Senior religious leaders condemn move to drop Lord’s Prayer from state parliament

A bid to banish reciting of the Lord’s Prayer in state parliament has upset Melbourne religious leaders who say it’s a tradition worth keeping.

Melbourne Catholic Archbishop Peter Comensoli has criticised a push to scrap the Lord’s Prayer from Victorian parliament.

Top religious leaders have criticised a push to dump the Lord’s Prayer from being recited at the start of state parliament sessions.

Catholic and Anglican archbishops say the prayer is a longstanding tradition that reminds politicians they are accountable to the people.

Reason Party Upper House MP Fiona Patten has renewed a campaign against the practice, arguing that reciting a Christian prayer discriminated against other religions.

Her campaign slogan is: “Does your workplace begin the day by praying? Why should mine?”

But Melbourne Catholic Archbishop the Most Reverend Peter Comensoli questioned the timing as Victorians were emerging from a fifth lockdown.

“The whole country is facing restrictions of one kind or another, and yet this is the moment to suggest removing one of the most longstanding traditions of our parliament?” he said.

“There is a significant legacy of faith that has contributed to our democracy, and its institutions, that ought to be honoured and respected.”

Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne says reciting the Lord’s Prayer reminded politicians they were not the ultimate authority. Picture: Tony Gough

Archbishop Comensoli said starting parliament with a prayer was not the same as clocking on for the day at work.

“This is not about privileging one section of the community over another, but our representatives taking responsibility for their stewardship of democracy,” he said.

Melbourne Anglican Archbishop Philip Freier said while the prayer has Christian origin, it was not exclusive and could be prayed by anyone.

“Reciting the Lord’s Prayer at the beginning of parliament is a longstanding tradition which serves to remind parliamentarians that they are not the ultimate authority but, like all of us, are accountable,” he said.

The prayer is also used in federal parliament, while several local councils have their own form of prayer at the start of their meetings.

Last month, Boroondara councillors, who represent areas like Hawthorn, Kew and Camberwell, rejected a bid to scrap their prayer.

Boroondara councillor Felicity Sinfield told a meeting this week that the prayer allowed a much needed pause for reflection.

“In our overly busy world it sets the tone for the important and often highly charged discussions that follow,” she said.

Ms Sinfield said the push to dump the prayer had distracted the council and diminished its reputation.

“What’s next, Christmas or Easter?” she said.

Ms Patten wants the Lord’s Prayer replaced with MPs standing in silence and praying or reflecting “on their responsibilities to the people of Victoria”.