Martyn Iles at St Thomas’ - Q&A on Religious Liberty

On 25 August, 2019 Martyn Iles visited St Thomas' 5pm service. After the service we had dinner together as a church community in the church hall and Martyn addressed us on the topic of religious liberty. This week we are listening to the question & answer session (you can find the questions asked further below). You can find video of this Q&A session here.

Martyn Iles is the Director of the Australian Christian Lobby.

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Questions from the podcast

1. What are the current RF laws and limits in Australia and how do they differ to other countries?

2. How do we balance recognizing that unbelievers aren’t expected to obey God’s law with lobbying for Christian laws for example marriage equality and abortion debates?

3. What does it mean that you don’t believe in human rights law?

4. How does the high court decision in Comcare versus Banerji, where Banerji was fired by APS for tweets affect your approach to religious freedom and the Folau case?

5. Are Muslims and Muslim businesses targeted at the moment in the same way as you have outlined for homophobic beliefs? If not, why do you think that is so?

6. You’re having a conversation at the footy about religious liberty issue. How do you turn the conversation towards Jesus?

7. Why does God give governing authority to corrupt people?

8. “Wear it Purple Day” at schools is coming up. What’s your advice where everyone at schools and workplaces are expected to participate?

9. Phillip Ruddock’s Religious Freedoms report found no real examples of religious disadvantage because of religious beliefs. Did he miss all the cases that you have shared?

10. People have said they are disappointed that ACL has donated to Israel Folau’s legal defense when he has enough funds of his own. Can you explain?

11. Thinking about laws and policies why is it ok to impose Christian values on non-Christians?

12. What political strategies has ACL put into place to reinstate Christian values back into policies and governments at federal and state level?

13. How would you respond to a wedding invitation from a lesbian friend?

14. Considering Australia’s political landscape, who has inspired you most and why?