The Rationalist Society of Australia has joined with a number of pro-secular organisations today in sending a letter (see below) to all members of the Victorian Parliament to urge them to support replacing daily Christian prayers with a practice that is secular and better reflective of the diversity of the Victorian community. 

The other groups supporting the initiative were Humanists Victoria, Humanists Australia, National Secular Lobby and Atheist Foundation of Australia.

Click here to read the letter in PDF format.

Although the Labor government has promised to replace daily prayers with something more appropriate, religious lobbyists have, in recent weeks, stepped up their pressure on the government to keep prayers.

In May, a number of faith leaders sent a joint letter to all members of parliament. Last month, the Australian Christian Lobby organised for 100 pastors and priests to send a joint letter to members of parliament, urging that Christian prayers “unite” Victorians.

Opposition Leader John Pesutto and many Liberal members have backed a campaign by the Australian Christian Lobby calling for prayers to continue to be imposed on non-religious and no-Christian people in the state parliament.

If you’re a Victorian and you support removing prayers from parliament, please contact your local members of parliament in the lower house, the Legislative Assembly, and in the upper house, the Legislative Council.