Welcoming everyone

By Rev. Dr Katherine Rainger

All of us are on a continual journey of discovering who we are and how we fit into the world around us. This is especially the case for young people. As chaplains, Chaplain Andy and I walk alongside students, staff, and families as we explore questions of faith, relationships, meaning and purpose.

Recently there has been a lot of coverage of the religious discrimination legislation tabled by the Federal Government. While there is state and territory legislation that protects religious belief and expression, currently there is no federal legislation that explicitly covers this complex area.

The need to protect people of all faiths and none from discrimination based on their religion is necessary. Incidents of social hostility towards people based on their religion require avenues for appropriate recourse. As a society, we need to be vigilant in ensuring that everyone, particularly those who are marginalised due to being part of a minority religion, are protected.

One of the reasons the legislation is controversial is that the LGBTQI+ community face the potential for exclusion and discrimination based on the religious beliefs of groups and institutions. This is also unacceptable in our broader society. We have seen this play out recently as some schools have sought to exclude students and staff based on their sexuality or gender expression.

At Radford College, all students and staff are welcome regardless of their sexuality or gender expression.

Within the college community, teachers, wellbeing staff, and counsellors walk alongside all students to offer support and guidance as needed.

From a theological and pastoral perspective as an Anglican School, we acknowledge that human life is diverse and relationships that are based on respect, love and reciprocity are God’s gift to us. All people are made in the image of God and have intrinsic worth. God’s love, made known to us in Jesus, is about welcome and grace. Christians who are LGBTQI+ live out their faith in a variety of ways, just like Christians who are heterosexual do.

I found this article by Bishop Jeremy Greaves, Bishop of the Northern Region of the Anglican Diocese of Southern Queensland, helpful. Last year I was invited onto God Forbid on Radio National where the issue of religious freedom was discussed in conversation with Dr Renee Barker, Law Lecturer at the University of Western Australia, whose writing can be read here.

Blessings to each individual and family in the Radford community. You are valued and we need each other to flourish as a community.

Rev. Katherine