Joint Release by Australian Association of Christian Schools/ Associated Christian Schools/ Christian Schools Australia under the banner of My Christian School
Following the successful Brisbane town hall event seven days ago, another capacity crowd is expected to gather at a Christian school auditorium in Sydney tonight to show their support for the future of faith in Christian schools.
While several Liberal MPs and Senators have confirmed their attendance, the absence of Government representatives has raised concerns among the faith-based education community.
The Sydney event, part of a series of rallies organised in response to the Australian Law Reform Commission's (ALRC) controversial recommendations, has already sold out, with more than 600 teachers, parents, and students registered to attend.
Demand for the town halls is unprecedented, with nationwide concern that if the Government accepts the recommendations, the ability of Christian schools to hire staff who share their beliefs may be restricted or completely removed. No Government MPs or Senators attended the Brisbane town hall and none have accepted the invitation to attend in Sydney.
Mark Spencer, Director of Public Policy at Christian Schools Australia, said, "The lack of response from Government MPs and Senators is disappointing, given the significant impact these recommendations would have on our schools. We hope that they will reconsider and take this opportunity to hear directly from those who would be most affected by these changes."
The evening will feature moving personal testimonies about the profound impact of faith-driven teachers and staff on the lives of students and their families, highlighting the importance of preserving the heart of Christian schools.
Vanessa Cheng, Executive Officer of AACS, added, "The sold-out event in Sydney, following the success of the Brisbane town hall, demonstrates the deep concern and commitment of our school communities. We urge the Government to listen to these voices and protect the right of Christian schools to hire staff who share our beliefs and values."
The Sydney town hall will be held at Regents Park Christian School, the venue for a Community Cabinet meeting held by Prime Minister Julia Gillard in 2013. More than 45 Christian schools will be represented in the audience, with some travelling as far as Nambucca Heads to attend.
Alistair Macpherson, Executive Director of Associated Christian Schools, said “The fact that people are travelling up to 400km each way on a Monday night to attend this event is a demonstration of how serious our community considers the impact of this potential legislation.”
For more information visit https://mychristianschool.au/events/#register
ENDS
My Christian School and the Faith In Our Future events are the initiatives of Associated Christian Schools, the Australian Association of Christian Schools and Christian Schools Australia.
Media contacts:
For all media enquiries:
Vanessa Cheng, Australian Association of Christian Schools, 0416 244 372;
Alistair Macpherson, Associated Christian Schools, 0401 365 776;
Mark Spencer, Christian Schools Australia, 0419 419 224.