Archbishop Wilson to attend political leaders’ event

Australian Catholic Bishops Conference President, Archbishop Philip Wilson will attend a landmark event next week when Prime Minister John Howard and Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd speak live to the nation’s Christians via webcast.

The two leaders will address a gathering of church leaders at the National Press Club, Canberra on Thursday, August 9, from 7pm.

The event, organised by the Australian Christian Lobby, will be webcast to any interested church groups who register for the event.

It is the first time that the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader have addressed Australian Christian communities directly in this way.

Archbishop Wilson said the event was a great opportunity to hear from Mr Howard and Mr Rudd and for them to hear the public policy concerns of Christian people.

“The latest Census figures continued to show that most Australians identify themselves as Christian and so it is encouraging to see our political leaders engaging with our concerns in this new and innovative way,” he said.

Also attending the Canberra event will be ACBC General-Secretary, Fr Brian Lucas, and ACBC Research Director, Mr Peter McCardle.

For more information or to register your parish or church group for the webcast, go to http://www.australiavotes.org/.