Post by mickey on May 29, 2008 11:30:25 GMT -5
NSW Humanists challenge World Catholic Youth Day
Posted May 29th, 2008 by Anonymous
World Catholic Youth Day a waste of money, affront to open democracy and the separation of church and state, says NSW Humanists
Saturday May 17 2008
NSW Humanists President John August, argues The World Catholic Youth Day is no merely private affair. It is rather a diversion of public funds which has been deliberately held outside public scrutiny. It is an affront to the separation of church and state, transparency, and the general operation of democracy.
While we endorse the right of individuals to believe what they wish, the institution of the Catholic Church nevertheless acts to limit people's
freedom, being against contraception, abortions and voluntary euthanasia. This is in spite of the fact that a majority of cardinals voted in favour of contraception during Vatican II.
Along with the prerogative of people to believe as they see fit, we also endorse the right of people to meet and worship privately. And, indeed, if
the World Catholic Youth Day were just a private meeting, we would accept that.
However, the World Catholic Youth Day is no private affair. The State and Federal Governments have poured in money, and have refused to disclose their financial justifications. They claim visitors will be drawn to Australia and provide an injection into the economy which would supposedly exceed the taxpayer's subsidy. The calculations behind this assertion have not been made public.
Further, the World Catholic Youth Day represents a disruption to the lives of the citizens of Sydney - it seems there has been no attempt to factor this cost into the economic justification. Just like many other Sydneysiders, I'm fed up with the arbitrary denial of our access to public space, with Sydney getting "locked down" yet again. It seems to me that the thought on many Sydneysiders minds is " oh no, not AGAIN !!!".
It is an affront to transparency, separation of Church and State, and the general operation of democracy. Sadly, many attendees will have no idea of the event's dubious moral foundations. Along with other groups in Sydney, we'll be doing our best to point this out to them.
The disruption to Sydney will only be felt by those who have need to travel to and within the city. But the financial and political costs will be borne by all Australians.
We encourage the State and Federal Governments to come clean about the financials behind the World Catholic Youth Day. Accountability should apply to religions, and especially to the government support of religions.
For further information contact :
www.atheistfoundation.org.au/mediarelease.htm
John August, President, NSW Humanists 0419 683 353.
Our webpage : www.hsnsw.asn.au
See also :
Secular Party of Australia -
www.secular.org.au/News.php#020408
Australian Atheist Foundation -
www.atheistfoundation.org.au/mediarelease.htm
World Truth Day -http://worldtruthday.org/
Posted May 29th, 2008 by Anonymous
World Catholic Youth Day a waste of money, affront to open democracy and the separation of church and state, says NSW Humanists
Saturday May 17 2008
NSW Humanists President John August, argues The World Catholic Youth Day is no merely private affair. It is rather a diversion of public funds which has been deliberately held outside public scrutiny. It is an affront to the separation of church and state, transparency, and the general operation of democracy.
While we endorse the right of individuals to believe what they wish, the institution of the Catholic Church nevertheless acts to limit people's
freedom, being against contraception, abortions and voluntary euthanasia. This is in spite of the fact that a majority of cardinals voted in favour of contraception during Vatican II.
Along with the prerogative of people to believe as they see fit, we also endorse the right of people to meet and worship privately. And, indeed, if
the World Catholic Youth Day were just a private meeting, we would accept that.
However, the World Catholic Youth Day is no private affair. The State and Federal Governments have poured in money, and have refused to disclose their financial justifications. They claim visitors will be drawn to Australia and provide an injection into the economy which would supposedly exceed the taxpayer's subsidy. The calculations behind this assertion have not been made public.
Further, the World Catholic Youth Day represents a disruption to the lives of the citizens of Sydney - it seems there has been no attempt to factor this cost into the economic justification. Just like many other Sydneysiders, I'm fed up with the arbitrary denial of our access to public space, with Sydney getting "locked down" yet again. It seems to me that the thought on many Sydneysiders minds is " oh no, not AGAIN !!!".
It is an affront to transparency, separation of Church and State, and the general operation of democracy. Sadly, many attendees will have no idea of the event's dubious moral foundations. Along with other groups in Sydney, we'll be doing our best to point this out to them.
The disruption to Sydney will only be felt by those who have need to travel to and within the city. But the financial and political costs will be borne by all Australians.
We encourage the State and Federal Governments to come clean about the financials behind the World Catholic Youth Day. Accountability should apply to religions, and especially to the government support of religions.
For further information contact :
www.atheistfoundation.org.au/mediarelease.htm
John August, President, NSW Humanists 0419 683 353.
Our webpage : www.hsnsw.asn.au
See also :
Secular Party of Australia -
www.secular.org.au/News.php#020408
Australian Atheist Foundation -
www.atheistfoundation.org.au/mediarelease.htm
World Truth Day -http://worldtruthday.org/