, and able to consent.
Generally, the Tasmanian community agreed with me unequivocally, however, it did raise the ire of certain legal representative bodies. Alas, I believed, and continue to believe that law makers must represent their communities and send a message.
The Priesthood is delusional if they believe they should continue to cover-up acts of vulgarity against the most vulnerable members of our community, our children. That is not faith, it is sin, quite clearly a crime, and perpetrators including those who choose to ignore new laws must be held to account.
As a community, we should make it clear to our legislators that we support their efforts to outlaw the practice of confessional cover-up. They have listened, require our support, and it is a moment in time when religion must be discussed.
Well, sometimes it must be discussed.
I was raised in a Christian household; religion was a topic of conversation because of our heritage. We are orange, while others are green.
On my side of politics, I was the only member sworn-in to the House of Assembly with my hand on a Bible. When at Government House, I received the New Testament signifying my promotion to the State Government Ministry and Executive Council.
Christianity, and perhaps faith has always underpinned my thinking – in both positive and negative ways.
But, I’m a huge Tim Minchin fan; a pragmatist who believes deeply in the need for society to set standards and, ultimately, do our utmost to protect children from harm’s way.
As a consequence, I have always struggled to understand the differing “powers” of denominations. Pentecostalism allows worshipers to practice Glossolalia or speaking in tongues, while others of equal belief cannot. And for Catholicism in the main, to campaign so strongly against same sex marriage, yet, devoutly defend the confessional, including the protection of criminals, leaves my thinking challenged at best.
I comprehend the notion of confession and repent, although never a part of my Christian upbringing. I respect the belief that faith in confessing one’s sins can assist life’s journey.
Yet, what I will never understand is the need to protect criminals such as pedophiles from prosecution under the seal of the confessional and Canon Law. No one will ever be able to convince me otherwise because it is a sin and completely unacceptable. And if the best argument those fighting against change can articulate, that zero pedophilia matters will be forthcoming as a result, they completely fail to understand the deterrent factor of the criminal justice system. And further, they are totally detached from society’s expectations
I applaud the Tasmanian Government and other states and territories who are working towards changing the law, ensuring that Catholic priests are considered mandatory reporters. After all, it is the one issue where Church and State should not be separate.
Sometimes, our community can strongly suggest that certain behaviour is wrong. As Attorney General, I removed the common law defence of mistake of fact for sexual crime perpetrated against children under the age of 13 years. Simply put, a 65-year-old is no longer permitted to argue that they thought a 12-year-old was 17, and able to consent.
Generally, the Tasmanian community agreed with me unequivocally, however, it did raise the ire of certain legal representative bodies. Alas, I believed, and continue to believe that law makers must represent their communities and send a message.
The Priesthood is delusional if they believe they should continue to cover-up acts of vulgarity against the most vulnerable members of our community, our children. That is not faith, it is sin, quite clearly a crime, and perpetrators including those who choose to ignore new laws must be held to account.
As a community, we should make it clear to our legislators that we support their efforts to outlaw the practice of confessional cover-up. They have listened, require our support, and it is a moment in time when religion must be discussed.
spot on
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