https://simplecast.com Secular Agenda This is a podcast by the Rationalist Society of Australia. It features interviews with people who are working for secular change. en Thu, 26 Mar 2026 04:07:07 +0000 Tue, 31 Mar 2026 02:33:48 +0000 https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com Secular Agenda https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/b4ad1e27-fcf6-44f0-b472-e9a4ebfad7d5/97368c57-955c-4f62-935e-5a7afb6879da/3000x3000/podcast-logo-tsa.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com episodic This is a podcast by the Rationalist Society of Australia. It features interviews with people who are working for secular change. Rationalist Society of Australia false https://feeds.simplecast.com/BxoQBcwv secularism Si Gladman admin@rationalist.com.au 69f3dea3-0a56-4305-a8e5-656ce1f59ffa The long road to removing religious exemptions from Western Australia’s equal opportunity laws This episode highlights the lack of legislative action in Western Australia and nationally over religious exemptions to equal opportunity and anti-discrimination laws, and the impact this is having particularly on LGBTIQ+ students and teachers in faith-based schools.

It features an interview conducted with Brian Greig (2:16) in February. Brian is a spokesperson for national lobby group Just-Equal Australia. He was a leading advocate for same-sex marriage. He also served as a Senator for Western Australia from 1999 to 2005, as a member of the Australian Democrats.

For more information about Just-Equal Australia, visit the organisation’s website here.

The Rationalist Society of Australia is advocating for the removal of religious exemptions to anti-discrimination laws. Follow our campaign here.

The podcast is hosted by Si Gladman, Executive Director of the Rationalist Society of Australia. To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, become a member or make a donation on our website.

The theme music of The Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

]]> Thu, 26 Mar 2026 04:07:07 +0000 admin@rationalist.com.au (Si Gladman) https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com/episodes/the-long-road-to-removing-religious-exemptions-from-western-australias-equal-opportunity-laws-fcNF5X6u This episode highlights the lack of legislative action in Western Australia and nationally over religious exemptions to equal opportunity and anti-discrimination laws, and the impact this is having particularly on LGBTIQ+ students and teachers in faith-based schools.

It features an interview conducted with Brian Greig (2:16) in February. Brian is a spokesperson for national lobby group Just-Equal Australia. He was a leading advocate for same-sex marriage. He also served as a Senator for Western Australia from 1999 to 2005, as a member of the Australian Democrats.

For more information about Just-Equal Australia, visit the organisation’s website here.

The Rationalist Society of Australia is advocating for the removal of religious exemptions to anti-discrimination laws. Follow our campaign here.

The podcast is hosted by Si Gladman, Executive Director of the Rationalist Society of Australia. To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, become a member or make a donation on our website.

The theme music of The Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

]]> The long road to removing religious exemptions from Western Australia’s equal opportunity laws Si Gladman 00:47:06 This episode highlights the lack of legislative action in Western Australia and nationally over religious exemptions to equal opportunity and anti-discrimination laws, and the impact this is having particularly on LGBTIQ+ students and teachers in faith-based schools. It features an interview conducted with Brian Greig (2:16) in February. Brian is a spokesperson for national lobby group Just-Equal Australia. He was a leading advocate for same-sex marriage. He also served as a Senator for Western Australia from 1999 to 2005, as a member of the Australian Democrats. This episode highlights the lack of legislative action in Western Australia and nationally over religious exemptions to equal opportunity and anti-discrimination laws, and the impact this is having particularly on LGBTIQ+ students and teachers in faith-based schools. It features an interview conducted with Brian Greig (2:16) in February. Brian is a spokesperson for national lobby group Just-Equal Australia. He was a leading advocate for same-sex marriage. He also served as a Senator for Western Australia from 1999 to 2005, as a member of the Australian Democrats. false full 31 60347e73-3cba-440d-9080-8e027a663d42 Improving access to voluntary assisted dying in Victoria This episode highlights Victoria’s voluntary assisted dying (VAD) laws, the new amendments to improve access for terminally ill people, and the continued efforts of opponents to wind back such laws across the country.

The episode features an interview with Jane Morris (1:30), who is a long-time advocate for VAD and is President of Dying With Dignity Victoria. The organisation has been at the forefront of advocating for the end-of-life option, playing an influential role in seeing the state become the first jurisdiction to legalise VAD in 2017.

In November this year, the Victorian Parliament passed the Voluntary Assisted Dying Amendment Bill (2025), making amendments to the laws to improve access and address problems. This development followed the release, earlier this year, of a review into the first four years of operation of the laws.

Warning: this interview includes discussion of death and suicide. 

For more information about Dying With Dignity Victoria, visit the organisation’s website here.

The Rationalist Society of Australia is advocating for the federal government to allow telehealth for voluntary assisted dying. Follow our campaign here.

The podcast is hosted by Si Gladman, Executive Director of the Rationalist Society of Australia. To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, become a member or make a donation on our website.

The theme music of The Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

]]> Sat, 20 Dec 2025 15:03:00 +0000 admin@rationalist.com.au (Si Gladman) https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com/episodes/improving-access-to-voluntary-assisted-dying-in-victoria-9epXPV_Z This episode highlights Victoria’s voluntary assisted dying (VAD) laws, the new amendments to improve access for terminally ill people, and the continued efforts of opponents to wind back such laws across the country.

The episode features an interview with Jane Morris (1:30), who is a long-time advocate for VAD and is President of Dying With Dignity Victoria. The organisation has been at the forefront of advocating for the end-of-life option, playing an influential role in seeing the state become the first jurisdiction to legalise VAD in 2017.

In November this year, the Victorian Parliament passed the Voluntary Assisted Dying Amendment Bill (2025), making amendments to the laws to improve access and address problems. This development followed the release, earlier this year, of a review into the first four years of operation of the laws.

Warning: this interview includes discussion of death and suicide. 

For more information about Dying With Dignity Victoria, visit the organisation’s website here.

The Rationalist Society of Australia is advocating for the federal government to allow telehealth for voluntary assisted dying. Follow our campaign here.

The podcast is hosted by Si Gladman, Executive Director of the Rationalist Society of Australia. To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, become a member or make a donation on our website.

The theme music of The Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

]]> Improving access to voluntary assisted dying in Victoria Si Gladman 00:42:49 This episode highlights Victoria’s voluntary assisted dying (VAD) laws, the new amendments to improve access for terminally ill people, and the continued efforts of opponents to wind back such laws across the country. The episode features an interview with Jane Morris (1:30), who is a long-time advocate for VAD and is President of Dying With Dignity Victoria. The organisation has been at the forefront of advocating for the end-of-life option, playing an influential role in seeing the state become the first jurisdiction to legalise VAD in 2017. In November this year, the Victorian Parliament passed the Voluntary Assisted Dying Amendment Bill (2025), making amendments to the laws to improve access and address problems. This development followed the release, earlier this year, of a review into the first four years of operation of the laws. Warning: this interview includes discussion of death and suicide. This episode highlights Victoria’s voluntary assisted dying (VAD) laws, the new amendments to improve access for terminally ill people, and the continued efforts of opponents to wind back such laws across the country. The episode features an interview with Jane Morris (1:30), who is a long-time advocate for VAD and is President of Dying With Dignity Victoria. The organisation has been at the forefront of advocating for the end-of-life option, playing an influential role in seeing the state become the first jurisdiction to legalise VAD in 2017. In November this year, the Victorian Parliament passed the Voluntary Assisted Dying Amendment Bill (2025), making amendments to the laws to improve access and address problems. This development followed the release, earlier this year, of a review into the first four years of operation of the laws. Warning: this interview includes discussion of death and suicide. false full 30 c8f1586c-81e2-44ee-9102-ac28c7311465 Supporting survivors of cults and high-demand groups This episode highlights the psychological impacts and other harms experienced in cults and high-demand groups, and discusses the supports cult survivors need on their path to recovery. 

The episode features an interview with Maria Esguerra (2:03), a psychologist and director of the Olive Leaf Network Australia, which is dedicated to supporting former members of high-demand groups.

Maria is a survivor of the Children of God cult – now known as the Family International. 

Maria co-authored a submission to the Victorian parliamentary inquiry examining recruitment methods and impacts of cults and organised fringe groups.

The Legislative Assembly Legal and Social Issues Committee’s inquiry is currently conducting hearings and plans to report its findings by 30 September next year. Visit the committee website here.

In September this year, the committee released the results of a questionnaire conducted as part of its inquiry. Of 317 responses, 95 per cent of people reported psychological harm, while 85 per cent reported personal restrictions and 52 per cent physical harm. Read about the questionnaire here.

Warning: this interview includes discussion of sexual abuse.

The Rationalist Society of Australia is actively lobbying and advocating for coercive control laws to apply to cults and high-demand groups. Follow our campaign here.

The podcast is hosted by Si Gladman, Executive Director of the Rationalist Society of Australia. To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, become a member or make a donation on our website.

The theme music of The Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

]]> Sun, 19 Oct 2025 02:38:17 +0000 admin@rationalist.com.au (Si Gladman) https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com/episodes/supporting-survivors-of-cults-and-high-demand-groups-GMQsb7bw This episode highlights the psychological impacts and other harms experienced in cults and high-demand groups, and discusses the supports cult survivors need on their path to recovery. 

The episode features an interview with Maria Esguerra (2:03), a psychologist and director of the Olive Leaf Network Australia, which is dedicated to supporting former members of high-demand groups.

Maria is a survivor of the Children of God cult – now known as the Family International. 

Maria co-authored a submission to the Victorian parliamentary inquiry examining recruitment methods and impacts of cults and organised fringe groups.

The Legislative Assembly Legal and Social Issues Committee’s inquiry is currently conducting hearings and plans to report its findings by 30 September next year. Visit the committee website here.

In September this year, the committee released the results of a questionnaire conducted as part of its inquiry. Of 317 responses, 95 per cent of people reported psychological harm, while 85 per cent reported personal restrictions and 52 per cent physical harm. Read about the questionnaire here.

Warning: this interview includes discussion of sexual abuse.

The Rationalist Society of Australia is actively lobbying and advocating for coercive control laws to apply to cults and high-demand groups. Follow our campaign here.

The podcast is hosted by Si Gladman, Executive Director of the Rationalist Society of Australia. To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, become a member or make a donation on our website.

The theme music of The Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

]]> Supporting survivors of cults and high-demand groups Si Gladman 00:41:33 This episode highlights the psychological impacts and other harms experienced in cults and high-demand groups, and discusses the supports cult survivors need on their path to recovery. The episode features an interview with Maria Esguerra (2:03), a psychologist and director of the Olive Leaf Network Australia, which is dedicated to supporting former members of high-demand groups. Maria is a survivor of the Children of God cult – now known as the Family International. Maria co-authored a submission to the Victorian parliamentary inquiry examining recruitment methods and impacts of cults and organised fringe groups. The Legislative Assembly Legal and Social Issues Committee’s inquiry is currently conducting hearings and plans to report its findings by 30 September next year. This episode highlights the psychological impacts and other harms experienced in cults and high-demand groups, and discusses the supports cult survivors need on their path to recovery. The episode features an interview with Maria Esguerra (2:03), a psychologist and director of the Olive Leaf Network Australia, which is dedicated to supporting former members of high-demand groups. Maria is a survivor of the Children of God cult – now known as the Family International. Maria co-authored a submission to the Victorian parliamentary inquiry examining recruitment methods and impacts of cults and organised fringe groups. The Legislative Assembly Legal and Social Issues Committee’s inquiry is currently conducting hearings and plans to report its findings by 30 September next year. false full 29 57aee739-a6dc-43c5-8334-855b1a6d7437 The Victorian inquiry examining coercive control in cult groups This episode highlights a new parliamentary inquiry in Victoria examining cults and organised fringe groups,  the methods used to recruit and control their members, and the impacts of coercive control. The episode features an interview with Lara Kaput (02:10), a former member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses who became a whistleblower. For a number of years, Lara dedicated herself to advocacy work with the group known as Say Sorry. She has recently stepped down from Say Sorry but continues to advocate for governments to address abuses in cult groups.

The Legislative Assembly Legal and Social Issues Committee’s inquiry is currently open for submissions, closing at the end of July 2025. Submissions can be made via the committee's website. Visit it here.

The Rationalist Society of Australia is advocating for states and territories to extend coercive control laws to cover cults and high-demand religious groups. Follow our campaign here.

In early April this year, The Age featured a report by Richard Baker about the establishment of the committee inquiry. Read here.

In May, SBS featured a report by Aleisha Orr about the inquiry and included comments from a support group for ex-cult members about its hopes that the inquiry will raise awareness about harms and drive change. Read here.

In May, the Australian Christian Lobby’s Michelle Pearse warned that the Victorian parliamentary committee inquiry into cults and their coercive practices could impact the “Christian church” and restrict freedom of religion. Read here.

The Secular Agenda podcast is hosted by Si Gladman, Executive Director of the Rationalist Society of Australia. To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, become a member or make a donation on our website.

The theme music of the podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

]]> Thu, 19 Jun 2025 07:38:29 +0000 admin@rationalist.com.au (Si Gladman) https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com/episodes/addressing-coercive-control-and-abuses-in-cult-group-C_7guodx This episode highlights a new parliamentary inquiry in Victoria examining cults and organised fringe groups,  the methods used to recruit and control their members, and the impacts of coercive control. The episode features an interview with Lara Kaput (02:10), a former member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses who became a whistleblower. For a number of years, Lara dedicated herself to advocacy work with the group known as Say Sorry. She has recently stepped down from Say Sorry but continues to advocate for governments to address abuses in cult groups.

The Legislative Assembly Legal and Social Issues Committee’s inquiry is currently open for submissions, closing at the end of July 2025. Submissions can be made via the committee's website. Visit it here.

The Rationalist Society of Australia is advocating for states and territories to extend coercive control laws to cover cults and high-demand religious groups. Follow our campaign here.

In early April this year, The Age featured a report by Richard Baker about the establishment of the committee inquiry. Read here.

In May, SBS featured a report by Aleisha Orr about the inquiry and included comments from a support group for ex-cult members about its hopes that the inquiry will raise awareness about harms and drive change. Read here.

In May, the Australian Christian Lobby’s Michelle Pearse warned that the Victorian parliamentary committee inquiry into cults and their coercive practices could impact the “Christian church” and restrict freedom of religion. Read here.

The Secular Agenda podcast is hosted by Si Gladman, Executive Director of the Rationalist Society of Australia. To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, become a member or make a donation on our website.

The theme music of the podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

]]> The Victorian inquiry examining coercive control in cult groups Si Gladman 00:34:39 This episode highlights a new parliamentary inquiry in Victoria examining cults and organised fringe groups, the methods used to recruit and control their members, and the impacts of coercive control. The episode features an interview with Lara Kaput (02:10), a former member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses who became a whistleblower. For a number of years, Lara dedicated herself to advocacy work with the group known as Say Sorry. She has recently stepped down from Say Sorry but continues to advocate for governments to address abuses in cult groups. The Legislative Assembly Legal and Social Issues Committee’s inquiry is currently open for submissions, closing at the end of July 2025. Submissions can be made via the committee's website. The Rationalist Society of Australia is advocating for states and territories to extend coercive control laws to cover cults and high-demand religious groups. This episode highlights a new parliamentary inquiry in Victoria examining cults and organised fringe groups, the methods used to recruit and control their members, and the impacts of coercive control. The episode features an interview with Lara Kaput (02:10), a former member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses who became a whistleblower. For a number of years, Lara dedicated herself to advocacy work with the group known as Say Sorry. She has recently stepped down from Say Sorry but continues to advocate for governments to address abuses in cult groups. The Legislative Assembly Legal and Social Issues Committee’s inquiry is currently open for submissions, closing at the end of July 2025. Submissions can be made via the committee's website. The Rationalist Society of Australia is advocating for states and territories to extend coercive control laws to cover cults and high-demand religious groups. false full 28 877e5e9c-7b6f-432a-84f0-42bdb9d89f3b Reluctance to change at the Australian War Memorial This episode examines the Australian War Memorial's response to public calls for it to stop imposing Christianity in the national Anzac Day Dawn Service in Canberra. The episode features an interview with David Stephens (01:45), the editor of the Honest History and Defending Country websites. Honest History has long been advocating for reforms on a number of issues relating to the War Memorial, and challenging the misuse of history to serve political or other agendas. It has publicly backed the call for Anzac Day Dawn Services to stop imposing Christianity.

The Rationalist Society of Australia is actively lobbying and advocating for secular reform of the Defence Force and military commemorations. Follow our campaign here.

In May 2024, we published an interview on this podcast with Army veteran Sam Proctor, who shared his concerns about the place of religion in military commemorations. Listen to episode 19, ‘How Christianity’s dominance of Anzac Day services excludes Defence personnel and veterans’.

In February 2025, the Rationalist Society of Australia launched an online petition calling for the Australian War Memorial to stop imposing religion in the Anzac Day Dawn Service. Sign the petition here.

In February 2025, journalist Amy Fallon wrote an article for Crikey about the Christian dominance of the Anzac Day Dawn Service. Read the full article here.

For more information about the work of Honest History, visit its website here. For information about Defending Country, visit its website here.

The podcast is hosted by Si Gladman, Executive Director of the Rationalist Society of Australia. To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, become a member or make a donation on our website.

The theme music of The Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

]]> Thu, 17 Apr 2025 05:52:13 +0000 admin@rationalist.com.au (Si Gladman) https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com/episodes/reluctance-to-change-at-the-australian-war-memorial-iaVy3jZt This episode examines the Australian War Memorial's response to public calls for it to stop imposing Christianity in the national Anzac Day Dawn Service in Canberra. The episode features an interview with David Stephens (01:45), the editor of the Honest History and Defending Country websites. Honest History has long been advocating for reforms on a number of issues relating to the War Memorial, and challenging the misuse of history to serve political or other agendas. It has publicly backed the call for Anzac Day Dawn Services to stop imposing Christianity.

The Rationalist Society of Australia is actively lobbying and advocating for secular reform of the Defence Force and military commemorations. Follow our campaign here.

In May 2024, we published an interview on this podcast with Army veteran Sam Proctor, who shared his concerns about the place of religion in military commemorations. Listen to episode 19, ‘How Christianity’s dominance of Anzac Day services excludes Defence personnel and veterans’.

In February 2025, the Rationalist Society of Australia launched an online petition calling for the Australian War Memorial to stop imposing religion in the Anzac Day Dawn Service. Sign the petition here.

In February 2025, journalist Amy Fallon wrote an article for Crikey about the Christian dominance of the Anzac Day Dawn Service. Read the full article here.

For more information about the work of Honest History, visit its website here. For information about Defending Country, visit its website here.

The podcast is hosted by Si Gladman, Executive Director of the Rationalist Society of Australia. To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, become a member or make a donation on our website.

The theme music of The Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

]]> Reluctance to change at the Australian War Memorial Si Gladman 00:34:16 This episode examines the Australian War Memorial's response to public calls for it to stop imposing Christianity in the national Anzac Day Dawn Service in Canberra. The episode features an interview with David Stephens (01:45), the editor of the Honest History and Defending Country websites. Honest History has long been advocating for reforms on a number of issues relating to the War Memorial, and challenging the misuse of history to serve political or other agendas. It has publicly backed the call for Anzac Day Dawn Services to stop imposing Christianity. This episode examines the Australian War Memorial's response to public calls for it to stop imposing Christianity in the national Anzac Day Dawn Service in Canberra. The episode features an interview with David Stephens (01:45), the editor of the Honest History and Defending Country websites. Honest History has long been advocating for reforms on a number of issues relating to the War Memorial, and challenging the misuse of history to serve political or other agendas. It has publicly backed the call for Anzac Day Dawn Services to stop imposing Christianity. false full 27 e5f11472-c7f4-4de4-9798-1268d880f7b3 Helping Australians to recover from religion With increasing numbers of Australians walking away from religion, there is a growing need for support services to help people navigate the journey out of religion and to overcome the trauma of having lived with strict religious dogmas or having suffered years of abuse in coercive and repressive religious environments. One organisation helping to address this need in Australia is Recovering from Religion. 

This episode features an interview with Sherrie D'Souza (2:08), who is International Development Director of Recovering from Religion. She is also Public Officer and Treasurer of Recovering from Religion Australia.

For more information about Recovering from Religion Australia, visit its website here.

Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show a rapid decline in religious affiliation in Australia. For more information, check out the ABS website here.

The Secular Agenda podcast is hosted by Si Gladman, the Executive Director of the Rationalist Society of Australia. To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, become a member or make a donation here on our website.

The theme music of The Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it is by Shimmer.

]]> Fri, 21 Feb 2025 04:41:29 +0000 admin@rationalist.com.au (Si Gladman) https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com/episodes/helping-australians-to-recover-from-religion-V4n4WuD1 With increasing numbers of Australians walking away from religion, there is a growing need for support services to help people navigate the journey out of religion and to overcome the trauma of having lived with strict religious dogmas or having suffered years of abuse in coercive and repressive religious environments. One organisation helping to address this need in Australia is Recovering from Religion. 

This episode features an interview with Sherrie D'Souza (2:08), who is International Development Director of Recovering from Religion. She is also Public Officer and Treasurer of Recovering from Religion Australia.

For more information about Recovering from Religion Australia, visit its website here.

Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show a rapid decline in religious affiliation in Australia. For more information, check out the ABS website here.

The Secular Agenda podcast is hosted by Si Gladman, the Executive Director of the Rationalist Society of Australia. To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, become a member or make a donation here on our website.

The theme music of The Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it is by Shimmer.

]]> Helping Australians to recover from religion Si Gladman 00:33:12 With increasing numbers of Australians walking away from religion, there is a growing need for support services to help people navigate the journey out of religion and to overcome the trauma of having lived with strict religious dogmas or having suffered years of abuse in coercive and repressive religious environments. One organisation helping to address this need in Australia is Recovering from Religion. This episode features an interview with Sherrie D'Souza (2:08), who is International Development Director of Recovering from Religion. She is also Public Officer and Treasurer of Recovering from Religion Australia. With increasing numbers of Australians walking away from religion, there is a growing need for support services to help people navigate the journey out of religion and to overcome the trauma of having lived with strict religious dogmas or having suffered years of abuse in coercive and repressive religious environments. One organisation helping to address this need in Australia is Recovering from Religion. This episode features an interview with Sherrie D'Souza (2:08), who is International Development Director of Recovering from Religion. She is also Public Officer and Treasurer of Recovering from Religion Australia. false full 26 93efca78-5482-4619-9e0c-e4b0d3b15715 Understanding the Atlas Network and its links to Christian Nationalism There has been increasing interest in a shadowy network of free-market think tanks seeking to influence economic and political policy in countries around the world, including in Australia. One emerging element of the Atlas Network is Christian Nationalism.

This episode features an interview with Lucy Hamilton (1:48), who is currently undertaking PhD research into the links between Christian Nationalism and the Atlas Network in the Australian political context. 

Lucy has written a number of pieces on the topic in online publications, in particular John Menadue’s ‘Pearls & Irritations’ blog. Find her articles here.

Following the Secularism Australia Conference in December 2023, Lucy wrote in an article that people of faith and secularists/non-religious people need to work together for mutual protection. Read the article here. 

The Secular Agenda podcast is hosted by Si Gladman, the Executive Director of the Rationalist Society of Australia. To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, become a member or make a donation on our website.

The theme music of The Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it is by Shimmer.

]]> Tue, 17 Dec 2024 03:35:29 +0000 admin@rationalist.com.au (Si Gladman) https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com/episodes/understanding-the-atlas-network-and-its-links-to-christian-nationalism-U1ni_Zxr There has been increasing interest in a shadowy network of free-market think tanks seeking to influence economic and political policy in countries around the world, including in Australia. One emerging element of the Atlas Network is Christian Nationalism.

This episode features an interview with Lucy Hamilton (1:48), who is currently undertaking PhD research into the links between Christian Nationalism and the Atlas Network in the Australian political context. 

Lucy has written a number of pieces on the topic in online publications, in particular John Menadue’s ‘Pearls & Irritations’ blog. Find her articles here.

Following the Secularism Australia Conference in December 2023, Lucy wrote in an article that people of faith and secularists/non-religious people need to work together for mutual protection. Read the article here. 

The Secular Agenda podcast is hosted by Si Gladman, the Executive Director of the Rationalist Society of Australia. To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, become a member or make a donation on our website.

The theme music of The Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it is by Shimmer.

]]> Understanding the Atlas Network and its links to Christian Nationalism Si Gladman 00:31:11 There has been increasing interest in a shadowy network of free-market think tanks seeking to influence economic and political policy in countries around the world, including in Australia. One emerging element of the Atlas Network is Christian Nationalism. This episode features an interview with Lucy Hamilton (1:48), who is currently undertaking PhD research into the links between Christian Nationalism and the Atlas Network in the Australian political context. Lucy has written a number of pieces on the topic in online publications, in particular on John Menadue’s ‘Pearls & Irritations’ blog. There has been increasing interest in a shadowy network of free-market think tanks seeking to influence economic and political policy in countries around the world, including in Australia. One emerging element of the Atlas Network is Christian Nationalism. This episode features an interview with Lucy Hamilton (1:48), who is currently undertaking PhD research into the links between Christian Nationalism and the Atlas Network in the Australian political context. Lucy has written a number of pieces on the topic in online publications, in particular on John Menadue’s ‘Pearls & Irritations’ blog. christian right, atlas network, christian nationalism false full 25 1c3fca4c-a4f8-4e70-87cb-683f20f9442b What the Trump presidency will mean for Christian Nationalism and how it will inspire Australia’s Christian Right With Donald Trump set to return to the presidency in 2025, the Christian Nationalist agenda looms large in the United States. But what will Trump’s re-election mean for the Christian Right in Australia?

This episode features an interview with Clare Health-McIvor (1:42), who is host of the ‘Unchurchable’ podcast, which examines religious trauma, damaging theologies, and life after church. Clare is the eldest child of pastors of a church involved in the dominionist movement. Since leaving the City Builders Church in Gippsland, she has spoken out about the church’s efforts to infiltrate mainstream political parties and about the threat of Christian dominionism in Australia.

Following the US presidential election, Clare wrote a piece on this topic for the ‘Rationale’ magazine, titled ‘The white God problem in politics’. Read the article here.

The Secular Agenda podcast is hosted by Si Gladman, the Executive Director of the Rationalist Society of Australia. To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, become a member or make a donation on our website.

The theme music of The Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it is by Shimmer.

]]> Sat, 23 Nov 2024 12:40:45 +0000 admin@rationalist.com.au (Si Gladman) https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com/episodes/what-the-trump-presidency-will-mean-for-christian-nationalism-and-how-it-will-inspire-australias-christian-right-7rVl_jIa With Donald Trump set to return to the presidency in 2025, the Christian Nationalist agenda looms large in the United States. But what will Trump’s re-election mean for the Christian Right in Australia?

This episode features an interview with Clare Health-McIvor (1:42), who is host of the ‘Unchurchable’ podcast, which examines religious trauma, damaging theologies, and life after church. Clare is the eldest child of pastors of a church involved in the dominionist movement. Since leaving the City Builders Church in Gippsland, she has spoken out about the church’s efforts to infiltrate mainstream political parties and about the threat of Christian dominionism in Australia.

Following the US presidential election, Clare wrote a piece on this topic for the ‘Rationale’ magazine, titled ‘The white God problem in politics’. Read the article here.

The Secular Agenda podcast is hosted by Si Gladman, the Executive Director of the Rationalist Society of Australia. To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, become a member or make a donation on our website.

The theme music of The Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it is by Shimmer.

]]> What the Trump presidency will mean for Christian Nationalism and how it will inspire Australia’s Christian Right Si Gladman 00:43:55 With Donald Trump set to return to the presidency in 2025, the Christian Nationalist agenda looms large in the United States. But what will Trump’s re-election mean for the Christian Right in Australia? This episode features an interview with Clare Heath-McIvor (1:42), who is host of the ‘Unchurchable’ podcast, which examines religious trauma, damaging theologies, and life after church. Clare is the eldest child of pastors of a church involved in the dominionist movement. Since leaving the City Builders Church in Gippsland, she has spoken out about the church’s efforts to infiltrate mainstream political parties and about the threat of Christian dominionism in Australia. With Donald Trump set to return to the presidency in 2025, the Christian Nationalist agenda looms large in the United States. But what will Trump’s re-election mean for the Christian Right in Australia? This episode features an interview with Clare Heath-McIvor (1:42), who is host of the ‘Unchurchable’ podcast, which examines religious trauma, damaging theologies, and life after church. Clare is the eldest child of pastors of a church involved in the dominionist movement. Since leaving the City Builders Church in Gippsland, she has spoken out about the church’s efforts to infiltrate mainstream political parties and about the threat of Christian dominionism in Australia. christian right, donald trump, christian nationalism false full 24 81410ed4-32a4-4646-bd15-6aad01e64b51 RSA Webinar Highlights: Replacing prayer rituals – The push for more welcoming institutions Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We share highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast.

This episode features an interview with New South Wales upper house member Abigail Boyd, of the The Greens. For our October 2022 webinar, Abigail joined with other guest speakers to discuss the issue of the imposition of daily Christian prayers in parliaments and in local councils.

You can watch the full webinar here on our YouTube channel.

Read a review about the webinar here on our website.

For more information about upcoming webinars and to register to attend them, visit the webinars page on our website.

The theme music of the Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, you can become a member or make a donation on our website.

]]> Wed, 9 Oct 2024 10:12:25 +0000 admin@rationalist.com.au (Si Gladman) https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com/episodes/rsa-webinar-highlights-replacing-prayer-rituals-the-push-for-more-welcoming-institutions-fQ_7ihCK Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We share highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast.

This episode features an interview with New South Wales upper house member Abigail Boyd, of the The Greens. For our October 2022 webinar, Abigail joined with other guest speakers to discuss the issue of the imposition of daily Christian prayers in parliaments and in local councils.

You can watch the full webinar here on our YouTube channel.

Read a review about the webinar here on our website.

For more information about upcoming webinars and to register to attend them, visit the webinars page on our website.

The theme music of the Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, you can become a member or make a donation on our website.

]]> RSA Webinar Highlights: Replacing prayer rituals – The push for more welcoming institutions Si Gladman 00:18:44 Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We share highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast. This episode features an interview with New South Wales upper house member Abigail Boyd, of the The Greens. For our October 2022 webinar, Abigail joined with other guest speakers to discuss the issue of the imposition of daily Christian prayers in parliaments and in local councils. You can watch the full webinar on our YouTube channel. Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We share highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast. This episode features an interview with New South Wales upper house member Abigail Boyd, of the The Greens. For our October 2022 webinar, Abigail joined with other guest speakers to discuss the issue of the imposition of daily Christian prayers in parliaments and in local councils. You can watch the full webinar on our YouTube channel. prayers in parliament, new south wales, secularism, christianity false full 23 6d31f853-900b-4d50-ab7f-c4deb45c4acd RSA Webinar Highlights: Hillsong and headlines – Insights from an investigative journalist Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We share highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast.

This episode features an interview with investigative journalist David Hardaker from our webinar in April 2024. 

David is well-known for his reporting on the controversies at Hillsong Church, its former leader Brian Houston, and the rising influence of Pentecostal Christianity in Australian politics.

David joined us to speak about his new book, Mine is the Kingdom: The rise and fall of Brian Houston and the Hillsong Church.

You can watch the full webinar here on our YouTube channel.

Read a review about the webinar here on our website.

You can purchase David’s book here at Allen&Unwin Publishers.

For more information about upcoming webinars and to register to attend them, visit the webinars page on our website.

The theme music of the Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, you can become a member or make a donation on our website.

]]> Mon, 19 Aug 2024 03:09:36 +0000 admin@rationalist.com.au (Si Gladman) https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com/episodes/rsa-webinar-highlights-hillsong-and-headlines-insights-from-an-investigative-journalist-idUn_xaD Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We share highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast.

This episode features an interview with investigative journalist David Hardaker from our webinar in April 2024. 

David is well-known for his reporting on the controversies at Hillsong Church, its former leader Brian Houston, and the rising influence of Pentecostal Christianity in Australian politics.

David joined us to speak about his new book, Mine is the Kingdom: The rise and fall of Brian Houston and the Hillsong Church.

You can watch the full webinar here on our YouTube channel.

Read a review about the webinar here on our website.

You can purchase David’s book here at Allen&Unwin Publishers.

For more information about upcoming webinars and to register to attend them, visit the webinars page on our website.

The theme music of the Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, you can become a member or make a donation on our website.

]]> RSA Webinar Highlights: Hillsong and headlines – Insights from an investigative journalist Si Gladman 00:33:02 Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We share highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast. This episode features an interview with investigative journalist David Hardaker from our webinar in April 2024. David is well-known for his reporting on the controversies at Hillsong Church, its former leader Brian Houston, and the rising influence of Pentecostal Christianity in Australian politics. David joined us to speak about his new book, 'Mine is the Kingdom: The rise and fall of Brian Houston and the Hillsong Church'. Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We share highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast. This episode features an interview with investigative journalist David Hardaker from our webinar in April 2024. David is well-known for his reporting on the controversies at Hillsong Church, its former leader Brian Houston, and the rising influence of Pentecostal Christianity in Australian politics. David joined us to speak about his new book, 'Mine is the Kingdom: The rise and fall of Brian Houston and the Hillsong Church'. pentecostalism, hillsong, christianity false full 22 80951f3e-a7d2-4729-997d-728014e6f535 The political stalemate over religious exemptions in anti-discrimination laws This episode explores the stalemate in federal politics over religious exemptions in anti-discrimination laws. It features an interview with teacher Steph Lentz (1:48), who was fired from a Christian school because of her homosexuality. Steph has been a vocal advocate for the need to remove such exemptions from anti-discrimination laws. In 2023, she told her story in the book, In/Out: A scandalous story of falling into love and out of the church, published by ABC Books. In this episode, Steph also speaks about her personal journey of being raised in a hardline church, her struggle with her sexuality while an active member of the church, and then her journey out of religion.  

In August 2021, Steph told her story publicly in the Sydney Morning Herald. Read the article here.

In 2023, her book, In/Out: A scandalous story of falling into love and out of the church, was published by ABC Books. You can purchase it here.

The Secular Agenda podcast is hosted by Si Gladman, the Executive Director of the Rationalist Society of Australia. To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, become a member or make a donation on our website.

The theme music of The Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it is by Shimmer.

]]> Thu, 25 Jul 2024 07:12:01 +0000 admin@rationalist.com.au (Si Gladman) https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com/episodes/the-political-stalemate-over-religious-exemptions-in-anti-discrimination-laws-XgRsKe3k This episode explores the stalemate in federal politics over religious exemptions in anti-discrimination laws. It features an interview with teacher Steph Lentz (1:48), who was fired from a Christian school because of her homosexuality. Steph has been a vocal advocate for the need to remove such exemptions from anti-discrimination laws. In 2023, she told her story in the book, In/Out: A scandalous story of falling into love and out of the church, published by ABC Books. In this episode, Steph also speaks about her personal journey of being raised in a hardline church, her struggle with her sexuality while an active member of the church, and then her journey out of religion.  

In August 2021, Steph told her story publicly in the Sydney Morning Herald. Read the article here.

In 2023, her book, In/Out: A scandalous story of falling into love and out of the church, was published by ABC Books. You can purchase it here.

The Secular Agenda podcast is hosted by Si Gladman, the Executive Director of the Rationalist Society of Australia. To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, become a member or make a donation on our website.

The theme music of The Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it is by Shimmer.

]]> The political stalemate over religious exemptions in anti-discrimination laws Si Gladman 00:34:34 This episode explores the stalemate in federal politics over proposals to remove religious exemptions from anti-discrimination laws. It features an interview with teacher Steph Lentz (1:48), who was fired from a Christian school because of her homosexuality. Steph has been a vocal advocate for the need to remove such exemptions from anti-discrimination laws. In 2023, she told her story in the book, ‘In/Out: A scandalous story of falling into love and out of the church’, published by ABC Books. In this episode, Steph also speaks about her personal journey of being raised in a hardline church, her struggle with her sexuality while an active member of the church, and then her journey out of religion. This episode explores the stalemate in federal politics over proposals to remove religious exemptions from anti-discrimination laws. It features an interview with teacher Steph Lentz (1:48), who was fired from a Christian school because of her homosexuality. Steph has been a vocal advocate for the need to remove such exemptions from anti-discrimination laws. In 2023, she told her story in the book, ‘In/Out: A scandalous story of falling into love and out of the church’, published by ABC Books. In this episode, Steph also speaks about her personal journey of being raised in a hardline church, her struggle with her sexuality while an active member of the church, and then her journey out of religion. religion, lgbtiq, religious discrimination, religious schools, christianity false full 21 a0883cf3-86a6-49f5-87b9-e8074bf42808 RSA Webinar Highlights: Secularism in the UK – Cutting ties with the state church Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We share highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast.

This episode features highlights from our February 2024 webinar, when Stephen Evans, the Chief Executive Office of the UK’s National Secular Society, shared insights on the entanglement of church and state in his country.

With Christianity continuing to decline in the UK, Stephen spoke on why it is time to cut symbolic and institutional ties with the Church of England.

You can watch the full webinar here on our YouTube channel.

Read a review about the webinar here on our website.

For more information about upcoming webinars and to register to attend them, visit the webinars page on our website.

The theme music of the Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, you can become a member or make a donation on our website.

]]> Sun, 9 Jun 2024 14:04:03 +0000 admin@rationalist.com.au (Si Gladman) https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com/episodes/rsa-webinar-highlights-secularism-in-the-uk-cutting-ties-with-the-state-church-x0HgGX6d Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We share highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast.

This episode features highlights from our February 2024 webinar, when Stephen Evans, the Chief Executive Office of the UK’s National Secular Society, shared insights on the entanglement of church and state in his country.

With Christianity continuing to decline in the UK, Stephen spoke on why it is time to cut symbolic and institutional ties with the Church of England.

You can watch the full webinar here on our YouTube channel.

Read a review about the webinar here on our website.

For more information about upcoming webinars and to register to attend them, visit the webinars page on our website.

The theme music of the Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, you can become a member or make a donation on our website.

]]> RSA Webinar Highlights: Secularism in the UK – Cutting ties with the state church Si Gladman 00:38:29 This episode features highlights from our February 2024 RSA Webinar, when Stephen Evans, the Chief Executive Office of the UK’s National Secular Society, shared insights on the entanglement of church and state in his country. With Christianity continuing to decline in the UK, Stephen spoke on why it is time to cut symbolic and institutional ties with the Church of England. This episode features highlights from our February 2024 RSA Webinar, when Stephen Evans, the Chief Executive Office of the UK’s National Secular Society, shared insights on the entanglement of church and state in his country. With Christianity continuing to decline in the UK, Stephen spoke on why it is time to cut symbolic and institutional ties with the Church of England. false full 20 4d5ebb29-5fe6-4425-a3fe-d4030c040e46 How Christianity’s dominance of Anzac Day services excludes Defence personnel and veterans This episode examines the religious dominance of important national commemorations, such as Anzac Day, and the need for secular reform of such events. The episode features an interview with Army veteran Sam Proctor (1:50), who separated from the Australian Army last year after 10 years of service. Proctor raised the problem as part of his submission to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. 

Proctor spoke to the podcast in a personal capacity about his submission to the Royal Commission, and his views are his own. Read his submission here.

Christianity dominates Dawn Services in the Defence Force, at the Australian War Memorial, and in the wider public. The Rationalist Society of Australia is lobbying government and other bodies for secular reform on this issue. Read more here.

According to official Defence data, the majority of Australian Defence Force personnel are not religious. Former Army Colonel and Defence statistician Phillip Hoglin has written about the decline of religious affiliation in Defence. Read more here.

In an article published this month in an official Army publication, Hoglin has written on the need for junior soldiers and officers to question some of the Army’s inappropriate and non-contemporary traditions, including those dominated by Christianity. Read more here.

In late 2022, a spokesperson for veterans affairs minister Matt Keogh told the Rationalist Society of Australia that events such as Anzac Day were “welcoming to all” and recognised the diversity of the Defence Force workforce and Australian community. Read more here.

The podcast is hosted by Si Gladman, Executive Director of the Rationalist Society of Australia. To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, become a member or make a donation on our website.

The theme music of The Secular Agenda  podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

]]> Mon, 13 May 2024 07:13:40 +0000 admin@rationalist.com.au (Si Gladman) https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com/episodes/how-christianitys-dominance-of-anzac-day-excludes-defence-personnel-and-veterans-8tMWWB4e This episode examines the religious dominance of important national commemorations, such as Anzac Day, and the need for secular reform of such events. The episode features an interview with Army veteran Sam Proctor (1:50), who separated from the Australian Army last year after 10 years of service. Proctor raised the problem as part of his submission to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. 

Proctor spoke to the podcast in a personal capacity about his submission to the Royal Commission, and his views are his own. Read his submission here.

Christianity dominates Dawn Services in the Defence Force, at the Australian War Memorial, and in the wider public. The Rationalist Society of Australia is lobbying government and other bodies for secular reform on this issue. Read more here.

According to official Defence data, the majority of Australian Defence Force personnel are not religious. Former Army Colonel and Defence statistician Phillip Hoglin has written about the decline of religious affiliation in Defence. Read more here.

In an article published this month in an official Army publication, Hoglin has written on the need for junior soldiers and officers to question some of the Army’s inappropriate and non-contemporary traditions, including those dominated by Christianity. Read more here.

In late 2022, a spokesperson for veterans affairs minister Matt Keogh told the Rationalist Society of Australia that events such as Anzac Day were “welcoming to all” and recognised the diversity of the Defence Force workforce and Australian community. Read more here.

The podcast is hosted by Si Gladman, Executive Director of the Rationalist Society of Australia. To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, become a member or make a donation on our website.

The theme music of The Secular Agenda  podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

]]> How Christianity’s dominance of Anzac Day services excludes Defence personnel and veterans Si Gladman 00:46:17 This episode examines the religious dominance of important national commemorations, such as Anzac Day, and the need for secular reform of such events. The episode features an interview with Army veteran Sam Proctor (1:50), who separated from the Australian Army last year after 10 years of service. Sam raised the problem as part of his submission to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. He spoke to the podcast in a personal capacity about his submission to the Royal Commission, and his views are his own. Although the majority of Australian Defence Force personnel are not religious, Christianity continues to dominate Dawn Services in the Defence Force, at the Australian War Memorial, and in the wider public. This episode examines the religious dominance of important national commemorations, such as Anzac Day, and the need for secular reform of such events. The episode features an interview with Army veteran Sam Proctor (1:50), who separated from the Australian Army last year after 10 years of service. Sam raised the problem as part of his submission to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. He spoke to the podcast in a personal capacity about his submission to the Royal Commission, and his views are his own. Although the majority of Australian Defence Force personnel are not religious, Christianity continues to dominate Dawn Services in the Defence Force, at the Australian War Memorial, and in the wider public. false full 19 fc38dc52-ed4d-4f5e-a85d-5d3c1277cb2b RSA Webinar Highlights: Media responses to Australia’s increasing non-religiosity Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We share highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast.

This episode features highlights from our September 2023 webinar, when Dr Rebecca Banham shared insights into her research on the Australian media’s response to the rise of non-religious identification in the Census.

Dr Banham is Postdoctoral Research Fellow at University of Tasmania.

In the webinar, she spoke about how, following the release of the most recent Census data, significant sections of the media responded to the rapid rise in non-religious identification in the national Census with concern, defensiveness and fear.

You can watch the full webinar here on our YouTube channel.

Read a review about the webinar here on our website.

For more information about upcoming webinars and to register to attend them, visit the webinars page on our website.

The theme music of the Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, you can become a member or make a donation on our website.

]]> Wed, 3 Apr 2024 12:07:56 +0000 admin@rationalist.com.au (Si Gladman) https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com/episodes/rsa-webinar-highlights-media-responses-to-australias-increasing-non-religiosity-I4ts_Cjj Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We share highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast.

This episode features highlights from our September 2023 webinar, when Dr Rebecca Banham shared insights into her research on the Australian media’s response to the rise of non-religious identification in the Census.

Dr Banham is Postdoctoral Research Fellow at University of Tasmania.

In the webinar, she spoke about how, following the release of the most recent Census data, significant sections of the media responded to the rapid rise in non-religious identification in the national Census with concern, defensiveness and fear.

You can watch the full webinar here on our YouTube channel.

Read a review about the webinar here on our website.

For more information about upcoming webinars and to register to attend them, visit the webinars page on our website.

The theme music of the Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, you can become a member or make a donation on our website.

]]> RSA Webinar Highlights: Media responses to Australia’s increasing non-religiosity Si Gladman 00:36:19 Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We share highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast. This episode features highlights from our September 2023 webinar, when Dr Rebecca Banham shared insights into her research on the Australian media’s response to the rise of non-religious identification in the Census. Dr Banham is Postdoctoral Research Fellow at University of Tasmania. In the webinar, she spoke about how, following the release of the most recent Census data, significant sections of the media responded to the rapid rise in non-religious identification in the national Census with concern, defensiveness and fear. Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We share highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast. This episode features highlights from our September 2023 webinar, when Dr Rebecca Banham shared insights into her research on the Australian media’s response to the rise of non-religious identification in the Census. Dr Banham is Postdoctoral Research Fellow at University of Tasmania. In the webinar, she spoke about how, following the release of the most recent Census data, significant sections of the media responded to the rapid rise in non-religious identification in the national Census with concern, defensiveness and fear. false full 18 62051a23-999c-4ebc-b262-48764a5925f9 The marginalisation of non-religious and ex-religious voices in New South Wales This episode explores the development in New South Wales of the Faith Affairs Council and the state Labor government’s decision to block non-religious and ex-religious representation from the body. The episode features an interview with Steve Marton (2:25), who is president of Sydney Atheists. In November 2023, the state government rejected his application to become a member of the Faith Affairs Council. He applied for a position on the advisory body – which has a direct line to government ministers – in order to represent the voices of non-religious and ex-religious citizens on matters relating to religion.

Before the state election last year, the Rationalist Society of Australia (RSA) warned the then Minns opposition that the party’s proposal to establish a Faith Affairs Council would privilege the voices of religious clerics even further in policy making and marginalise the voices of non-religious citizens. Read more here.

In May 2023, multicultural minister Steve Kamper told the RSA that the proposed Faith Affairs Council would have “a diversity of viewpoints” represented. Read more here.

In September 2023, atheist leader Steve Marton nominated himself for a position on the Faith Affairs Council. Read more here.

In early November, a government official informed Mr Marton that the government had rejected his nomination. Read more here.

In December, Mr Marton, speaking on radio, warned that the religious leaders elected to the body hold views at odds with the wider community and most religious people. Read more here.

The podcast is hosted by Si Gladman, the Campaigns & Communications Coordinator for the Rationalist Society of Australia. To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, become a member or make a donation on our website.

The theme music of The Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

]]> Wed, 14 Feb 2024 00:49:44 +0000 admin@rationalist.com.au (Si Gladman) https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com/episodes/the-marginalisation-of-non-religious-and-ex-religious-voices-in-new-south-wales-2HYMf4Ii This episode explores the development in New South Wales of the Faith Affairs Council and the state Labor government’s decision to block non-religious and ex-religious representation from the body. The episode features an interview with Steve Marton (2:25), who is president of Sydney Atheists. In November 2023, the state government rejected his application to become a member of the Faith Affairs Council. He applied for a position on the advisory body – which has a direct line to government ministers – in order to represent the voices of non-religious and ex-religious citizens on matters relating to religion.

Before the state election last year, the Rationalist Society of Australia (RSA) warned the then Minns opposition that the party’s proposal to establish a Faith Affairs Council would privilege the voices of religious clerics even further in policy making and marginalise the voices of non-religious citizens. Read more here.

In May 2023, multicultural minister Steve Kamper told the RSA that the proposed Faith Affairs Council would have “a diversity of viewpoints” represented. Read more here.

In September 2023, atheist leader Steve Marton nominated himself for a position on the Faith Affairs Council. Read more here.

In early November, a government official informed Mr Marton that the government had rejected his nomination. Read more here.

In December, Mr Marton, speaking on radio, warned that the religious leaders elected to the body hold views at odds with the wider community and most religious people. Read more here.

The podcast is hosted by Si Gladman, the Campaigns & Communications Coordinator for the Rationalist Society of Australia. To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, become a member or make a donation on our website.

The theme music of The Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

]]> The marginalisation of non-religious and ex-religious voices in New South Wales Si Gladman 00:26:47 This episode explores the development in New South Wales of the Faith Affairs Council and the state Labor government’s decision to block non-religious and ex-religious representation from the body. The episode features an interview with Steve Marton (2:25), who is president of Sydney Atheists. In November 2023, the state government rejected his application to become a member of the Faith Affairs Council. He applied for a position on the advisory body – which has a direct line to government ministers – in order to represent the voices of non-religious and ex-religious citizens on matters relating to religion. This episode explores the development in New South Wales of the Faith Affairs Council and the state Labor government’s decision to block non-religious and ex-religious representation from the body. The episode features an interview with Steve Marton (2:25), who is president of Sydney Atheists. In November 2023, the state government rejected his application to become a member of the Faith Affairs Council. He applied for a position on the advisory body – which has a direct line to government ministers – in order to represent the voices of non-religious and ex-religious citizens on matters relating to religion. religion, new south wales, atheism false full 17 3760e8e0-8b67-4092-b52c-dc246876732a RSA Webinar Highlights: How religious instruction undermines public education Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We share highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast.

This episode features highlights from our March 2023 webinar, when Dr Jennifer Bleazby presented on her research into current scripture laws and policies operating in public schools across the country. 

Dr Bleazby is a Senior Lecturer at Monash University. She is also a recipient of an RSA Research Grant.

In the webinar, she discussed how the methods of indoctrination used in programs such as Religious Instruction in Queensland and Special Religious Education in New South Wales undermine fundamental educational aims and raise problems for schools as they seek to help children to navigate disinformation, conspiratorial thinking and science denialism.

You can watch the full webinar here on our YouTube channel.

Read more about Dr Bleazby’s research here.

The theme music of the Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, you can become a member or make a donation on our website.

]]> Sat, 30 Dec 2023 02:12:34 +0000 admin@rationalist.com.au (Si Gladman) https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com/episodes/rsa-webinar-highlights-how-religious-instruction-undermines-public-education-yFBCyL9X Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We share highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast.

This episode features highlights from our March 2023 webinar, when Dr Jennifer Bleazby presented on her research into current scripture laws and policies operating in public schools across the country. 

Dr Bleazby is a Senior Lecturer at Monash University. She is also a recipient of an RSA Research Grant.

In the webinar, she discussed how the methods of indoctrination used in programs such as Religious Instruction in Queensland and Special Religious Education in New South Wales undermine fundamental educational aims and raise problems for schools as they seek to help children to navigate disinformation, conspiratorial thinking and science denialism.

You can watch the full webinar here on our YouTube channel.

Read more about Dr Bleazby’s research here.

The theme music of the Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, you can become a member or make a donation on our website.

]]> RSA Webinar Highlights: How religious instruction undermines public education Si Gladman 00:31:24 Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We share highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast. This episode features highlights from our March 2023 webinar, when Dr Jennifer Bleazby presented on her research into current scripture laws and policies operating in public schools across the country. Dr Bleazby is a Senior Lecturer at Monash University. She is also a recipient of an RSA Research Grant. In the webinar, she discussed how the methods of indoctrination used in programs such as Religious Instruction in Queensland and Special Religious Education in New South Wales undermine fundamental educational aims and raise problems for schools as they seek to help children to navigate disinformation, conspiratorial thinking and science denialism. Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We share highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast. This episode features highlights from our March 2023 webinar, when Dr Jennifer Bleazby presented on her research into current scripture laws and policies operating in public schools across the country. Dr Bleazby is a Senior Lecturer at Monash University. She is also a recipient of an RSA Research Grant. In the webinar, she discussed how the methods of indoctrination used in programs such as Religious Instruction in Queensland and Special Religious Education in New South Wales undermine fundamental educational aims and raise problems for schools as they seek to help children to navigate disinformation, conspiratorial thinking and science denialism. scripture, religious instruction, new south wales, secular education, queensland false full 16 ce6aefb1-5e33-4d9e-8c33-b38beb70194d The growing opposition to Special Religious Education in New South Wales This episode explores the topic of Special Religious Education (SRE), or ‘scripture’, in New South Wales’ public schools, and the mounting public opposition to religious missionaries continuing to be allowed to interrupt the curriculum and take over class time. The episode features an interview with Steven Cowgill (4:48), a parent who has recently launched a petition on the New South Wales Parliament website. The petition – open for New South Wales citizens until 12 April 2024 – calls for the Legislative Assembly to ask that the state government amends the Education Act (1990) so that optional SRE and Special Education in Ethics (SEE) run only during participating students' own time, such as breaks or before or after school. 

If you are a citizen of New South Wales, please add your name to the petition. You can sign it here on the New South Wales Parliament website.

In August 2023, the Sydney Morning Herald published an article detailing declining participation rates in SRE and growing opposition to SRE among education sector stakeholders. Read the article here.

At budget estimates in October this year, education minister Prue Car ruled out any changes to the SRE program. Read more about that here.

This year, the Rationalist Society of Australia has raised concerns with Minister Car about the teaching of creationism in Christian SRE. Read more here.  Also, the RSA has discovered Islamic teaching materials that warn children of “hellfire” and tell them to not “compromise or change your identity”. Read more here.

The podcast is hosted by Si Gladman, the Campaigns & Communications Coordinator for theRationalist Society of Australia To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, you can become a member or make a donation on our website.

The theme music of The Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

]]> Fri, 24 Nov 2023 03:26:08 +0000 admin@rationalist.com.au (Si Gladman) https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com/episodes/the-growing-opposition-to-special-religious-education-in-new-south-wales-31f8VUz1 This episode explores the topic of Special Religious Education (SRE), or ‘scripture’, in New South Wales’ public schools, and the mounting public opposition to religious missionaries continuing to be allowed to interrupt the curriculum and take over class time. The episode features an interview with Steven Cowgill (4:48), a parent who has recently launched a petition on the New South Wales Parliament website. The petition – open for New South Wales citizens until 12 April 2024 – calls for the Legislative Assembly to ask that the state government amends the Education Act (1990) so that optional SRE and Special Education in Ethics (SEE) run only during participating students' own time, such as breaks or before or after school. 

If you are a citizen of New South Wales, please add your name to the petition. You can sign it here on the New South Wales Parliament website.

In August 2023, the Sydney Morning Herald published an article detailing declining participation rates in SRE and growing opposition to SRE among education sector stakeholders. Read the article here.

At budget estimates in October this year, education minister Prue Car ruled out any changes to the SRE program. Read more about that here.

This year, the Rationalist Society of Australia has raised concerns with Minister Car about the teaching of creationism in Christian SRE. Read more here.  Also, the RSA has discovered Islamic teaching materials that warn children of “hellfire” and tell them to not “compromise or change your identity”. Read more here.

The podcast is hosted by Si Gladman, the Campaigns & Communications Coordinator for theRationalist Society of Australia To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, you can become a member or make a donation on our website.

The theme music of The Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

]]> The growing opposition to Special Religious Education in New South Wales Si Gladman 00:20:55 This episode explores the topic of Special Religious Education (SRE), or ‘scripture’, in New South Wales’ public schools, and the mounting public opposition to religious missionaries continuing to be allowed to interrupt the curriculum and take over class time. The episode features an interview with Steven Cowgill (4:48), a parent who has recently launched a petition on the New South Wales Parliament website. The petition – open for New South Wales citizens until 12 April 2024 – calls for the Legislative Assembly to ask that the state government amends the Education Act (1990) so that optional SRE and Special Education in Ethics (SEE) run only during participating students' own time, such as breaks or before or after school. This episode explores the topic of Special Religious Education (SRE), or ‘scripture’, in New South Wales’ public schools, and the mounting public opposition to religious missionaries continuing to be allowed to interrupt the curriculum and take over class time. The episode features an interview with Steven Cowgill (4:48), a parent who has recently launched a petition on the New South Wales Parliament website. The petition – open for New South Wales citizens until 12 April 2024 – calls for the Legislative Assembly to ask that the state government amends the Education Act (1990) so that optional SRE and Special Education in Ethics (SEE) run only during participating students' own time, such as breaks or before or after school. scripture, special religious education, new south wales false full 15 630e697a-58a0-400f-971a-74a035af5a33 RSA Webinar Highlights: Basic Religious Charities – The case for more transparency Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We share highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast.

This episode features highlights from our June webinar with Dr Philip Saj, Visiting Scholar at The Business School at University of Adelaide.

In the webinar, he spoke on the topic ‘Basic Religious Charities: The case for more transparency’. He shared insights from his research into Basic Religious Charities (BRCs) and their unique place in Australia’s charities system, enjoying exemptions from the financial reporting requirements and governance standards that apply to other charities. You can watch the full webinar here on our YouTube channel.

Dr Saj told the webinar that removing exemptions for BRCs would enhance public trust in the charities system. Read a review of the webinar here on our website.

In August this year, Crikey wrote an article about Dr Saj’s research in BRCs. You can read it here.

The theme music of the Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, 

you can become a member or make a donation on our website.

]]> Sat, 28 Oct 2023 02:32:28 +0000 admin@rationalist.com.au (Si Gladman) https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com/episodes/rsa-webinar-highlights-basic-religious-charities-the-case-for-more-transparency-DYF8wm8_ Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We share highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast.

This episode features highlights from our June webinar with Dr Philip Saj, Visiting Scholar at The Business School at University of Adelaide.

In the webinar, he spoke on the topic ‘Basic Religious Charities: The case for more transparency’. He shared insights from his research into Basic Religious Charities (BRCs) and their unique place in Australia’s charities system, enjoying exemptions from the financial reporting requirements and governance standards that apply to other charities. You can watch the full webinar here on our YouTube channel.

Dr Saj told the webinar that removing exemptions for BRCs would enhance public trust in the charities system. Read a review of the webinar here on our website.

In August this year, Crikey wrote an article about Dr Saj’s research in BRCs. You can read it here.

The theme music of the Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, 

you can become a member or make a donation on our website.

]]> RSA Webinar Highlights: Basic Religious Charities – The case for more transparency Si Gladman 00:31:54 Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We share highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast. This episode features highlights from our June webinar with Dr Philip Saj, Visiting Scholar at The Business School at University of Adelaide. In the webinar, he spoke on the topic ‘Basic Religious Charities: The case for more transparency’. He shared insights from his research into Basic Religious Charities (BRCs) and their unique place in Australia’s charities system, enjoying exemptions from the financial reporting requirements and governance standards that apply to other charities. Dr Saj told the webinar that removing the exemptions for BRCs would enhance public trust in the charities system. Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We share highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast. This episode features highlights from our June webinar with Dr Philip Saj, Visiting Scholar at The Business School at University of Adelaide. In the webinar, he spoke on the topic ‘Basic Religious Charities: The case for more transparency’. He shared insights from his research into Basic Religious Charities (BRCs) and their unique place in Australia’s charities system, enjoying exemptions from the financial reporting requirements and governance standards that apply to other charities. Dr Saj told the webinar that removing the exemptions for BRCs would enhance public trust in the charities system. religious charities, taxation in australia false full 14 43e9dee1-9532-4753-83d0-0f5e146d05de Census: The ABS proposal to change the religion question This episode explores the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ (ABS) proposal to change the religion question for the 2026 Census, and the campaign behind the push for more accurate and meaningful data on religion. The episode features an interview with Michael Dove (1:57), the spokesperson for the Census – Not Religious? Mark 'No Religion' campaign. At the 2021 Census, the campaign – which was a joint effort by a number of pro-secular organisations, including the Rationalist Society of Australia – encouraged Australians to mark ‘No religion’ if they were no longer religious. More recently, the campaign has been making submissions to the ABS’ public consultation process for reviewing Census topics and considering changes to questions. 

The Census – Not Religious? Mark 'No Religion' campaign made its most recent submission to the ABS consultation process in late August. You can read it on the campaign’s website here.

For more information about the Census topic review process, visit the ABS website here.

For more information about the 2021 Census results for religion, visit the ABS website here. 

The podcast is hosted by Si Gladman, the Campaigns & Communications Coordinator for the Rationalist Society of Australia.

To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, you can become a member or make a donation on our website.

The theme music of The Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

]]> Sun, 3 Sep 2023 06:46:25 +0000 admin@rationalist.com.au (Si Gladman) https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com/episodes/census-the-abs-proposal-to-change-the-religion-question-YAEDBLQZ This episode explores the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ (ABS) proposal to change the religion question for the 2026 Census, and the campaign behind the push for more accurate and meaningful data on religion. The episode features an interview with Michael Dove (1:57), the spokesperson for the Census – Not Religious? Mark 'No Religion' campaign. At the 2021 Census, the campaign – which was a joint effort by a number of pro-secular organisations, including the Rationalist Society of Australia – encouraged Australians to mark ‘No religion’ if they were no longer religious. More recently, the campaign has been making submissions to the ABS’ public consultation process for reviewing Census topics and considering changes to questions. 

The Census – Not Religious? Mark 'No Religion' campaign made its most recent submission to the ABS consultation process in late August. You can read it on the campaign’s website here.

For more information about the Census topic review process, visit the ABS website here.

For more information about the 2021 Census results for religion, visit the ABS website here. 

The podcast is hosted by Si Gladman, the Campaigns & Communications Coordinator for the Rationalist Society of Australia.

To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, you can become a member or make a donation on our website.

The theme music of The Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

]]> Census: The ABS proposal to change the religion question Si Gladman 00:26:09 This episode explores the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ (ABS) proposal to change the religion question for the 2026 Census, and the campaign behind the push for more accurate and meaningful data on religion. The episode features an interview with Michael Dove (1:57), the spokesperson for the ‘Census – Not Religious? Mark 'No Religion'' campaign. At the 2021 Census, the campaign – which was a joint effort by a number of pro-secular organisations, including the Rationalist Society of Australia – encouraged Australians to mark ‘No religion’ if they were no longer religious. More recently, the campaign has been making submissions to the ABS’ public consultation process for reviewing Census topics and considering changes to questions. This episode explores the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ (ABS) proposal to change the religion question for the 2026 Census, and the campaign behind the push for more accurate and meaningful data on religion. The episode features an interview with Michael Dove (1:57), the spokesperson for the ‘Census – Not Religious? Mark 'No Religion'' campaign. At the 2021 Census, the campaign – which was a joint effort by a number of pro-secular organisations, including the Rationalist Society of Australia – encouraged Australians to mark ‘No religion’ if they were no longer religious. More recently, the campaign has been making submissions to the ABS’ public consultation process for reviewing Census topics and considering changes to questions. religion, australian bureau of statistics, census false full 13 6c5c36fc-ba51-479f-94e0-cbf7c9cc4ade Religious Instruction: Why the time is up for scripture in Queensland schools This episode takes a look at the growing pressure on the Palaszczuk government to move Religious Instruction – or RI – out of class time at public schools in Queensland. The episode features an interview with Labor branch member Mel Dodds (1:41), who successfully moved a resolution calling for reform at Queensland Labor’s State Party Conference in early June 2023. Her resolution asked: that RI be removed from lesson time to lunch time, or to before or after school; or, alternatively, that non-participating students be allowed to continue with the normal curriculum. The episode also features Alison Courtice (10.47), the spokesperson for secular advocacy group Queensland Parents for Secular State Schools.

The Rationalist Society of Australia is campaigning for change on Religious Instruction in Queensland and Special Religious Education in New South Wales. See our campaign page and catch up on the latest articles here.

In early June 2023, members of the Queensland Labor Party sent a strong message to the Palaszczuk government that they want RI classes to be moved outside of class time and teaching time given back to professional teachers. You can read about it here.

Earlier this year, the media reported that Christian missionaries involved in the RI program viewed public schools as “mission fields” to “harvest” children for the Lord. You can read about it here.

In response to the media attention, a number of state Labor MPs spoke out against RI, with Don Brown saying “time is up” for the program. You can read about it here.

The theme music of the Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, you can become a member or make a donation on our website.

]]> Thu, 3 Aug 2023 07:50:40 +0000 admin@rationalist.com.au (Si Gladman) https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com/episodes/religious-instruction-why-the-time-is-up-for-scripture-in-queensland-schools-mFtib8wP This episode takes a look at the growing pressure on the Palaszczuk government to move Religious Instruction – or RI – out of class time at public schools in Queensland. The episode features an interview with Labor branch member Mel Dodds (1:41), who successfully moved a resolution calling for reform at Queensland Labor’s State Party Conference in early June 2023. Her resolution asked: that RI be removed from lesson time to lunch time, or to before or after school; or, alternatively, that non-participating students be allowed to continue with the normal curriculum. The episode also features Alison Courtice (10.47), the spokesperson for secular advocacy group Queensland Parents for Secular State Schools.

The Rationalist Society of Australia is campaigning for change on Religious Instruction in Queensland and Special Religious Education in New South Wales. See our campaign page and catch up on the latest articles here.

In early June 2023, members of the Queensland Labor Party sent a strong message to the Palaszczuk government that they want RI classes to be moved outside of class time and teaching time given back to professional teachers. You can read about it here.

Earlier this year, the media reported that Christian missionaries involved in the RI program viewed public schools as “mission fields” to “harvest” children for the Lord. You can read about it here.

In response to the media attention, a number of state Labor MPs spoke out against RI, with Don Brown saying “time is up” for the program. You can read about it here.

The theme music of the Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, you can become a member or make a donation on our website.

]]> Religious Instruction: Why the time is up for scripture in Queensland schools Si Gladman 00:21:38 This episode takes a look at the growing pressure on the Palaszczuk government to move Religious Instruction – or RI – out of class time at public schools in Queensland. The episode features an interview with Labor branch member Mel Dodds (1:41), who successfully moved a resolution calling for reform at Queensland Labor’s State Party Conference in early June 2023. Her resolution asked: that RI be removed from lesson time to lunch time, or to before or after school; or, alternatively, that non-participating students be allowed to continue with the normal curriculum. The episode also features Alison Courtice (10.47), the spokesperson for secular advocacy group Queensland Parents for Secular State Schools. This episode takes a look at the growing pressure on the Palaszczuk government to move Religious Instruction – or RI – out of class time at public schools in Queensland. The episode features an interview with Labor branch member Mel Dodds (1:41), who successfully moved a resolution calling for reform at Queensland Labor’s State Party Conference in early June 2023. Her resolution asked: that RI be removed from lesson time to lunch time, or to before or after school; or, alternatively, that non-participating students be allowed to continue with the normal curriculum. The episode also features Alison Courtice (10.47), the spokesperson for secular advocacy group Queensland Parents for Secular State Schools. religious instruction, secular education, queensland false full 12 2fef23ab-a1cd-43e7-aab9-d0dd0cfdeab7 RSA Webinar Highlights: Changing religious demographics in the Defence Force Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We share highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast.

In this episode, we hear from Phillip Hoglin CSC, a former Colonel in the Australian Army and Defence statistician, on the changing religious demographics in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

In June 2022, he appeared in a webinar which focused on the topic of religion in the ADF. At that webinar, the main speaker was former head of Navy chaplaincy, Collin Acton OAM, who spoke on the topic, ‘The need for a new model of wellbeing support in Defence’. You can watch the full webinar here on our YouTube channel.

We interviewed Collin for a previous episode of this podcast in October 2022.

Phillip has written extensively on the changing religious demographics in the ADF. See: ‘Losing Our Religion: The ADF’s Chaplaincy Dilemma’ (The Forge); ‘Secularism and pastoral care in the Australian defence force’ (Australian Army Journal); ‘Religious chaplaincy is failing the Defence Force’ (Rationale magazine).

Find out more about upcoming RSA Webinars or past ones here on our website.

]]> Tue, 20 Jun 2023 11:06:48 +0000 admin@rationalist.com.au (Si Gladman) https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com/episodes/rsa-webinar-highlights-changing-religious-demographics-in-the-defence-force-XSlmdP_Y Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We share highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast.

In this episode, we hear from Phillip Hoglin CSC, a former Colonel in the Australian Army and Defence statistician, on the changing religious demographics in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

In June 2022, he appeared in a webinar which focused on the topic of religion in the ADF. At that webinar, the main speaker was former head of Navy chaplaincy, Collin Acton OAM, who spoke on the topic, ‘The need for a new model of wellbeing support in Defence’. You can watch the full webinar here on our YouTube channel.

We interviewed Collin for a previous episode of this podcast in October 2022.

Phillip has written extensively on the changing religious demographics in the ADF. See: ‘Losing Our Religion: The ADF’s Chaplaincy Dilemma’ (The Forge); ‘Secularism and pastoral care in the Australian defence force’ (Australian Army Journal); ‘Religious chaplaincy is failing the Defence Force’ (Rationale magazine).

Find out more about upcoming RSA Webinars or past ones here on our website.

]]> RSA Webinar Highlights: Changing religious demographics in the Defence Force Si Gladman 00:14:23 Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We share highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast. In this episode, we hear from Phillip Hoglin CSC, a former Colonel in the Australian Army and Defence statistician, on the changing religious demographics in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). In June 2022, he appeared in a webinar which focused on the topic of religion in the ADF. At that webinar, the main speaker was former head of Navy chaplaincy, Collin Acton OAM, who spoke on the topic, ‘The need for a new model of wellbeing support in Defence’. We interviewed Collin for a previous episode of this podcast in October 2022. Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We share highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast. In this episode, we hear from Phillip Hoglin CSC, a former Colonel in the Australian Army and Defence statistician, on the changing religious demographics in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). In June 2022, he appeared in a webinar which focused on the topic of religion in the ADF. At that webinar, the main speaker was former head of Navy chaplaincy, Collin Acton OAM, who spoke on the topic, ‘The need for a new model of wellbeing support in Defence’. We interviewed Collin for a previous episode of this podcast in October 2022. false full 11 f153420a-d610-416a-bb71-f7f09559b072 Public holidays: A proposal for a more secular system This episode explores the nature of Australia’s system of public holidays and the growing calls for it to better reflect the religious and non-religious diversity of our multicultural society. The episode features an interview with Hugh Piper, the Program Lead at the Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy and Defence Dialogue. Earlier this year, he put forward a secular solution to the problem – a system in which everyone would have a quota of portable public holidays to decide which days they want to take off.

SHOW NOTES

Hugh Piper’s original article detailing his proposal for portable public holidays appeared on the Lowy Institute’s Interpreter blog on 17 January 2023. You can read it here.

The article was a response to a previous article by Osmond Chiu, who is Research Fellow at the Per Capita think tank, published on the Interpreter on 12 January 2023. You can read it here.

The theme music of the Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, you can become a member or make a donation on our website.

]]> Sat, 20 May 2023 02:58:36 +0000 admin@rationalist.com.au (Si Gladman) https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com/episodes/public-holidays-a-proposal-for-a-more-secular-system-t0p_Rl7P This episode explores the nature of Australia’s system of public holidays and the growing calls for it to better reflect the religious and non-religious diversity of our multicultural society. The episode features an interview with Hugh Piper, the Program Lead at the Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy and Defence Dialogue. Earlier this year, he put forward a secular solution to the problem – a system in which everyone would have a quota of portable public holidays to decide which days they want to take off.

SHOW NOTES

Hugh Piper’s original article detailing his proposal for portable public holidays appeared on the Lowy Institute’s Interpreter blog on 17 January 2023. You can read it here.

The article was a response to a previous article by Osmond Chiu, who is Research Fellow at the Per Capita think tank, published on the Interpreter on 12 January 2023. You can read it here.

The theme music of the Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, you can become a member or make a donation on our website.

]]> Public holidays: A proposal for a more secular system Si Gladman 00:27:35 This episode explores the nature of Australia’s system of public holidays and the growing calls for it to better reflect the religious and non-religious diversity of our multicultural society. The episode features an interview with Hugh Piper, the Program Lead at the Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy and Defence Dialogue. Earlier this year, he put forward a secular solution to the problem – a system in which everyone would have a quota of portable public holidays to decide which days they want to take off. This episode explores the nature of Australia’s system of public holidays and the growing calls for it to better reflect the religious and non-religious diversity of our multicultural society. The episode features an interview with Hugh Piper, the Program Lead at the Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy and Defence Dialogue. Earlier this year, he put forward a secular solution to the problem – a system in which everyone would have a quota of portable public holidays to decide which days they want to take off. false full 10 ae5563ee-3c5a-4f62-aa83-2cc431da4c74 RSA Webinar Highlights: The costs of cutting – Circumcision in modern Australia Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We’re now sharing highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast.

In this episode, we hear from Jonathan Meddings, author of the new book ‘The Final Cut: The truth about circumcision’. He is Chair of The Darbon Institute, a charity working to protect and promote everyone's right to bodily integrity and autonomy in Australia and New Zealand. He is also a former vice-president and board member of the Rationalist Society of Australia.

As guest speaker at our November 2022 webinar, Meddings spoke on the prevalence of cosmetic circumcision in Australia and concerns about incorrect and fraudulent claims for circumcision in the Medicare system. You can watch the full webinar here on our YouTube channel.

Find out more about upcoming RSA Webinars or past ones here on our website.

]]> Thu, 6 Apr 2023 12:44:14 +0000 admin@rationalist.com.au (Si Gladman) https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com/episodes/rsa-webinar-highlights-the-costs-of-cutting-circumcision-in-modern-australia-kueCzx0N Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We’re now sharing highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast.

In this episode, we hear from Jonathan Meddings, author of the new book ‘The Final Cut: The truth about circumcision’. He is Chair of The Darbon Institute, a charity working to protect and promote everyone's right to bodily integrity and autonomy in Australia and New Zealand. He is also a former vice-president and board member of the Rationalist Society of Australia.

As guest speaker at our November 2022 webinar, Meddings spoke on the prevalence of cosmetic circumcision in Australia and concerns about incorrect and fraudulent claims for circumcision in the Medicare system. You can watch the full webinar here on our YouTube channel.

Find out more about upcoming RSA Webinars or past ones here on our website.

]]> RSA Webinar Highlights: The costs of cutting – Circumcision in modern Australia Si Gladman 00:29:52 Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We’re now sharing highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast. In this episode, we hear from Jonathan Meddings, author of the new book ‘The Final Cut: The truth about circumcision’. He is Chair of The Darbon Institute, a charity working to protect and promote everyone's right to bodily integrity and autonomy in Australia and New Zealand. He is also a former vice-president and board member of the Rationalist Society of Australia. As guest speaker at our November 2022 webinar, Meddings spoke on the prevalence of cosmetic circumcision in Australia and concerns about incorrect and fraudulent claims for circumcision in the Medicare system. Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We’re now sharing highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast. In this episode, we hear from Jonathan Meddings, author of the new book ‘The Final Cut: The truth about circumcision’. He is Chair of The Darbon Institute, a charity working to protect and promote everyone's right to bodily integrity and autonomy in Australia and New Zealand. He is also a former vice-president and board member of the Rationalist Society of Australia. As guest speaker at our November 2022 webinar, Meddings spoke on the prevalence of cosmetic circumcision in Australia and concerns about incorrect and fraudulent claims for circumcision in the Medicare system. circumcision, medicare, bodily autonomy false full 9 9c7499a5-058e-426a-8772-fe31e860fc82 Why councillors are pushing to replace prayer rituals with more secular and inclusive practices This episode explores the growing momentum at the level of local governments for prayer rituals to be replaced with more secular and inclusive practices. The episode features interviews with two councillors – Suzy Stojanovic (1:50) from the Maroondah City Council in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs in Victoria, and Beth Warren (16:18) from the City of Clarence in the greater Hobart area in Tasmania. Earlier this year, Councillor Stojanovic was among 21 councillors who signed a joint letter to the state government opposing prayer rituals in council meetings. Last year, her council moved towards having a multi-faith option and also added a secular pledge. Councillor Warren’s council last year voted to replace its prayer ritual with a moment of silent reflection. 

SHOW NOTES
The Rationalist Society of Australia is campaigning for state and federal parliaments, and local councils, to replace prayer rituals with more secular and inclusive practices. See our campaign page here. 

In February this year, 21 councillors from across Victoria sent a joint letter to the state government opposing the practice of including prayer rituals as part of formal proceedings in local government meetings. Read more here.

In November last year, councillors at the City of Clarence voted overwhelmingly to replace prayer rituals with a moment of silence reflection. Read more here.

The theme music of the Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, you can become a member or make a donation on our website.

]]> Sat, 11 Mar 2023 06:04:32 +0000 admin@rationalist.com.au (Si Gladman) https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com/episodes/why-councillors-are-pushing-to-replace-prayer-rituals-with-more-secular-and-inclusive-practices-gzz4NpWc This episode explores the growing momentum at the level of local governments for prayer rituals to be replaced with more secular and inclusive practices. The episode features interviews with two councillors – Suzy Stojanovic (1:50) from the Maroondah City Council in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs in Victoria, and Beth Warren (16:18) from the City of Clarence in the greater Hobart area in Tasmania. Earlier this year, Councillor Stojanovic was among 21 councillors who signed a joint letter to the state government opposing prayer rituals in council meetings. Last year, her council moved towards having a multi-faith option and also added a secular pledge. Councillor Warren’s council last year voted to replace its prayer ritual with a moment of silent reflection. 

SHOW NOTES
The Rationalist Society of Australia is campaigning for state and federal parliaments, and local councils, to replace prayer rituals with more secular and inclusive practices. See our campaign page here. 

In February this year, 21 councillors from across Victoria sent a joint letter to the state government opposing the practice of including prayer rituals as part of formal proceedings in local government meetings. Read more here.

In November last year, councillors at the City of Clarence voted overwhelmingly to replace prayer rituals with a moment of silence reflection. Read more here.

The theme music of the Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, you can become a member or make a donation on our website.

]]> Why councillors are pushing to replace prayer rituals with more secular and inclusive practices Si Gladman 00:27:48 This episode explores the growing momentum at the level of local governments across Australia for prayer rituals to be replaced with more secular and inclusive practices. The episode features interviews with two councillors – Suzy Stojanovic (1:50) from the Maroondah City Council in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs in Victoria, and Beth Warren (16:18) from the City of Clarence in the greater Hobart area in Tasmania. Earlier this year, Councillor Stojanovic was among 21 councillors who signed a joint letter to the state government opposing prayer rituals in council meetings. Last year, her council moved towards having a multi-faith option and also added a secular pledge. Councillor Warren’s council last year voted to replace its prayer ritual with a moment of silent reflection. This episode explores the growing momentum at the level of local governments across Australia for prayer rituals to be replaced with more secular and inclusive practices. The episode features interviews with two councillors – Suzy Stojanovic (1:50) from the Maroondah City Council in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs in Victoria, and Beth Warren (16:18) from the City of Clarence in the greater Hobart area in Tasmania. Earlier this year, Councillor Stojanovic was among 21 councillors who signed a joint letter to the state government opposing prayer rituals in council meetings. Last year, her council moved towards having a multi-faith option and also added a secular pledge. Councillor Warren’s council last year voted to replace its prayer ritual with a moment of silent reflection. false full 8 56ee84cb-140e-495d-9ff4-46cd80d89213 RSA Webinar Highlights: Making our public schools secular / Better mental health support for schoolchildren Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We’re now sharing highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast.

In this episode, we hear from: Jack Galvin Waight (1:42), Regional Organiser for the New South Wales Teachers Federation; and Dr Marilyn Campbell (23:20), an educational psychologist at the Queensland University of Technology.

As guest speaker at our July 2022 webinar, Mr Galvin Waight – author of the 2022 report, 'Teaching not preaching: Making our public schools secular' – spoke on the topic, 'Making our public schools secular'. You can watch the full webinar here on our YouTube channel.

In February 2022, Dr Campbell spoke on the topic, 'Providing better mental health support for schoolchildren'. This podcast episode focuses on the discussion at the Q&A section of the webinar, when Dr Campbell addressed questions about the National School Chaplaincy Program. You can watch the full webinar here on our YouTube channel.

Find out more about upcoming RSA Webinars or past ones here on our website

]]> Fri, 3 Feb 2023 04:57:18 +0000 admin@rationalist.com.au (Si Gladman) https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com/episodes/rsa-webinar-highlights-making-our-public-schools-secular-better-mental-health-support-for-schoolchildren-tTi0R4d4 Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We’re now sharing highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast.

In this episode, we hear from: Jack Galvin Waight (1:42), Regional Organiser for the New South Wales Teachers Federation; and Dr Marilyn Campbell (23:20), an educational psychologist at the Queensland University of Technology.

As guest speaker at our July 2022 webinar, Mr Galvin Waight – author of the 2022 report, 'Teaching not preaching: Making our public schools secular' – spoke on the topic, 'Making our public schools secular'. You can watch the full webinar here on our YouTube channel.

In February 2022, Dr Campbell spoke on the topic, 'Providing better mental health support for schoolchildren'. This podcast episode focuses on the discussion at the Q&A section of the webinar, when Dr Campbell addressed questions about the National School Chaplaincy Program. You can watch the full webinar here on our YouTube channel.

Find out more about upcoming RSA Webinars or past ones here on our website

]]> RSA Webinar Highlights: Making our public schools secular / Better mental health support for schoolchildren Si Gladman 00:40:01 Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We’re now sharing highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast. In this episode, we hear from: Jack Galvin Waight (1:42), Regional Organiser for the New South Wales Teachers Federation; and Dr Marilyn Campbell (23:20), an educational psychologist at the Queensland University of Technology. As guest speaker at our July 2022 webinar, Mr Galvin Waight – author of the 2022 report, 'Teaching not preaching: Making our public schools secular' – spoke on the topic, 'Making our public schools secular'. In February 2022, Dr Campbell spoke on the topic, 'Providing better mental health support for schoolchildren'. This podcast episode focuses on the discussion at the Q&A section of the webinar, when Dr Campbell addressed questions about the National School Chaplaincy Program. Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest. We’re now sharing highlights of our past webinars here on this podcast. In this episode, we hear from: Jack Galvin Waight (1:42), Regional Organiser for the New South Wales Teachers Federation; and Dr Marilyn Campbell (23:20), an educational psychologist at the Queensland University of Technology. As guest speaker at our July 2022 webinar, Mr Galvin Waight – author of the 2022 report, 'Teaching not preaching: Making our public schools secular' – spoke on the topic, 'Making our public schools secular'. In February 2022, Dr Campbell spoke on the topic, 'Providing better mental health support for schoolchildren'. This podcast episode focuses on the discussion at the Q&A section of the webinar, when Dr Campbell addressed questions about the National School Chaplaincy Program. school chaplaincy false full 7 21364b19-21f1-41d2-9a48-43290fad6bb0 RSA Webinar Highlights: Truth in political advertising / Misinformation and new extremes Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest – and beyond just matters of secularism.

Over coming weeks, on this podcast we’ll be sharing the highlights of our webinars from the past year or so.

In this episode, we hear from: Bill Browne (1:50), Senior Researcher in the Democracy and Accountability Program at The Australia Institute; and Dr Vivian Gerrand (30:00), Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University.

As guest speaker at our May 2022 webinar, Mr Browne presented on the topic, ‘The momentum for truth in political advertising laws’. You can watch the full episode here on our YouTube channel.

In March 2022, Dr Gerrand spoke on the topic, ‘Misinformation and the rise of new extremes in Australia’. You can watch the full episode here on our YouTube channel.

Find out more about upcoming RSA Webinars or past ones here on our website

]]> Mon, 16 Jan 2023 10:24:58 +0000 admin@rationalist.com.au (Si Gladman) https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com/episodes/rsa-webinar-highlights-truth-in-political-advertising-misinformation-and-new-extremes-37X1yi0Z Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest – and beyond just matters of secularism.

Over coming weeks, on this podcast we’ll be sharing the highlights of our webinars from the past year or so.

In this episode, we hear from: Bill Browne (1:50), Senior Researcher in the Democracy and Accountability Program at The Australia Institute; and Dr Vivian Gerrand (30:00), Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University.

As guest speaker at our May 2022 webinar, Mr Browne presented on the topic, ‘The momentum for truth in political advertising laws’. You can watch the full episode here on our YouTube channel.

In March 2022, Dr Gerrand spoke on the topic, ‘Misinformation and the rise of new extremes in Australia’. You can watch the full episode here on our YouTube channel.

Find out more about upcoming RSA Webinars or past ones here on our website

]]> RSA Webinar Highlights: Truth in political advertising / Misinformation and new extremes Si Gladman 00:54:03 Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest – and beyond just matters of secularism. Over coming weeks, on this podcast we’ll be sharing the highlights of our webinars from the past year or so. In this episode, we hear from: Bill Browne (1:50), Senior Researcher in the Democracy and Accountability Program at The Australia Institute; and Dr Vivian Gerrand (30:00), Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University. As guest speaker at our May 2022 webinar, Mr Browne presented on the topic, ‘The momentum for truth in political advertising laws’. In March 2022, Dr Gerrand spoke on the topic, ‘Misinformation and the rise of new extremes in Australia’. Each month, the Rationalist Society of Australia hosts a webinar, with a guest speaker, or speakers, presenting on a topic of interest – and beyond just matters of secularism. Over coming weeks, on this podcast we’ll be sharing the highlights of our webinars from the past year or so. In this episode, we hear from: Bill Browne (1:50), Senior Researcher in the Democracy and Accountability Program at The Australia Institute; and Dr Vivian Gerrand (30:00), Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University. As guest speaker at our May 2022 webinar, Mr Browne presented on the topic, ‘The momentum for truth in political advertising laws’. In March 2022, Dr Gerrand spoke on the topic, ‘Misinformation and the rise of new extremes in Australia’. truth in political advertising, extremism, misinformation false full 6 19acfd36-4744-4e6d-80d7-244f46c292d8 Will schools have a real choice in the revised National School Chaplaincy Program? This episode explores the question of whether public schools will have a real choice of a  secular option under the federal government’s revised National School Chaplaincy Program. From the WA Public Schools Alliance, Rosemary Lynch (01:43) shares insights into what has been happening in Western Australia, including the push by Parents & Citizens groups for governments to remove the religious requirement for the chaplaincy roles. From Victoria, former primary school principal and now councillor at the City of Port Phillip, Peter Martin (13:22), talks about his school’s opposition to the religious nature of the program and how it made alternative arrangements to secure secular youth workers.

The Rationalist Society of Australia is campaigning for the discriminatory hiring practices to be removed from the National School Chaplaincy Program. See our campaign page and catch up on the latest articles here. 

In July, the RSA reported that the Maylands Peninsula Primary School’s Parents & Citizens (P&C) group had held a survey of its school community, which overwhelmingly voted to remove religious-based discrimination in the hiring practices of school chaplaincy positions. Read more here.

In September, the RSA reported on how all of Western Australia's P&C groups rejected the current federal and state model of funding religious chaplains through religious labour-hire firms. Read more here.

The theme music of the Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, you can become a member or make a donation on our website.

]]> Thu, 8 Dec 2022 06:38:45 +0000 admin@rationalist.com.au (Si Gladman) https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com/episodes/will-schools-have-a-real-choice-in-the-revised-national-school-chaplaincy-program-36286VIO This episode explores the question of whether public schools will have a real choice of a  secular option under the federal government’s revised National School Chaplaincy Program. From the WA Public Schools Alliance, Rosemary Lynch (01:43) shares insights into what has been happening in Western Australia, including the push by Parents & Citizens groups for governments to remove the religious requirement for the chaplaincy roles. From Victoria, former primary school principal and now councillor at the City of Port Phillip, Peter Martin (13:22), talks about his school’s opposition to the religious nature of the program and how it made alternative arrangements to secure secular youth workers.

The Rationalist Society of Australia is campaigning for the discriminatory hiring practices to be removed from the National School Chaplaincy Program. See our campaign page and catch up on the latest articles here. 

In July, the RSA reported that the Maylands Peninsula Primary School’s Parents & Citizens (P&C) group had held a survey of its school community, which overwhelmingly voted to remove religious-based discrimination in the hiring practices of school chaplaincy positions. Read more here.

In September, the RSA reported on how all of Western Australia's P&C groups rejected the current federal and state model of funding religious chaplains through religious labour-hire firms. Read more here.

The theme music of the Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, you can become a member or make a donation on our website.

]]> Will schools have a real choice in the revised National School Chaplaincy Program? Si Gladman 00:28:42 This episode explores the question of whether public schools will have a real choice of a  secular option under the federal government’s revised National School Chaplaincy Program. From the WA Public Schools Alliance, Rosemary Lynch (01:43) shares insights into what has been happening in Western Australia, including the push by Parents & Citizens groups for governments to remove the religious requirement for the chaplaincy roles. From Victoria, former primary school principal and now councillor at the City of Port Phillip, Peter Martin (13:22), talks about his school’s opposition to the religious nature of the program and how it made alternative arrangements to secure secular youth workers. This episode explores the question of whether public schools will have a real choice of a  secular option under the federal government’s revised National School Chaplaincy Program. From the WA Public Schools Alliance, Rosemary Lynch (01:43) shares insights into what has been happening in Western Australia, including the push by Parents & Citizens groups for governments to remove the religious requirement for the chaplaincy roles. From Victoria, former primary school principal and now councillor at the City of Port Phillip, Peter Martin (13:22), talks about his school’s opposition to the religious nature of the program and how it made alternative arrangements to secure secular youth workers. national school chaplaincy program, chaplaincy false full 5 321bb3e5-6f85-43e6-8646-433b9d1429c0 Religion in the military: Former top Navy chaplain ‘forced out’ of Defence Force In this episode, former Navy top chaplain Collin Acton OAM speaks of being “forced out” of the Australian Defence Force for publicly advocating for reform of the military’s religious-based pastoral care and wellbeing support provided to service personnel. Earlier this year, the taxpayer-funded Religious Advisory Committee to the Services (RACS) – consisting of religious clerics – complained to the Chief of Defence Force about a media appearance by Collin on ABC radio. As Director-General of Navy Chaplaincy in 2020, Collin was instrumental in having secular wellbeing officer roles introduced for the first time into the Navy’s chaplaincy branch to help meet the needs of non-religious personnel. The majority of ADF personnel identify as not religious.

The Rationalist Society of Australia is campaigning for reform of the religious-based chaplaincy model in the Australian Defence Force. See our campaign page here. 

In April this year, Collin Acton was interviewed for ABC Radio’s ‘Conversations’ program. Listen to the interview here.

The theme music of the Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, you can become a member or make a donation on our website.

]]> Tue, 18 Oct 2022 01:34:48 +0000 admin@rationalist.com.au (Si Gladman) https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com/episodes/religion-in-the-military-former-top-navy-chaplain-forced-out-of-defence-force-xpPXV2_X In this episode, former Navy top chaplain Collin Acton OAM speaks of being “forced out” of the Australian Defence Force for publicly advocating for reform of the military’s religious-based pastoral care and wellbeing support provided to service personnel. Earlier this year, the taxpayer-funded Religious Advisory Committee to the Services (RACS) – consisting of religious clerics – complained to the Chief of Defence Force about a media appearance by Collin on ABC radio. As Director-General of Navy Chaplaincy in 2020, Collin was instrumental in having secular wellbeing officer roles introduced for the first time into the Navy’s chaplaincy branch to help meet the needs of non-religious personnel. The majority of ADF personnel identify as not religious.

The Rationalist Society of Australia is campaigning for reform of the religious-based chaplaincy model in the Australian Defence Force. See our campaign page here. 

In April this year, Collin Acton was interviewed for ABC Radio’s ‘Conversations’ program. Listen to the interview here.

The theme music of the Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, you can become a member or make a donation on our website.

]]> Religion in the military: Former top Navy chaplain ‘forced out’ of Defence Force Si Gladman 00:28:17 In this episode, former Navy top chaplain Collin Acton OAM speaks of being “forced out” of the Australian Defence Force for publicly advocating for reform of the military’s religious-based pastoral care and wellbeing support provided to service personnel. Earlier this year, the taxpayer-funded Religious Advisory Committee to the Services (RACS) – consisting of religious clerics – complained to the Chief of Defence Force about a media appearance by Collin on ABC radio. As Director-General of Navy Chaplaincy in 2020, Collin was instrumental in having secular wellbeing officer roles introduced for the first time into the Navy’s chaplaincy branch to help meet the needs of non-religious personnel. The majority of ADF personnel identify as not religious. In this episode, former Navy top chaplain Collin Acton OAM speaks of being “forced out” of the Australian Defence Force for publicly advocating for reform of the military’s religious-based pastoral care and wellbeing support provided to service personnel. Earlier this year, the taxpayer-funded Religious Advisory Committee to the Services (RACS) – consisting of religious clerics – complained to the Chief of Defence Force about a media appearance by Collin on ABC radio. As Director-General of Navy Chaplaincy in 2020, Collin was instrumental in having secular wellbeing officer roles introduced for the first time into the Navy’s chaplaincy branch to help meet the needs of non-religious personnel. The majority of ADF personnel identify as not religious. royal australian navy, chaplaincy, australian defence force false full 4 74716b51-e7ca-439e-869d-d4114eb3c0a4 School chaplaincy: A former chaplain speaks out The Rationalist Society of Australia is campaigning for reform to the National School Chaplaincy Program. See our campaign page here. 

In April this year, Caragh Larsen raised her concerns about the school chaplaincy program in this article by The Guardian.

The theme music of the Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, you can become a member or make a donation on our website.

]]> Mon, 12 Sep 2022 01:24:42 +0000 admin@rationalist.com.au (Si Gladman) https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com/episodes/school-chaplaincy-a-former-chaplain-speaks-out-toiqIDQi The Rationalist Society of Australia is campaigning for reform to the National School Chaplaincy Program. See our campaign page here. 

In April this year, Caragh Larsen raised her concerns about the school chaplaincy program in this article by The Guardian.

The theme music of the Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer.

To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, you can become a member or make a donation on our website.

]]> School chaplaincy: A former chaplain speaks out Si Gladman 00:18:21 In this episode, we hear from a former school chaplain who blew the whistle about the National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) earlier this year. In April, Caragh Larsen raised a number of concerns about the school chaplaincy program in the media. She alleged that Schools Ministry Group (SMG) – South Australia’s largest chaplaincy provider – imposed a code of conduct that could discriminate against staff based on relationship status and sexual conduct. She also raised concerns about proselytising. In this episode, we hear from a former school chaplain who blew the whistle about the National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) earlier this year. In April, Caragh Larsen raised a number of concerns about the school chaplaincy program in the media. She alleged that Schools Ministry Group (SMG) – South Australia’s largest chaplaincy provider – imposed a code of conduct that could discriminate against staff based on relationship status and sexual conduct. She also raised concerns about proselytising. national school chaplaincy program, school chaplains false full 3 767541c4-41ea-4a28-b223-b775bff42c39 Prayers in government: The case of Shoalhaven council The Rationalist Society of Australia is campaigning for prayer rituals in parliaments and councils to be replaced with more inclusive practices. See our campaign page here. 

If want you see prayer rituals replaced with more inclusive practices, please sign this change.org petition by Meredith Doig, president of the Rationalist Society of Australia.

The theme music of the Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer. This episode also features 'Pensive' by Shimmer.

To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, you can become a member or make a donation on our website.

 

]]> Fri, 15 Jul 2022 07:02:51 +0000 admin@rationalist.com.au (Si Gladman) https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com/episodes/prayers-in-government-the-case-of-shoalhaven-council-xrYhsUvh The Rationalist Society of Australia is campaigning for prayer rituals in parliaments and councils to be replaced with more inclusive practices. See our campaign page here. 

If want you see prayer rituals replaced with more inclusive practices, please sign this change.org petition by Meredith Doig, president of the Rationalist Society of Australia.

The theme music of the Secular Agenda podcast is called 'Curiosity', and it's by Shimmer. This episode also features 'Pensive' by Shimmer.

To support the work of the Rationalist Society of Australia, you can become a member or make a donation on our website.

 

]]> Prayers in government: The case of Shoalhaven council Si Gladman 00:19:44 This episode looks at the issue of reciting Christian prayers as part of official government proceedings, especially in local councils. We hear from Kaye Gartner, a former councillor of the Shoalhaven City Council, and the current mayor, Amanda Findley. In 2020, controversy erupted over the prayer issue at the council in New South Wales. This episode looks at the issue of reciting Christian prayers as part of official government proceedings, especially in local councils. We hear from Kaye Gartner, a former councillor of the Shoalhaven City Council, and the current mayor, Amanda Findley. In 2020, controversy erupted over the prayer issue at the council in New South Wales. true full 2 173f41ca-ab43-4c4b-a0c1-a2b086c2c689 Religious-based discrimination in school chaplaincy Fri, 17 Jun 2022 03:49:05 +0000 admin@rationalist.com.au (Si Gladman) https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com/episodes/religious-based-discrimination-in-school-chaplaincy-193DFYul Religious-based discrimination in school chaplaincy Si Gladman 00:16:57 This episode looks at the religious-based discrimination in the National School Chaplaincy Program that prevents non-religious people from becoming chaplains. We hear from two people who wanted to work in the taxpayer-funded roles but could not because of their lack of religious belief. In Western Australia, retired school principal Karen Garn-Jones lodged a complaint with the state’s Equal Opportunity Commission last year. In Victoria, Juliette Armstrong took her case to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, where a settlement was reached. This episode looks at the religious-based discrimination in the National School Chaplaincy Program that prevents non-religious people from becoming chaplains. We hear from two people who wanted to work in the taxpayer-funded roles but could not because of their lack of religious belief. In Western Australia, retired school principal Karen Garn-Jones lodged a complaint with the state’s Equal Opportunity Commission last year. In Victoria, Juliette Armstrong took her case to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, where a settlement was reached. false full 1 a232ed73-76ff-4b61-858c-60cc7ebd3ef7 Introduction Mon, 13 Jun 2022 14:12:46 +0000 admin@rationalist.com.au (Si Gladman) https://secular-agenda.simplecast.com/episodes/introduction-spyI637X Introduction Si Gladman 00:01:53 This is an introduction to the Secular Agenda podcast, by the Rationalist Society of Australia. The host is Si Gladman, Campaigns and Communications Coordinator for the Rationalist Society of Australia. The theme music is titled 'Curiosity' by Shimmer. This is an introduction to the Secular Agenda podcast, by the Rationalist Society of Australia. The host is Si Gladman, Campaigns and Communications Coordinator for the Rationalist Society of Australia. The theme music is titled 'Curiosity' by Shimmer. false trailer