I just picked up today's mail. In it was a letter from the
Australian Christian Lobby, asking me if I'd care to come on board financially. They also would like to know if I'd be willing to volunteer to aid them in their fight against "the very aggressive action from the homosexual lobby" and their efforts to prevent an Australian Bill of Rights from being drafted and enacted.
I find this amusing in a very, very unpleasant way. In fact, I'm almost tempted to volunteer to 'help out' and accidentally lose a few mailing lists. I'd like to do my part.
One thing that did give me pause, however ... in the letter, I was exhorted to give money so that ACL could "fully achieve its purpose and mission on behalf of the
Kingdom" (my emphasis).
That's Dominionist code right there - along with frequent references to "battles and winning "the war". It's something I'd long suspect about ACL, but their website is particularly sneaky (much like Mercy Ministries, and let's hope
their decline continues speedily). This letter is much more overt, and the whole tone indicates that they are planning to step up their campaigns, including schmoozing Federal politicians. With the Senate in a precarious state (and a Dominionist happily sitting in the balance of power), this is particularly worrying.
Things to do? Here's a few suggestions :
Write your local member (unless he happens to be Steve Fielding) and object to religious interference in the secular politics of Australia.
If you're a practising member of a religion, tell those in charge, and tell your fellow worshippers.
Watch for ACL popping up in the media. They love the exposure, and send out every week a summary of all their media appearances. If you see their name, or that of Jim Wallace, their Managing Director (who also happens to be a member of the Order of Australia, and isn't
that precious?), do some media bombardment of your own. Most media outlets these days maintain a website with a feedback forum.
Write to ACL and tell them you'll donate money to causes they are fighting - women's health, gay rights, AIDS charities, etc. Make sure you mention that it is the very fact they are conducting such a campaign of outright lies and persecution that persuaded you to support those they have targeted.
Tell other people.