The Australian War Memorial (AWM) has raised our concerns about the Christian dominance of Anzac Day Dawn Services with the veterans group that runs the event.

In a letter last week, the AMW’s director, Matt Anderson, told the Rationalist Society of Australia (RSA) that the topic was discussed at the formal debrief meeting with the ACT sub-branch of the Returned Services League (RSL) in May.

After RSA Executive Director Si Gladman expressed disappointment about the dominance of Christianity at this year’s Dawn Service, Mr Anderson conceded in June that “traditions move slowly”.

Mr Anderson had also argued that “many guests who continue to attend Dawn Service provide positive feedback”.

In July, however, Mr Gladman responded with a letter detailing a list of evidence from veterans saying they did not want to attend Dawn Services that were dominated by religion.

“Has the AWM considered that this feedback could be biased given that many non-religious people do not attend the Dawn Service because of the imposition of religion?” wrote Mr Gladman.

“It is, surely, unacceptable that religion is a barrier to many Australians wanting to participate in Anzac Day Dawn Services at the AWM and elsewhere across the country.”

The RSA also asked the AWM to raise its concerns directly in discussions with the ACT RSL in preparation for next year’s Anzac Day Dawn Service.

Mr Anderson also told the RSA his organisation’s discussions with ACT RSL on 29 May included the following two dot points.

• “It is beneficial for the Chaplain to mention that people of all faiths/beliefs are invited to reflect in their own way (noting it is a spiritual experience – not tied to one faith).”
• “The service continues to be well-attended by veterans and members of the public alike.”

The AWM Dawn Service – televised live nationally – includes several acts of Christian worship, such as Christian hymns, a Christian dedication and benediction, and the Lord’s Prayer, all presided over by a Christian chaplain.

The AWM’s own Corporate Plan 2023-27 identifies as a ‘strategic risk’ commemorations that “don’t meet community expectations or deliver social values in line with public expectations.”

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Si Gladman is Executive Director of the Rationalist Society of Australia. He also hosts ‘The Secular Agenda’ podcast.

Photo by Hannah on Flickr (CC)