Well have you punk?
Scotch in Christian holy war
13nov02
By NORRIE ROSS
A SUPREME Court judge has been asked to define what a Christian is in a row
between the Presbyterian Church and the school council of elite Scotch College.
Justice David Byrne was told yesterday a person was not a Christian unless
they attended church regularly and took an active role in the congregation.
Robin Brett, QC, said if a person called themselves a Christian, it was not
enough to be baptised in the church and attend only at Christmas and Easter.
Appearing for the Victorian general assembly of the church, Mr Brett said
his clients were keen to ensure the council of the school adhered to
Christian principles.
"People who don't regularly attend or don't take part in the congregation
life cannot accurately be described as Christians," he said.
The dispute is the latest in a long-simmering power struggle between the
church and the school council over control of religious adherence at Scotch.
Two years ago the turf war flared when the general assembly tried to veto
the appointment of Shell director John Simpson to the council, but were
ignored.
The general assembly claimed they had the power of veto on seven of the 17
places and that Mr Simpson did not have a "vital church connection" --
meaning he was not Christian enough.
The general assembly has asked Justice Byrne to rule the council's decision
to nominate and then appoint Mr Simpson, despite its objections, was not
allowed. But the council argues regular church attendance is not required
for an appointment.
Mr Brett read from the Old and New Testaments to persuade Justice Byrne
that regular attendance at church was a non-negotiable part of being a
Christian.
Council members did not have to come from the Presbyterian Church, the QC
said, but they had to be committed Christians.
Mr Brett said the general assembly had recently rejected two further
council nominees on the basis they had no vital church connection and the
dispute had to be settled.
"The school council are happy to appoint people who are committed to some
of the articles of the school but they don't really care about Christian ones.
"That's an issue of principle," he said.
Simon Whelan, QC, for the school council, said they would argue the case
was unnecessary because Mr Simpson had served his term and had since been
re-appointed as an "old boys" nominee.
The hearing was expected to continue today
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,5476173%255E2862,00.html
