Good reasoned debate is always a pleasure in the often chaotic world of politics. We came across such an opportunity today with a thoughtful submission by OZFreethinker – Why Rudd should let the Brethren slide.

When OzFreeThinker first read of the way the Letter to Kevin Rudd was treated, he states:

Now, on first thought, I was outraged but thinking a little more I offer the contention that Rudd got it right. While Australia does not have a constitution that explicitly states the church and state must be separated, going after the Brethren with governmental powers could be seen as an attack on religious freedom. And this is the correct view. The Brethren, no matter how despicable of a cult they are, should have their religious freedom. Rudd, by asking for any wrong doing by the Brethren to be directed to the police or other authorities, has made the right decision.

And then he added:

It seems that if there are instances of electoral and financial improprieties on behalf of the Brethren then they should be dealt with by the proper authorities. The federal government’s role should not be to show favour to the Brethren by allowing them access to the corridors of power nor target them as part of a (though understandable to be honest) campaign against them.

Here we must add our voice.

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