His Grace Archbishop Amel Nona welcoming the Australian Shadow PM.

In the presence of the Heeds and representatives of the Eastern Churches in Sydney, the Archbishop of our Diocese Mar Amel Nona the highest respect welcomed Mr. Bill Shorten, the leader of the opposition of Labour Party and the Prime Minister of the Shadow government. The discussion touched on the same-sex marriage, which was recently approved, and its impact on the freedom of worship expression.

After welcoming the guest, The Archbishop explained the consequences of the decision and its impact on Christian communities. Mr. Shorten explained that his party is trying to find solutions to guarantee the rights of all, including the rights of religions and different sects, who must ensure their rights and be equal in the law of Australia. Bishop Tarbay, the B
ishop of the Maronite Church, who expressed the fear of the Christian and Eastern communities and the consequences of this decision education and Catholic schools, hoping the government and the party to understand that the consequences will lead to greater problems and challenges. “The Christians are not against freedom but respect the freedom of all, and we look forward to making decisions that respect our freedom as Christians,” said Bishop Daniel, Bishop of Orthodox Copts church in Sydney. In his intervention, His Grace Archbishop Mar Amel Nona said that the eastern communities in western Sydney, which voted overwhelmingly against the law, were frustrated by their representatives in parliament who were not the voice of their constituents.

In conclusion: His Grace Archbishop Amel Nona, and the eastern church Bishops and representatives thanked the guest that, in hope, this meeting should be the beginning of other meetings so that the voice of the Eastern and Christian communities can be heard in the political decision.