On Thursday 8 November, Reverend the Hon. Dr Gordon Moyes asked for feedback from CVIP subscribers on the issue of closing all Islamic schools. Many were very long and detailed. Thank you to all those who responded. It is obvious that our members do not think limiting immigration of Muslims and closing their schools is of good policy for a Christian party.

Hi Gordon, As a candidate for the CDP at the upcoming Federal election I chose to see what was said and allow the team running the Senate campaign to have their say on this. Given the predominantly Anglo-Saxon nature of my seats (State and Federal) it is not an issue that we have chosen to promote, as it is not an issue locally. My initial reaction to the press release was the very reasons that you give for closing an Islamic School are the same reasons that sworn atheists (such as the NSW Greens) will give for closing Christian Schools. I work in a Christian School and it is the place of choice for the education of my children as well. We need to be careful that we don’t shoot ourselves in the foot on this one. The irony is that in a pluralistic society there are sometimes we may need to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Muslim ‘neighbours’ for a political cause (whether or not we do this is another whole discussion as well). Christian Schools effectively train their students to be in the world but not of it. They are countercultural in that they encourage young people to accept the Lordship of Christ. They are however based on understanding God’s redeeming and restorative plans for His creation which necessarily involves living in the culture and loving one’s neighbour. Argue to the general public as we may that Australia has a rich Christian heritage, the pluralism of the post-modern world we live in is likely to turn our own gun back on us. I understand the complexity of the dealing with Islam and the potential of strictly Islamic schools– the doctrine, the practice, submission, views on non-believers, hesitancy to integrate, and potential for radicalism, birth rates and population. However, they too will need to be accredited as we are and this is the argument that is often used to say that every thing we do is ok. I agree that we need to think through this issue of Islam and that it promotes a major threat. We need to present policies that the average Australian sees as commonsense as well as dealing with the very real threat posed for a country that has become somewhat vacuous in its thinking and certainly in danger of not being able to deal with the issue of potential Islamic domination in the not too distant future. Or in other words, a country which, so tolerant, will not know how to deal with the intolerant religion for which it has so long tolerated. The biggest issue we face as Christians is this. Many Christians will choose to not vote for a Christian who they disagree with one thing on – in fact they’ll often vote for someone who they know nothing of their values and with who they might disagree with many things about (I actually make this point at all my Christian rallies that if someone disagrees with one thing I say please don’t do this). Hence we need to be very careful. It is easier for the candidate who sticks to the ordinary realm of issues to get people to vote for them rather than the ‘traditional’ moral issues. We still need to represent these but perhaps we need to consider Micah 6:8 and the issues contained. Australia, built as a nation who humbly relies on almighty God is looking for a people who consider justice and mercy. These are two issues that will connect with the broader constituency and bring us people who don’t currently vote for us – they may join us if we become a party who campaigns for the disabled, the marginalised, the poor, the widows, the elderly, the homeless, the environment. I’m thinking how to bring these issues into my talks at the various community forums we have the privilege of speaking at here in rural NSW. How do I get the ordinary person to put a number 1 next my name – it has to be through sensible, unique, fair and inspirational policy. Thanks for your perspective. Fred and you are both great men of God. Your differing perspectives need to be work into a broader, more inclusive but totally solid future for the CDP. If we can do that I believe we will be a more votable party than we currently are. God Bless, Geoff Peet.

Hi Gordon, The idea of closing all Islamic schools is mischievous in the extreme, and self-defeating. This needs to be defeated. Regards, Peter Barnes.

Dear Gordon, I write in response to your question about closing Islamic Schools in the e-mail newsletter “A Christian Voice in Politics”. As you have pointed out, any law that would seek to close Islamic Schools would also have the effect of closing Jewish and Christian schools and any other religious based schools. This would leave all of the education of our children to the secular humanist Anti-God “Department of School Education”! As a Christian, with a great concern for the Christian education of my six children, and as a person employed by the private Christian Education system, I must oppose any thing that might result in the closing of Christian Schools. Similarly, although I would like to see ALL people come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, I must support “Freedom of Religion”, even if it allows anti God/Anti Christian religions such as Islam (or even spiritualism!!) to exist. The alternative would create a situation that was only one step away from the banning of Christianity (and I know that the Secular Humanists would LOVE that. Regards, Ian Wales.

Dear Gordon,The CDP has to decide whether it supports religious freedom in this country or not. If it does, the proposal will not proceed. If it does not, the proposal could proceed. But it would lead, presumably, to the closure of all schools with an explicit basis in any religion. The CDP should fight to maintain religious freedom, against those who want freedom from religion. The Christian position is always against a spirit of fear, and in favour of overcoming evil with good. Regards, Paul R. Whiting.

Hi Gordon, Of course I cannot agree with closing Muslim schools, otherwise the government would be bound to close any faith-based school. Alternatively, some schools, while not overtly Christian but nevertheless having a Christian basis, might be tempted to remove entirely any Christian basis in order to continue operation. It seems to me freedom of religion means just that—freedom of religious expression, provided such expression operates within the laws of the land. Regards, Ken Bosward.

Dear Gordon,With regard to the Moslem situation, closing schools isn’t the way but if the Christian Church is not prepared to stand up and warn the nation of the situation then the CDP will need to consider doing so. How long are we going to hear of Multi-faith meetings, prayer meetings and that all faiths lead to the one God. Regards, Denis Colbourn.

Dear Gordon, Thank You for your fine work you are doing for the Lord in Parliament. It is not practical to shut down Islamic schools, for as you point out it would discriminate against them if Christian and Jewish schools were left open. I think that all schools should be monitored to see what is being taught, and if racial hatred is being taught in any school, then those doing so should be deregistered as teachers if they do so after a warning. Kind Regards, Roger Armstrong.

Hi Gordon, Today in Lismore in our weekly free newspaper ‘The Echo’, CDP published a political advertisement; promoting it’s moratorium on Islamic Immigration. Alongside the Ad, the paper placed an article and photo featuring our local State Member (hero and local legend) Thomas George MP, presenting an award to a local Islamic lady who has featured as a local “living book” at Lismore’s library. The CDP ad is deeply disappointing; and my question is to you personally, as to whether you actually support this moratorium policy? I had hoped for a new CDP; but as it stands now, I can see a whole range of Christians in this area actively campaigning against CDP because of this outrageous redneck stunt. Why is it that the Greens seem to know what justice and mercy means, and the “Christian” party just doesn’t seem to have a clue? I’m sorry to not mix my words; but I think CDP needs to hear the depth of what myself and others currently feel about CDP. Be assured of my highest regard for you personally; but this policy is unacceptable, and in my opinion CDP should be deeply ashamed of itself. Blessings, Ian Phillips.

Dear Gordon,I agree that Muslim schools are a worry because of the language issue, they cannot be reliably subject to Government direction. However, we are on shaky ground to say ban them. If we say that, we would also have to agree that all Christian and Jewish schools etc. should be banned also. Any other argument cannot be sustained. I would however agree that all public funding should be removed from religious and ethnic schools. The amount of money given out to sustain all the private schools is excessive. Muslim schools receive huge amounts because they have large numbers of children and most of the parents are not “well off” – many on welfare. We should be free to choose a religious education for our children if we are willing to pay for it. The Government should go back to being the main public provider of education as it was until the 50s. Governments of all persuasions are abrogating their right to be responsible for education. “No more Government funding”, would not go down well with most of your constituency! We must not however be discriminatory for any reason, and rightly so. Only when all children go to the same schools will be achieve a real cultural blending in the next generation. Christian parents would then be able to exert some influence on schools. This is how cultural harmony began after World War II - no special schools then! Hope this helps. Regards, Marion Smith.

Dear Gordon,Thanks for replying to my concern re. the CDP’s bias towards the Coalition. Your statement regarding Fred’s deal with the Liberals is very disturbing. I do not want to discuss this as it seems to be an issue that has the potential to split the CDP apart. We need a clear, uncompromising Christian voice in Parliament, but a voice that does not react to extreme situations by proposing extreme solutions, such as a ten-year moratorium on Muslim immigration. Please continue your fight for Christian values without courting the approval of the Liberals, or their financial enticements. At this stage I will continue to support the CDP but not if it ties itself to the apron strings of other Political parties, or if it reacts against evil with evil policies. The question re. the closing of Muslim schools is one such issue. It is extreme and would certainly result in us being branded as a ‘fundamentalist’ Christian group. We can’t discriminate against other religions and then cry ‘foul’ when we in turn are discriminated against. There must be better ways to combat the dangers of possible Terrorist hotbeds. Yours Sincerely, John Zylstra.

Dear Gordon,The Christian Democratic Party in the lead up to the Federal election is promoting a policy of a moratorium on all Islamic immigration to Australia for the next ten years. As a follower of Jesus I find it particularly distasteful that this should be part of the platform of a party which announces itself to be Christian. In the past I have worked with and lived alongside people of Islamic faith – all of whom I found to be gracious, peace loving people. Over time, many of these people became dear and trusted friends. There are extremes in Islam to be concerned about; but the extremes don’t define everyone who is Islamic. Through this policy announcement it appears that CDP has lowered itself to the level of other political parties playing on “the fear factor” (or worse) in order to gain votes. Part of CDP’s election platform is the publishing of a Family Impact Statement on policy. I therefore invite the CDP to publish a Family Impact Statement on this policy; with particular focus on the impact that this policy is likely to have on Islamic families. Many Christians I know would never support such a policy as this, and remain firmly committed to the uncomplicated Biblical mandate to “act justly and love mercy” (Micah 6:8). It is quite clear that CDP’s immigration policy falls short of that mandate. Sincerely, Pastor Ian.

Hi Gordon, It is with a great deal of concern that I note this statement I will not support such a stance as it is bigotry gone crazy. It is true that we need to make sure that no school teaches anti Australian issues and that training in terrorism must be prevented yet without evidence that these things for the core issues of Muslim schools we must never promote such wild and extreme views. The example that we would demonstrate would be sufficient to justify extreme action against Christian values and heritage. I do not know where this brain spasm came from but it is unhelpful to me in Newcastle where I am trying to bridge gaps to the non-Christian community because the church does not want to join us and with such extreme views who can blame them. God bless you, Milton Caine.

Dear Gordon,I don’t believe it would be equitable to close existing Muslim schools, however, I believe that it would be quite equitable to have a moratorium on opening new ones in line with having a moratorium for a certain length of time on accepting new Muslims into Australia. Such moratoriums should exist (for say 10 years) only so that allows time to examine the effects of Muslims integrating into our Christian culture and how (if anything) we should be introducing measures to deal with this. YIHS, Bob Gowing.

Dear Gordon, I do not believe that closing existing Moslem schools is the answer. As you said, the logical conclusion to this is that Christian and Jewish schools might also need to be closed if there are enough complaints about them. I do think that some members of the CDP have gone too far on the issue of Moslems and our tolerance of them. They have a right to their beliefs, even if we do not agree with them. As long as they are not threatening Christians in any way, we should leave them be in my opinion, while of course still praying for their conversion to Christianity. Yours sincerely, Margaret Haage.

Dear Gordon,Thank you for the opportunity to comment regarding closing Islamic Schools. Firstly, I would like to point out that I do believe Rev Fred Nile is indeed correct when he names Islam as one of the greatest threats to this nation, and many others. Having studied the Islamic faith I know that there is no such thing as peaceful Islam and this is why it is such a concern. Whilst I would like to see all Muslim Schools closed, I do not believe that this would be beneficial to the Christian population in Australia. Changing the laws to force the closure of Muslim Schools would also require the closure of Christian Schools. It is not possible to insist Muslims Schools close, whilst still allowing Christian Schools to operate. Although a Christian ideal, it is foolish to seriously entertain. Even though our religious freedom is limited, we still have some, and I would hate to see this be diminished any further. There is a price to pay for religious freedom and I think that unfortunately, Muslim Schools are part of the cost. Kind Regards, Ann-Elise Cole.

Dear Gordon,Just a quick response to your request in CVIP asking for feedback on the CDP call to close Islamic schools (if that is indeed the position as I haven’t seen it myself). As you know I have been a staunch supporter of the moratorium on Muslim immigration believing it to be quite defensible from a Christian perspective as well as a desirable policy. However, I would have a hard time reconciling a ban on Islamic schools with the Christian principle of freedom of religion. Furthermore, I think that in these times of militant secularism when the secularists have a tight grip on government and hence the determining of public policy, it could, as you say, be quite dangerous to advocate banning any religious schools lest the idea spread to banning all religious schools including Christian schools (and the Christian home-schooling movement). (Of course it goes without saying that if the State were to ban religious schools there would be one specific type of religious school left untouched—the State sponsored public schools that teach the false religion of Secular/evolutionary Humanism!) A better policy would be to monitor Islamic schools to ensure against radicalism and promotion of militant Islamism. (I think some in the Howard government may have advocated this already.) Of course even so called ‘moderate’ Islam can be quite sympathetic to Islamist goals, but I think this is something we have to be prepared to live with if we want to uphold the Christian concept of religious freedom. Regards, Ewan McDonald.

Dear Gordon,In our democratic society I do not think we can close schools which are of a different religious persuasion to our own. To preserve our own religious freedom we have to allow others the same religious freedom we enjoy. Obviously what is taught in such schools needs to be evaluated by some secular authority re educational standards. If what is taught is “seditious” (and who determines that definition?) then that of course must be addressed. However, I believe for the CDP to have a policy that calls for the closing of Islamic schools is foolish and wrong. I have agreed to hand out CDP “how to vote” information in letterboxes and at polling booths. Re the pamphlet: I would like to comment that while agreeing that a moratorium on Muslim immigration is desirable, that it is not a good idea to have this policy highlighted as it is in the pamphlet. I think it would have been better to have begun with the “pro family” and “Christian freedom” statements and then concluded with “Immigration” and the statement that “CDP believes that it’s every nations’ sovereign right to …......”. To begin the pamphlet with “Immediate suspension of Islamic Immigration” is a very black and white statement and does not go into the logistics of the issue: what constitutes an “Islamic” person, are people allowed to immigrate if they are “Muslim” in name only and if so, how are you going to assess the degree of someone’s devotion to Islam? What about people who may write “Islam ” in a box where it asks for your religion but wish to immigrate to Australia because they do not like their Islamic country of origin and eschew the violence of militant Islamists? For example, on a recent trip to Indonesia, I met several people who would say for official purposes that they were “Muslim”, but in reality, they were either atheists or Buddhists or Animists! I think that CDP does not profit by expounding policies that make it sound like Pauline Hanson in disguise! I think a less black and white statement would have been preferable, and not having this as the number one policy would also have been preferable. The smaller print about calling on the next government to implement a social impact statement on Sharia Law is a good policy. However, I reiterate, that for the average person looking quickly (as many apathetic Australians do) at the pamphlet, the CDP seems to be concerned with Muslim bashing and xenophobia, and I think this is not the impression we want to create. Regards, Jill Dickson.

Dear Gordon,Thank you for publishing on 15 November my concerns on the CDP Climate change policy. Which as I said appeared to disagree with your own comments on Climate Change and in addition appear to be a wait and see approach which to me conflicts with the tick on the Values Checklist for “Greater care of God’s Environment”. So I was sad to see on 22 November a response from Ewan McDonald which commences “respectfully disagree with your correspondents Ron and Christine Lankshear” – I always suspicious of people who say respectfully and Mr McDonald goes on not to discuss the climate change policy other talking about the majority of the world scientists as “cult-like prophets of doom” but to accuse our family of pagan beliefs. This week at a Bible study there was considerable discussion of the CDP door drop brochure and I am afraid that the feedback on the migration issue was that for a Christian party the policies show less than Christian love which I believe Gordon is a point you have been trying to make. The Muslim policy does not appear as far as I can see on the Christian Values Checklist and is not mentioned in the YouTube video other than a reference to not wanting Sharia Law and I can agree with that. Previous elections I have accepted CDP as having a clear Christian policy. Blessings, Ron Lankshear.

Dear Gordon,“Many Christians I know and respect vote for the CDP, and I have done so in the past. In particular, I respect their efforts to call attention to the human cost of the tens of thousands of voluntary abortions performed every year in Australia. However, this letter doesn’t make them very attractive and I am not a fan of many of their policies. There is no party with a monopoly on ‘Christian’ issues, because there is no subset of issues that can be labelled ‘Christian’ or ‘moral’, as though Christ were only interested in part of our lives. The irony is that the two main issues raised in the letter (climate change and abortion, which I presume is what is being referred to by calling the Greens “pro-death”) are both about caring for future generations presently unable to speak for themselves”. Regards, Byron Smith.

Dear Gordon,To discriminate against all Muslims on perceived violence, demonstrated by a minority of their number, whilst not doing likewise for politically violent Christians is dumb and discriminatory. It also serves to make the group being discriminated against feel isolated and creates a need for them to be politically motivated for their own well-being. You may in fact be creating your own self fulfilling policy by your discrimination. The history of the world is filled with religious battles and hatred. The role of Jesus is to put an end to old hatreds and bring about a new commandment i.e. to love one another. A policy such as this does nothing at all to foster that position but incites fear and hatred on the basis of just believing differently. I want to return to my basic question for the membership of the CDP i.e. “which section of the bible is it that teaches me that your policy to exclude Muslims from Australia is the right thing to do?” Now guys lets not beat around the bush any more. If you have based this policy on the bible let me know which bits your talking about so that I can understand the bit I am missing in the Bible. If it is not from the Bible but something you guys just want then I can form an opinion on that policy equally as well. Frankly you guys are spending more time debating this than actually answering the question in point. I note that Fred Nile and Gordon Moyes are on this distribution list. Guys you are the old time heavy weights of this party . Can you, please, tell me which part of the Bible this policy is based on. “As the former Superintendent of Wesley Mission Sydney, Rev. Dr Moyes believes that we must support refugees, whether Christians or not, and not demonise and run a smear campaign against them. Dr Moyes said, “I am a committed Christian. But I don’t have the right to say that we should only open our doors to Christian refugees. Australia must not close the door on these people. We must help those who are persecuted, raped, tortured, and starved”. Dr. Moyes said, “Sudan has been the scene of one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters stemming from the conflict in the Darfur region. We cannot turn our backs to these people. If we do, what kind of example are we showing to the world. Australia must act like the Good Samaritan and help these refugees find the way to restore their lives”. Thank you Gordon. You have shown pivotal Christian leadership and compassion demonstrated by a servant of God. Look the story of the Good Samaritan does give me some guidance on how to act as a Christian. But what about that anti Muslim immigration policy of the CDP. How does the Bible justify that? No one can answer! What are the rest of you guys up to? Thanks, Mal Mac Rae.

Dear Gordon,Again another balanced contribution for us to ponder. I do feel that at times we in the CDP see a problem and we forget our obligation to act in the Grace of God as we ponder a solution. For example our immigration of recent years has brought several problems to light and we should think beyond those we may not choose to be bosom buddies and arm ourselves with and the principles that underpin a good flow of immigrants we all would want. Is it not wiser to suggest to be more carefully discover the character of the persons we invite to become citizens. To suggest that one group is better than another is to deny the advice given by Paul in the NT in regard to being partial towards the wealthy or more favoured person. Jesus, himself, had words on this as well. The same applies to the Muslim school closure calls. If the school was doing something that was wrong lets deal with that and if the school is forced to close because they refuse to do the right thing then so be it. We are to extend God’s Grace to all including the Muslims. While this may be uncomfortable for us we should believe that greater is He that is in us than he that is in the Muslim so why do we act as if the one in the Muslim is greater than the One in us. Perhaps we have a FAITH crisis and we need our faith healed. We were to go to the ends of the earth and perhaps because we did little going the ends of the earth have come to us . To us all BELIEVE GOD, TRUST GOD, WALK IN GOD, AND IF WE DIE WE ARE BETTER OFF ACCORDING TO THE APOSTLE PAUL. NOW WALK IN THAT CONFIDENCE WITH GOD. p.s. (we have a mosque about 200-300 metres from my church and I am not afraid of it or the Muslims). God Bless and strengthen you all, Milton Caine.

Hi Gordon, I think your Editorial “Learning from our Federal Election Failure” is a pretty good summary of the state of the CDP. The policy on Muslim immigration comes across as racist and insensitive and needs a rethink. It was certainly the final nail in the coffin for most of my Christian friends. I still consider myself a keen supporter of CDP but I can tell you that I did all my letterbox pamphlet delivers late at night as I was ashamed someone I know might see me. Danny Nalliah spoke at our church before the elections and made similar comments about the Coalition and I felt a lot of people actually got caught up in the emotion of what he was saying. Now I have been joking with people about whether a public stoning is in call. Regards, Andrew Anthony.

Dear Gordon,I have just read with interest your comment about the CDP and thought I would like to offer some comments myself. I am 51years old – a wife and mother of 4 adult children. We have lived in West Pymble for 23 years and in the last 5-6 years have become loosely involved with the CDP. We receive CDP newsletters etc, have been to a couple of meetings, and have letterboxed parts of our local area as well as being involved on polling day. On Saturday, my husband and I handed out CDP how to vote cards at Gordon West Public School for most of the day. At times I felt somewhat embarrassed by peoples reaction to CDP - in particular a young family from our church intentionally gave me back the material with the comment “Oh no, I don’t want that” – a surprising reaction, but no doubt they did not want to be seen with the material in their hands. Another women reacted quite strongly to the statement on the CDP form regarding banning Islamic immigration. Others politely took the material along with the Liberal, Labor and Greens information. In fact I was surprised by the number of people who actively asked for the Greens material and was also surprised to talk with a ‘Greens’ woman who goes to one of the local churches in the area! I think the name ‘Christian Democratic Party’ confuses people and also the photo of Paul Green dressed in a dinner suit was not the best choice. As a believer I will continue to pray for Christian in Parliament. As the Lord leads. Yours in His Name, Angela Hayles.

Dear Gordon,It was good to hear the honesty in regards to the future ways of the CDP. I look forward to hearing what direction the party might take as the executive meets to dissect what happened at the last election. The four points you listed I agree with whole-heartedly and hope they are used as a starting point for change. The current leadership has done a good job over many years but the parties sake the future leaders need to called out now and prepared before it is too late otherwise the CDP will not survive. Looking forward to hearing what changes are planned and how I might be of help. Grace, Paul Wakeford.

Dear Gordon,I’m a long-term CDP supporter and voter – however, I was Assistant to the Fed Govt Whip, Kerry Bartlett, in the seat of Macquarie and worked a booth for him. He is a committed Christian too. The most common view of voters was that Paul Green’s photo was inappropriate. He was described as appearing “superior” – I suggested to my fellow CDP workers that Paul looked like a magician – the obvious effect on voters being that they perceived he had cards up his sleeve. All of this may appear superficial, but is worth consideration. In general, this election was dominated by issues not normally related to CDP goals – but the Party must not tailor itself to catch votes. We must stand for something. The CDP need to be viable and effective for the future welfare of the Liberal Party, who are reliant on preferences. I am extremely keen to see future ongoing success for the CDP. Best regards, John Morgans.

Dear Gordon,Your editorial on 29 Nov – couldn’t agree with you more Gordon. The Christian electoral lobby people ran a meet the candidates evening in my electorate of Parramatta. The speaker for the CDP (representing the candidate who couldn’t be there) was terrible. Talk about cringe! The CDP seems to want to turn Australia back to how it was in the 50s and 60s. I look forward to what will come out of the review. Regards, Greg Pendlebury.

Dear Gordon,Please delete me from your emails please. I do not like some of the voting decision Reverend Nile has made. Thank you, Ian.

Dear Gordon,I strongly agree with your comments. CDP is too conservative in its values and its total disregard for other points of view. My church openly encouraged people to vote CDP from the pulpit and discouraged people to vote Labor, as our seat had a strong swing to Labor I wonder about this approach. On the night of the election I was at a social function with the majority of our church’s leadership. Their reaction was absurd it was as though their dog had died. I have voted Labor mostly but have voted for John Howard and for the Liberals and CDP in past. Our aim as Christians must be to win a senate seat in each state and hold a significant base of power. This is achievable and should already be in existence but it will not happen with CDP’s image. I believe splitting the Christian vote with the Family First is wrong. I do not know why there is 2 parties and not many of the public do. Christians being in Parliament from all parties is also an aim we must have. I believe the attitude of Jim Wallace and the Christian Lobby has great merit and a closer alliance with him would benefit all. I would like to be more active but change must happen. I look forward to seeing developments in your party. Regards, Murray Byrnes.

Dear Gordon,A very wise analysis of CDP’s failure I think. I voted for CDP wanting a Christian voice in parliament but had concerns particularly with regard to their policies on Muslims (which seem ill-focused) and the environment. I agree that the CDP is seen as extremist by christian friends. Sincerely, Christina Thomas.

Dear Gordon, I have seen CDP advertising before the election in our Newspapers and on TV. I am very concerned about the policy. As a Christian, I understand your feelings about protecting the heritage of our faith in this country. I have felt the same at times. But I have found that my personal connection with Muslims in the country has led me in a different path. I have come across many who inspire me to believe that the future of the relationship between Christianity and Islam in out country can be one of hope. But only if we make choices based on grace and acceptance. One such person I have spoken with is Kuranda Seyit from FAIR (Forum on Australia’s Islamic Relations). Please visit their website to find out more about what they do ( www.fair.org.au ). It is moderate Muslim groups such as these, who will only be pushed towards fundamentalism by legislation that throws them in the same boat as the terrorists. Having them as an ally who can take Mainstream Islam to the Fundamentalists is a much better option. The majority of Muslims, such as those I have met in Lismore, are moderate’s and are trying to be a part of our society and culture. The biggest obstacle is the narrow views of others in our community. Policy that feeds stereotypes will only make communities more divided. The majority of those who claim to be Muslim, as with those who claim to be Christian, don’t worship regularly and don’t have a good understanding of the teachings of their faith. Most Muslim’s don’t like being connected to fundamentalists such as terrorists and more than Christian’s being compared to Christian fundamentalists such as the Ku Klux Klan. Please consider the implications of advocating such a policy. I believe we should follow the directive to do unto others as we would like done to us. I certainly don’t want Christians loving and working in Islamic countries to suffer more persecution as Islamic leaders use such policies to justify their actions. Sincerely, Isaac Smith.

Hi John (Phillips), In some of the harsh Islamic regimes such as Iran, there are many Muslims who are persecuted for their moderate beliefs by fundamentalists. If persecution is the criteria by which immigrants are to be judged than you must cast your net much wider. One thing that concerns me greatly is the use of misinformation and propaganda by the CDP to justify their claims. The myth that Muslims will be in the majority 30 years or two generations, depending on the story, is a outright lie. The ABS (Aust Bureau of Stats) clearly show on their site that in 1996 the Islamic population numbered 200,900 and 10 years later in 2006 there were 340,392. It also clearly shows that more than half that growth came from immigration, meaning local muslims are not ‘focused on breeding’ as the horrible stereotype in the story implies. The majority of muslims in Australia disagree with the fundamentalist Islamic governments around the world and do not wish for Sharia law to be implemented here. There is no way that Muslims could become the majority in such a short time and I don’t recall a single point in biblical history where Jesus and the Christians who followed him were ever in the majority. Maybe that is our problem. It should never be about protecting what you have. i.e. the parable of the talents. I do hope that the CDP will reverse this policy and apologise for implementing it as I believe there can be a place for the party in our future. But only if they move with current Christian thinking and not past prejudices. I will continue to pray for Fred and Gordon in their leadership roles and our persecuted brothers and sisters in other countries. Cheers, Isaac Smith.

Hi Gordon, I am one who agrees slowing Muslim immigration. They have too many children, their sheer nubers infiltrating most countries will ensure their domination and control. It’s too late for England. The 2nd most popular boys name in England is Mohammad. They seem to be aware of every legal right and demand it. From, Lyn Meehan.

Dear Gordon,Allow me to say that this article is divisive and achieving nothing but confusion and despair. If the top leaders are not in agreement, you can’t address an issue by throwing it to the public for debating and expect constructive results,. It is very disappointing and disturbing to see CDP in such a mess. I’ve checked with other CDP supporters and they share the same feeling. Matters of this nature need to be dealt with in a totally different manner. If we genuinely spend time with God and humbly seek His heart, He will certainly give intuition (or scripture or conviction) as well as enlightenment to approach it wisely and sensibly. Yes we are called to be loving and understanding but we are also called to be wise and be aware of who we are dealing with. If you tend to observe one side of the coin and ignore the other, you can be assured you will be trampled upon by Muslims or whoever and Christianity will disappear in no time. The experience of the so-called interfaith dialogues has proven to be counter-productive due to the following reasons: Muslims intentionally avoid inviting competent speakers in Islamic teachings and ambitions to rule over the rest; Muslims intentionally present a very different picture of the real Islam appealing to the western mindset; Muslims intentionally hide their secret plans of breeding to dominate in number and power; Muslims seize it as an opportunity to propagate Islam as a superior religion; Muslims who sincerely adhere to the Quran cannot be moderate and they are the driving force behind the inter faith dialogues; The list goes on and on. If you ask those who have diligently attended interfaith dialogues, they will tell you that nothing has been achieved but grief and disappointment. The gulf has been wider than ever. So let’s not fool ourselves and be naively tolerant at the expense of our Christian heritage and truth. There is no such thing called “Moderate Muslims.” Besides, if you want to dialogue with Muslim leaders, they will tell you exactly what you want to hear. It’s not time for political correctness, it’s time for humbly and sincerely praying for a divine wisdom and discernment as to what can be done to deal with this dilemma without turning it into a debate. Our God is a God of peace Not a God of confusion. Let’s redeem the time for the days are evil. There is certainly enough evil around and we don’t need to generate more of it ourselves. From, Magdy Zakhary.

Dear Gordon, During my years of ministering, I have met with Muslim ladies who are too afraid to make a decision for themselves regarding where they go and when etc. Their husbands insist that their wives are free to make their own minds up however these ladies when able to meet without their husbands (only the once through fear of discovery) they related their true circumstances. According to the Muslim faith Islam is believed to be the only true religion and those who do not follow the teachings of the prophet are said to be infidels, worthy of death. According to Muslims you and I Gordon are infidels. We are considered as stupid and it is stated in the Koran that it is right to lie to infidels as they are not true worshippers. An infidel is considered to be lower than a dog, because we do not follow Mohamed’s teachings in how to worship Allah. If we believe Muslims are being honest with us we are being unwise and naive. I don’t think the Lord would have us ignorant, nor misplace our trust. As Christians we need to have a personal relationship with Jesus not just a knowledge of Him and His ways. We need to draw close to the Lord in these days and be alert. Christians must be in agreement as Psalm 133: teaches. A kingdom divided can not stand not excluding us. Fred Nile, yourself in the C.D.P., Family first, and other Christians in Politics should be able to agree that Jesus Christ IS Lord of all and there is no other way of salvation but through Him. If we Christians do not unite in Christ then satan will have his way and we are playing into his hands. The C.D.P. could have gained a greater strength this elections had it not allowed division to happen. What is the saying? divide and ????? by the grace of God I hope we have another chance to do it correctly. If every Christian in politics were united this Nation would truly be a Christian Nation and I believe we would enter into the purposes of God. We would be the Great South Land of the Holy Spirit, influencing the other Nations by successful example. We would be able to receive the blessing from God promised as a result of the 800 light horsemen. Those who bless you will be blessed. Paul the apostle was qualified to be honoured and accepted in every way but to know Jesus was his true joy and he stated where his heart was and why. Gordon I hope you never lose sight of what makes a Christian a Christian.In Christ, Lynda McGregor.

Friday, 7th December, 2007, 9:34 am | General