The troublesome mix: religion and politics

Into this milieu has come a very timely analysis, Acting on Conscience: how can we responsibly mix law, religion and politics? by Jesuit priest, human rights lawyer and academic, Frank Brennan. Across a variety of issues he explores how personal beliefs are best expressed in public life.

Balancing compassion and prudence, Brennan’s presentation is a strong defence of liberal democracy and the rule of law. In the process he explains his recent conversion to the cause of an Australian Bill of Rights because checks on the power of the state are no longer guaranteed.

He fearlessly tackles his own Catholic bishops for exceeding the limits of their public role, criticises John Howard’s attempts to co-opt religious sanction in support of the Iraq War, and takes a side swipe at liberal atheists who treat religious views disdainfully in public policy debates.

Significantly, against this background, an independent Christian think tank with a social justice orientation is being launched this week by former High Court Chief Justice, Sir Gerard Brennan. Called The Centre for an Ethical Society its board is chaired by the Anglican Bishop of Canberra-Goulburn, Rt Rev George Browning. The centre will set up regional chapters around the nation and convene a national congress in its first year of operation.

The Centre promises an alternative voice to some of those currently claiming to represent the Christian social view.

As the body politic engages global and domestic issues of global warming, terrorism and poverty, according to Bishop Browning the centre intends to refocus the religious contribution around a core question: “Can the common good prevail over self-interest and the desire for personal gain?”