Debate - Church and State

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/3/9/8/event_198369112.jpegIs it possible to untangle religion and politics? Or will one’s influence always be felt by the other? Find out at this fiery panel debate featuring philosopher and bestselling author AC Grayling, Sean Faircloth - Director of Strategy & Policy at the Richard Dawkins Foundation and Hon. Pru Goward MP - Minister for Family and Community Services and Minister for Women and Australian priest and human rights lawyer FR Frank Brennan SJ

Description:

In relatively secular Australia, we can be rather smug when we look at an America where teaching evolution is contentious and religious belief is a pre-requisite for public office. Although over 60% of Australians identify as Christians, less than a quarter of those attend church. Australians have been shocked that the seal of the confessional has trumped the protection of children while church leaders who advocate wifely submission are seen as out of touch with contemporary values.

But religious influence is pervasive, with over 34% of school students attending non-government schools, the majority of which are faith-based. The Catholic Church is by far the largest non-government provider of health and education services in Australia and with billions of dollars in revenue from its operations would rank among Australia’s largest corporations. Religious organisations don’t pay tax and have privileges that other charities can only envy.

We have been given a discount code, reducing the price of the ticket by $10 to $25.

http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/whatson/church_and_state.aspx?esc=CHURCH

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/6/7/c/event_198369852.jpegWe'll meetup at the end at the bottom of the Opera house stairs before the zebra crossing and go for a drink afterwords at the Opera Bar out on the concourse.