Dandenong Journal Letters to the Editor

Re: Church ‘ruined my career’

The Holy Family protocols are nothing like a comprehensive child protection policy. Nor is the woeful Melbourne archdiocese’s ‘policy’ titled May Our Children Flourish. 

Compare them with the UK or Irish Catholic Church guidelines and readers will see just how woeful they are. How can these people think they can get away with such substandard responses to this dreadful problem. Who on earth was willing to put together guidelines without determining what world’s best practice would be? Don’t our children deserve the best? Don’t be lulled into thinking that the church is really doing all it should. It isn’t.

– Pam Krstic (via web)

Save our suburbs

The City of Greater Dandenong needs to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to development in this region to restore the balance that’s needed in this industry. 

The developers need to understand that they can’t keep going the way they are. Eventually they will run out of land and places to develop and our grandchildren will be left with a questionable legacy to deal with. The council must act now to take stock of what has happened and what needs to be done to save our suburbs from this scourge. It’s threatening our quality of life and even our very existence.

– Patsy Horne, Dandenong

Re: Call to ban hate preaching

I am a blue-eyed Australian who converted to Islam in 1995, and I’ve spent 55 of my 66 years in Doveton. I just want to point out some facts.

First, Daniel Nalliah claims he is an anti-Islam crusader — imagine if a Muslim used those words. He claims he is Christian, yet he protests against a place of prayer. He also makes reference to the holy Koran calling Christians infidels — before he plays the word game, he should read all the books of our one God. 

To be a good practising Muslim you must believe in Christianity. The fact is the church has lost its way and has been in decay for many years, while Islam is thriving. The Muslim people have a right to a prayer place, as does a church.

– Abdul Rahman, Dandenong

It seems that the most vehement opponents of the Islamic community are the recent migrants to Australia, such as Pastor Danny Nalliah and Cr Sam Aziz. 

Both adhere to the ‘peace and love’ doctrine of the teachings of Christianity. Where is the tolerance and brotherly love for ‘all mankind’? The very people they oppose (Afghans) are the people Australia is fighting to give democracy and freedom to from fanatics like the Taliban. 

As for Cr Aziz, he says there is not a single word in the New Testament that he couldn’t live with. How about St Paul’s advice in Timothy 2:12 : ‘I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man. She must be silent’. Hmmm, that sounds a little bit like misogyny. Isn’t the mayor a lady?

– AI Wadia, Hallam

Though this issue is controversial in nature, I question the values, morals and religious beliefs held most highly by Cr Sam Aziz especially in light of his treatment to me, his community members Jason Wilde, former councillors and residents. 

As a Christian, I treat all human beings equally, whatever their beliefs and physical differences. We are all children of God. I quote Ms Doughan, a member of the Casey Multifaith Network: “The best thing we can do is prove them wrong. We want to live our lives peacefully.”

– Paul Richardson, Endeavour Hills

What do you think? Post a comment below.

The Journal welcomes letters no longer than 250 words. All letters are subject to editing and must include a name, address and phone number. Post: The Editor, PO Box 318, Dandenong 3175, or email eastvoice@yourweekly.com.au. Post a web comment to any story at dandenongjournal.com.au.

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