Shared from the 8/29/2021 The Age eEdition

Christian lobby pushes for end to lockdowns, don’t fear death

The Australian Christian Lobby has called on its supporters not to ‘‘fear death’’ and instead push state governments to end COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions.

In an email to members on Friday night, managing director Martyn Iles said the coronavirus was here to stay and that he was ‘‘not afraid to face the inevitable’’.

‘‘Christians should lead the way on this because fear of death’s a condition from which Christ has freed us,’’ Mr Iles wrote. ‘‘The truth is, we must face the virus, either sooner or later because it’s not going anywhere. But fear is ruling the day at great cost.’’

The statement was also posted on the lobby’s Facebook page.

‘‘Fear is no basis for living. We need to have the courage to open up, and it must be no later than when everyone who wants the vaccine has had it – without coercion,’’ he wrote.

The ACL did not respond to requests for comment.

The statement had attracted more than 200 Facebook comments by last night, with many of the faithful expressing that the comments were not in line with biblical teachings.

Denise Liersch, moderator of The Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, said her church ‘‘supported the Victorian government’s desire to ensure public safety with policy informed by medical and public health experts.’’

‘‘We support the government in encouraging people to vaccinate, not just for their own sake, but to protect others.’’

See this article in the e-Edition Here