Helping the Stolen Generations

Aboriginal Issues, Uncategorized ,  SIC , 
kinchela-men-img

Check out Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation (KBHAC). KBHAC has been operational since 2001. Some of the former Kinchela Boys Home (KBH) inmates approached World Vision Australia to assist them in reuniting the KBH ‘brothers’ and help them develop an organisation for the all former KBH inmates and their families. All of KBHAC’s activities seek to reconnect members of the Stolen Generations to their families, clans and communities. It works to restore and reconstruct cultural identity, pride and self worth. KBHAC aims to help members of the Stolen Generations take control of their own future. It is committed to improving members’ health and well-being by addressing persistent grief and trauma related to removal and experiences following removal.
Visit http://www.kinchelaboyshome.org.au

People Smugglers: ‘Scum of the Earth’ or Heroes with a Noble Tradition?

Asylum seekers, Poverty, Uncategorized ,  SIC , 
From http://www.theage.com.au/national/smugglers-profit-while-poor-pay-the-price-20100404-rlns.html

Definition
The procurement, in order to obtain, directly or indirectly, a financial or other material benefit, of the illegal entry of a person into a State Party of which the person is not a national or a permanent resident. (http://www.aic.gov.au/documents) People smuggling versus trafficking in persons: what is the difference? Continue reading…

New S.I.C. Facebook page

Uncategorized ,  SIC , 
facebook

You can find our new facebook page at

http://www.facebook.com/BaptistSocialIssues

100 Words – March – June 2012

100 Words, Uncategorized ,  SIC , 
100 Word Limit

Kristine Morrison – Jesus our norm
Rod Benson – Micah Challenge initiatives
John Brewer – Baptists and marriage
Christine Redwood – Not my children
Kevin Hummel – Fuel crops
Continue reading…

The Homosexuality Debate: Can We Improve the Tone?

Relationships & Sexuality, Uncategorized ,  SIC ,  1 Comment
men-holding-hands

In recent times the issue of homosexuality has attracted intense discussion amongst Christians in all walks of church life. Such has been the level of public discourse that some regular contributors would wish never to have to make public comment about same-sex marriage again. Many in the churches would also happily not hear of it again. Why are we at such a loss to gain satisfactory traction on this long standing issue? I want to suggest that there are three sources for our current impasse. Continue reading…

100 Words December 2011 – February 2012

100 Words, Environment, Uncategorized ,  SIC , 
100 Word Limit

Climate Refugees – Peter Green
Violence in our speech – John Brew
Refugee policy – Peter Green
Continue reading…

Social Issues Committee – Report 2012

Uncategorized ,  SIC , 
report

The Social Issues Committee offers advice on social and ethical issues to the Executive Committee and provides resources for the churches.  This is generally achieved by publishing print- and web-based briefing papers, and organising occasional events.  The SIC responds to questions from NSW & ACT Baptist churches, other organisations, the media, and members of the public, and works closely with Rod Benson, ethicist and public theologian with the Tinsley Institute based at Morling College.

Continue reading…

100 Words August – November 2011

100 Words, Uncategorized ,  SIC , 
100 Word Limit

A globalised economy – Christine Redwood
Mind your manners – Ian Packer

Continue reading…

Justifying Advocacy – John Saunders lecture 2011

Church & State, John Saunders Lecture, Poverty, Uncategorized ,  SIC ,  1 Comment
Andrew Sloane

On Wednesday, 19 October 2011, Andrew Sloane of Morling College gave the 2011 John Saunders Annual Lecture, presenting a biblical and theological framework that justifies advocacy as a legitimate component of Christian involvement in the world, calling on ‘power’ to be used justly for the poor and disadvantaged. The text is reproduced below and is also available here as a pdf. Continue reading…

A Sermon on Gambling

Gambling, Poverty, Uncategorized ,  SIC ,  1 Comment
Slot_Machines

“I’ve been addicted to drugs for most of my life as a choice and I am the tail end of that, but there is something about the way poker machines are designed that works on the human system, it’s really dark, really purposeful…it’s so emotional, I think about those poor little kids at home, dad has to come in and lie again, oh, what new lie can I tell them this week, I’ll have to go and get someone to bash me up so it looks like I’ve been mugged or something, that is the extent of the problem.”

Continue reading…

  • 100 words

    In Australia, the state is free to introduce same-sex marriage legislation, and every citizen (including citizens organised in groups) may support or oppose such moves. Our marriage laws closely reflect the biblical ideal as agreed by a large majority of Christians here and internationally. If you say no to gay marriage in your church, but support laws that allow it in the community, you will need to demonstrate why your beliefs about marriage only apply to people in your church, and why you support laws that contravene biblical principles which you otherwise claim to affirm.

    - Rod Benson

  • John Saunders Annual Lecture

    John Saunders Lecture 2012
    Tuesday 23 October
    7.30-9.30pm

    We are excited to announce that this year’s speaker is prominent women’s advocate and author Melinda Tankard Reist, on the subject “Porn at a price: The objectification of women and the sexualisation of girls in media and popular culture.”

  • Topics of interest