The Commonwealth Won't Discriminate

March 11 2013 is Commonwealth Day. On this historic day our head of state and Supreme Governor of the Anglican communion, Elizabeth II will sign a new Charter of the Commonwealth. Part of this Charter reads: ‘We are implacably opposed to all forms of discrimination, whether rooted in gender, race, colour, creed, political belief or other grounds’.

When was the last time you saw that statement in your Archdiocesan Pastoral plan or local parish mission statement? It seems the Australian Catholic Bishops  may have an ecumenical predicament on their hands as they weigh up their passion for religious freedom against the expressed wishes of the SG of the Anglican Church!! Perhaps this new Charter will spur the republican hopes of George Cardinal Pell.

However, I expect that many of those still remaining in the pews will stand proud as members of a Commonwealth that holds such values and speak out when political, religious and social leaders who use discrimination to exploit and abuse others.