Brighton church stands with Jewish community
Fr Morrison said the sign reflected commitment to of social cohesion that he believed most Australians shared.
A prominent Brighton Anglican church has drawn widespread praise after displaying a sign reading “Let Australian Jews Live in Peace” on its Church Street frontage.
Father Ian Morrison of St Andrews Anglican Church said the sign was his idea, backed by the parish council, and was inspired by the church’s existing relationship with a synagogue in South Caulfield.
“It seems often we’re too quiet about stating the obvious, and it’s the loudest drum that gets the most publicity,” he told the Australian Jewish News.
The sign was first displayed for about four months last year before being taken down.
It was reinstated following the Bondi massacre at Chanukah.
Fr Morrison said the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.
“[We got] lots of emails from strangers just thanking us for having the sign,” he said.
He said there has been no negative reaction.
“Not a bad word has been said. Everything has been positive.”
Fr Morrison said the sign reflected commitment to of social cohesion that he believed most Australians shared.
“All people of faith, whatever that faith may be, should be entitled to exercise their faith here. That’s what freedom of religion is about,” he said.
He said the church did not seek to interrogate other people’s political views about events in other countries, but that everyone living in Australia was entitled to live in peace.
“It’s not about what happens elsewhere. It’s about people being able to live here peacefully.”
Fr Morrison acknowledged it was unfortunate that such a sign was needed at all.
“It’s unfortunate that people come to Australia and bring their problems from other places with them,” he said.
He said the sign occupied a prominent position on Church Street and the parish felt it was important to use that visibility to reaffirm its support.
Fr Morrison expressed hope that the sign would encourage Australians to live together peacefully.
“I just hope that reminding people of that helps with people living peacefully here,” he said.