Christian service opens Parliamentary year

For broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 9 Mar 2014.

In an ecumenical service at St Stephen’s Uniting Church in Macquarie Street this week, Sydney Anglican Archbishop Dr Glenn Davies reminded politicians that the Bible calls them “ministers of God.”

The service for the opening of the NSW Parliamentary year was attended by Premier Barry O’Farrell, Speaker Shelley Hancock, the Reverend Fred Nile, and MLC Greg Donnelly representing Opposition Leader John Robertson.

Dr Davies said those who governed carried a very great responsibility to promote the common good of citizens.

“Paul says love fulfils the law,” he said in his sermon. “Love does no wrong to the neighbour, therefore love is the fulfilment of the law. Love your neighbour as yourself. It is especially true of Christians in the parliament.”

Dr Davies also reminded the people of their need to submit to the governing authorities. Leaders from Anglican, Catholic, Uniting, Presbyterian and Congregational Churches led in prayer at the service.

I’m Rod Benson for the NSW Council of Churches.