SW News:

Faith and civic leaders in the Australian state of New South Wales are furious over a state party’s proposal to abolish the tradition of prayer in the Upper House. 

Stating that these prayers “devalue people” and are “inappropriate in a country that values religious diversity,” Greens Party MP Abigail Boyd placed the motion on Thursday, October 13 to remove the opening prayer before each sitting. 

However, another lawmaker Reverend Fred Nile condemned this proposal. Criticizing the move, Reverend Nile stated that the Australian constitution and ethics are founded on Christianity; therefore, the proposal is an attack against the foundation of the country. Reverend Nile said he was “disappointed but unsurprised” over the motion. 

He further urged the faithful and the lawmakers to continue the prayer, which is much needed for the “moral health of Parliament and society.” Boyd moved the motion stating that “the traditional prayer excludes and devalues those who do not belong to that religion.” She said she would put a motion that would replace the Lord’s Prayer with moments of silent meditation for members to “stand in silence and pray or reflect on their responsibilities” at the opening of the sittings. 

Currently, the sitting opens with Lord’s Prayer followed by, “Almighty God, we humbly beseech Thee to vouchsafe thy blessing upon this parliament. Direct and prosper our deliberations to the advancement of thy glory, and the true welfare of the people of our state and Australia.” 

Boyd then stated that various governments, including the Australian Capital Territory, Wagga Wagga, and Shoalhaven, have removed the initial prayer to a moment of silence.