Regional voices need to be heard

Pastors and other church leaders in regional NSW have expressed concern over social issues impacting their communities and are looking for political solutions that reflect their beliefs and values.

The President of the NSW Council of Churches, the Reverend Dr Ross Clifford, recently returned to Sydney from visits to New England and the Riverina where local leaders spoke to him about foreshadowed changes to marriage laws, Special Religious Education, euthanasia, local government zoning laws that would disadvantage churches, and cost shifting where federal and state governments are shifting the cost of local programs onto local councils and communities. This is not good for community health.

“These are important concerns, and the NSW Council of Churches stands ready as a peak body to help local and regional communities defend their shared values and find effective ways to have their voices heard by decision-makers n Macquarie Street and Canberra,” Dr Clifford said.

Church pastors and other citizens in regional areas were encouraged to contact the Public Affairs Director for the NSW Council of Churches, the Reverend Rod Benson, for more information.

Media contact Rod Benson 0412 421 678