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\par 
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\par Freedom of Religion and Belief in the 21st Century in Australia
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\par In response to the above we submit the following:
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\par Our Constitution was founded on Judeo-Christian principles and has ensured we have the freedom to live out our Christian beliefs.  We also have the freedom to follow a belief or not.
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\par The people in our con
gregation who choose to become Christians, do so because they know firstly that God loves them and secondly because they have chosen to follow Jesus as Lord and Saviour.  Because of the freedom of religion we have in this country, we are free to become Ch
ristians, meet together for worship, have Bible studies etc.  This same freedom is not possible for people who live in many parts of the world.  
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\par If this Legislation is enacted, the rights of freedom of religion will be determined by unelected Judges.  We 
believe this would be unconstitutional.  Their interpretations could be biased by personal knowledge, prejudices and beliefs.  The Constitution is the responsibility of elected parliamentarians who can be removed or re-elected by the people.
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\par We believe th
at our freedoms are already encapsulated by our Constitution and therefore do not need any changes proposed by the Freedom of Religion and Belief in the 21st Century in Australia bill.   In fact, the proposals could possibly bring about restriction of fre
edom of religion.  
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\par Tocumwal, Finley, Berrigan Presbyterian Church Mission Committee
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\par Tom Binks
\par Convenor
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\par 25.2.09
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\par }}