Thoughts on faith, culture, and public life.
Australia has never been a monoculture. Long before European settlement, the continent was home to many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and languages. At the time of colonisation, about 250 distinct Indigenous languages were spoken, many with multiple dialects. Since 1788, successive migrations have added further layers of ethnic, cultural and religious diversity. …
Continue reading "Faith, cultural diversity and the common good"
Freedom of the press is one of the foundational principles of a democratic society. It refers to the ability of journalists and media organisations to investigate, report, publish, question those in positions of authority, and express opinions without intimidation, censorship, retaliation, or undue interference. Yet press freedom is not primarily a privilege exclusive to journalists. …
Continue reading "Freedom of the press and Australian democracy"
Recent events at the National Press Club have prompted renewed reflection on freedom of the press, one of the foundations of democratic society. The immediate catalyst was an exchange between One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and Guardian Australia journalist Sarah Martin. During questioning following Hanson’s National Press Club address, Martin asked about the employment of Hanson’s daughter …
Transcript of an interview I recorded with Steve Cooper in December 1997: Steve Cooper leaves Queensland this month for the cool tranquility of the Blue Mountains in New South Wales. Rod Benson caught up with him as he prepared to depart after six years in the provincial city of Ipswich (in Queensland, Australia). RB: Steve, …
The following statement was adopted by resolution of delegates to the Queensland Baptist Convention Annual Assembly on Thursday 11 September 1997. The statement was moved by the General Superintendent of the Baptist Union of Queensland Rev. Dr Stan Solomon and seconded by Senior Pastor Rod Benson of Flinders Baptist Community Church in Ipswich, Queensland. It …
All Told 