Commenting on the story: God of many names: Council’s ‘multifaith prayer’ amid Christian row

As the Jewish co-chair of the SA Council of Christians and Jews I am agnostic about the value of the prayer in the secular context, but I would point out two things:

The current prayer to ‘God’ is by no means exclusively Christian. Jews also pray to God.

On Option 2, while superficially more inclusive, it includes the word Jehovah, which is probably a reference to Judaism. However Jews never refer to that name in prayer because we never name God.

I would hope if the Council decided on a much more religiously diverse prayer, it would check the protocols with religious authorities in our diverse communities before it decided on the prayer. – Ron Hoenig

I would much rather my fellow Christians put their advocacy efforts into initiatives that demonstrate Christian values such as tackling homelessness or supporting a First Nations Voice to Parliament, rather than attempting to prop up the fossilised remnants of a Christendom construct that is gone for good. – Benjamin Falcon

I feel a possibly acceptable option may be to rotate for every official meeting, by inviting a different religious leader who would say their relevant prayer to open the session.

In these current times, I would much rather the opportunity for the councillors themselves to experience some different beliefs, instead of trying to silence one. It is quite amazing some people’s misplaced lack of faith in religion, seemingly replaced by an overwhelming confidence in their own self. – Christopher Hall

Commenting on the opinion piece: Urban sprawl is ‘not a dirty word’? If we want to meet all kids’ needs, it should be

Premier Malinauskas recently said that he favours ‘growth in a way that is supported by South Australians’. He also has ambitious targets for the state renewable energy business and becoming a ‘greener’ state.

I do not believe that Adelaideans want growth at any cost. Adelaide and South Australia can be smarter and not assume that population growth is the key to improvements. Already, SA is a world leader with our enviable quality of life. Why lose what we value with urban sprawl? Population and economic growth are contributors to global warming, habitat loss and counter to the community’s desire to be ‘green’.

In 2023, I wrote with my concerns on urban sprawl to the Premier, and to Nick Champion (Minister for Planning and Housing and Urban Development), as well as to my local member Chris Picton (Health Minister). All correspondence was directed to Nick Champion. Responses can be summarised as ‘growth is normal, and we must plan for it’. Welcome to the 1950s.

I also note that stakeholder consultation within ‘Planning and Land Use Services Division of the Department for Trade and Investment’ does not appear to adequately include environmental groups or residents / neighbours of proposed developments.

Do our State Ministers ever see, hear, or be confronted by views other than that of the growth lobby? – Stephen Morris