Nations that are based on the values expressed in the Lord's Prayer, such as forgiveness, humility, and community, tend to be more stable, prosperous, and attractive to migrants seeking a better life. In contrast, countries like Senator Faruqi's native Pakistan, where different values prevail, are less popular destinations for migration.

The recent call by Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi to remove the Lord's Prayer from the Parliament is misguided.

At Family First, we firmly believe in the importance of retaining this tradition, not just for its historical and religious significance but also for the values it promotes in our society.

Family First will always protect Australia's cultural heritage and the traditions that have shaped our nation.

Respecting Our Judeo-Christian Heritage

Australia’s foundations are deeply rooted in Judeo-Christian values, which have significantly shaped our nation's moral and ethical landscape.
The Lord's Prayer is more than just a religious recitation; it is a symbol of our heritage and a reminder of the principles that have guided our democracy.
These values include respect for human dignity, the rule of law, and the pursuit of justice and equality.
By keeping the Lord's Prayer in Parliament, we honor the legacy of those who built our nation on these enduring principles.

Promoting Unity and Reflection

The words of the Lord's Prayer encapsulate universal values that transcend religious boundaries.

They speak of forgiveness, humility, and the pursuit of righteousness—values that are essential for any civil society. In a world increasingly divided by political and ideological differences, the Lord's Prayer serves as a moment of reflection and unity among our leaders.

It encourages them to consider the greater good and to govern with compassion and integrity.

The Benefits of the Lord’s Prayer for Civil Society

The Lord's Prayer offers several benefits that can positively impact our society:

1. Promoting Forgiveness and Reconciliation: By asking for forgiveness and committing to forgive others, the prayer fosters a culture of reconciliation and peace, essential for resolving conflicts and building a cohesive society.
2. Encouraging Humility: The prayer begins with acknowledging a higher power, reminding our leaders and citizens alike of the importance of humility and the limits of human power.
3. Seeking Guidance and Wisdom: "Give us this day our daily bread" and "Lead us not into temptation" are pleas for guidance and provision, promoting the idea that our leaders should seek wisdom and make decisions that benefit all citizens.
4. Fostering a Sense of Community: By praying "Our Father," the prayer emphasizes our shared humanity and the importance of community, encouraging leaders to consider the needs of all Australians.

There is probably no greater place than the Parliament amongst politicians where these values are needed.

A Contrast in Values and Migration

Nations that are based on the values expressed in the Lord's Prayer, such as forgiveness, humility, and community, tend to be more stable, prosperous, and attractive to migrants seeking a better life. In contrast, countries like Senator Faruqi's native Pakistan, where different values prevail, are less popular destinations for migration.

In short, no one is paying people smugglers to take them to Islamic Pakistan for a better life.

People are drawn to countries like Australia because of the freedoms, opportunities, and moral foundation that our Judeo-Christian heritage provides.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi stated, "We must separate our government from religion and finally end the outdated and inappropriate practice of saying the Lord’s Prayer at the start of each sitting day."

This perspective fails to acknowledge the broader cultural and societal benefits of maintaining this tradition.

If we can honour Indigenous spirituality in Parliament, surely we can honour our own ancestral traditions rooted in Christianity – particularly since those values built the most free and prosperous societies known to humankind.

In conclusion, Family First supports the retention of the Lord's Prayer in the Senate as a vital tradition that respects our Judeo-Christian heritage and promotes values that are crucial for a thriving civil society.

The words of the Lord's Prayer offer timeless wisdom and guidance that can help our leaders govern with fairness, compassion, and integrity. We urge all Australians to recognise the importance of this practice and to support its continuation in our parliamentary proceedings. Family First will always stand firm in protecting Australia's cultural heritage.

ACTION: Join the fight to protect our cultural heritage. Join the Family First Party today.