(photo by Archbishop Freer. (SBS of the Melbourne Episcopal Church)
Australian church leaders released this year's Christmas message, highlighting joy and peace while expressing freedom of religion or being warned by the threat.
Australian believers have had a tough year, as church leaders in Australia highlight peace, hope, joy and the threat they believe or encounter in their annual Christmas address, the Australian news agency reported.
Melbourne Episcopal Archbishop Freer (Philip Freier) said Jusus was born in a country as turbulent as modern society and eventually became a symbol of joy and peace. The Archbishop said Christmas "may be challenged by the rhythm, stress and pain of everyday life, but it would be encouraging to think about Jusus Christ and how he fulfilled God's promise."
In his Christmas message, Archbishop Fisher (Anthony Fisher), Sydney's Catholic leader, expressed concern about the "secularism" and the threat of religious freedom. While Christmas is the day to reunite with relatives and celebrate the birth of Jusus, he said, "this season of goodwill is becoming one of the few occasions where public expression of religion can be tolerated."
Fisher said Australia's government promised a year ago to take steps to protect religious freedom at home, but a year later they were still doing nothing. He said Australian society is retrogressive, and in some areas, people are becoming accustomed to discrimination against believers.
"the Christmas message on the theme of hope and cure is the uppercase expression of religious freedom, not to advocate exclusion or demand for authority, but to appeal for love and dedication," he said.
Palmer (Deidre Palmer), president of the United Church of Australia, agreed that the story of Christmas expressed a deep desire to love, peace, for liberation and hope. The Christmas message, she said, remains the same as it was 2000 years ago. The theme is still the light in the dark. Love will prevail over fear, hope will prevail over despair.