Political conservatism increasingly trades in grievance and division, while neglecting the environment, equality, democracy, intergenerational responsibility and the social bonds that genuinely deserve conserving.
In 1987 I chaired the Archbishop of Brisbane’s Social Issues Commission. In this capacity I challenged the lack of accountability and overreach of the Bjelke-Petersen government in its treatment of workers’ rights, and the polarisation of the community emanating either from its incompetence or its intent. I claimed that, rather than addressing issues, governmental incompetence led to black-and-white definitions of those who challenged: if you care for the poor, you are a socialist; if you desire peace, you are a communist; if you desire to protect the environment for future generations, you are anti-enterprise.
The premier called me a “far-out socialist”, suggesting I should leave Queensland for one of those socialist states where I would pay much higher taxes! There was considerable coverage of this entertaining engagement in national newspapers, including the editorial in the Sydney Morning Herald. It was one of several occasions when the values of Christianity were encouraged and lauded in public debate.
I recall this period for two reasons. First, to make the sad observation that Christian values, relating to justice, equity, fairness, equality and the sacredness of the natural order, are seldom heard in the public square, and certainly not generally encouraged by a sceptical public. This makes the statements of Pope Leo so important. This Sunday the Gospel reading includes the enigmatic story of the wedding guest who was not wearing the right clothes. I ask myself, what clothes are we Christians wearing when we sing our hymns and practise our piety, but are apparently deaf to the cries of the world’s anguish.
But even more importantly, the polarisation of the current era, together with the perceived incompetence of government to address fundamental issues, seems more acute than it did then.
Polarisation on the right of politics is clearly intentional. It ferments grievance to gain power. However, it would not be successful without perceived inaction or incompetence in governance.
Cost of living and migration are not the issues that need to be addressed. They impinge upon the main issues, but they are not the main issues.
The main issues are:
- Climate change
- Generational inequity
- Expanding public debt
- Growing population inequality
- Weakening of democracy through the intersection of wealth and power.
- Privatisation of public assets
Those on the right of politics are used to describing themselves as conservatives. Conservatives conserve. What is it that those on the right of politics see themselves as conserving? I won’t hazard a guess.
I do not particularly like the term progressive and certainly do not covet that description for myself. I am happy to be called a conservative and happy to articulate what I am committed to conserving.
Environment I am thoroughly committed to the sacredness, beauty and diversity of the natural order, and the vocation of humanity to be stewards. I wholeheartedly accept we are part of that order, not above or apart from it. In the face of accelerating human-induced global warming and climate change, addressing this issue must be a primary consideration in all human investment and decision-making.
Intergenerational responsibility All human activity must be entered into with the welfare of the next seven generations front of mind. That is clearly not the case. It is not the case for the next, let alone the next seven. Elections are held, won or lost, on the promises of any potential government to scratch the populace where it is itching in the immediate future. My generation leaves its children, but more particularly its grandchildren, with the probability that their standard of living will be less than ours.
Debt Indebtedness is a form of slavery, slavery to those who are the lenders. Usury was forbidden for Christians for 1.5 millennia. The year 2000 saw the jubilee project, the forgiving of debt to the poorest nations on earth. These were the countries whose interest payments were larger than their budgets for health and education amongst their people. Growing public debt places the same strictures on future generations in countries such as our own.
Power and wealth A cohesive society is one in which “none have too much and none have too little”. This is clearly not the case in societies across the world, alike in autocracies and democracies. This is not simply about who has food and who does not, who has a bed and who does not; it is about who has power and who does not. Wealth and power are Siamese twins; they are inseparable. Unfortunately, power is now in the hands of fewer people. While Australia’s situation may not be as bad as many, the power of wealthy lobby groups such as the gambling industry and the Zionist lobby is painfully obvious, as is the influence of people like Gina Rinehart, who bankrolls One Nation.
Human equality All lives are equal, and those whose experience is otherwise must be given safety. Australia’s moral responsibility towards the world’s refugees is only going to grow in intensity. The answer to “what kind of nation are we”, or “what kind of nation do we want to be”, is going to be framed by our response to this issue as much as any other.
It will not be surprising to hear that this list is not an arbitrary collection of personal conservative commitments but arises out of what I understand to be a Christian ethic.
Those on the right of politics who like to be known as Christians need to declare what it is they seek to conserve.
George Browning was Anglican Bishop of Canberra Goulburn 1993 – 2008. He was President of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network 2013 – 2022. He is now its Patron. He is also Patron of Palestinian Christians in Australia, and of the Palestinian ecumenical liberation theology centre -Sabeel.