In what may come as a surprise, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is now prohibiting Christian soldiers from practising their faith, even when not in uniform or on duty. It was certainly a surprise to me — not so much because I have served this nation while being a practising Catholic for more than 16 years, but because it was written in black and white in a letter from the Chief of Defence Force (CDF), General David Hurley. It was titled Notice to Show Cause for Termination of Appointment.
These are the exact words that the highest-ranking military officer in Australia signed off on last August:
“I respect your religious beliefs and your right to have, and express, opinions contrary to ADF and Government policy. However your public articulation of these matters whilst a member of the Army Reserve, whether or not you are on duty, or in uniform, undermine my confidence in your ability to uphold the values of the Australian Army and your effectiveness as a leader in today’s Army.”
In a more recent letter, the CDF stated that he accepted I had served well since 1997 in both permanent and part-time capacities. He also acknowledged that I had performed well on operations, received the US Meritorious Service Medal, was a competent officer with Arabic skills, reported well, was cordial in the workplace and had been cleared by Defence in both administrative and disciplinary investigations.
Unfortunately, it was in a letter titled Termination of Service Decision. In it, the CDF concluded my retention was not in the Army’s interests.
My crime was not to perform badly in the workplace. In fact, the ADF has not allowed me to participate in any Defence activities for a year because the leadership believe my personal political activities to protect the right of Christian schools not to hire homosexual teachers are offensive. Therein lies my sin: I have offended the Defence Force Gay and Lesbian Information Service (DEFGLIS).
Full article at Quadrant Online.
Click here for a selection of other articles on the ADF’s overt attack on Christianity.
March 4, 2014
To remove an Officer’s Commission, it having been granted by Her Majesty the Queen, is known as ‘Cashiering” a punishment normally awarded following conviction for a capital offence by a Military Court Marshall. To the best of my knowledge there is no scope for such a punishment to be administered summarily. What Her Excellent Majesty the Queen has granted, only Her Majesty can withdraw. Without doubt there is no authority which can deny an officer the right of an appeal against what basically constitutes an illegal punishment. General Hurley has well and truly overstepped his authority.
I imagine that Her Royal Majesty, as Head of the Church of England and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces would be appalled at the actions taken by General Hurley, he should resign.
John Goldsworthy
Flight Lieutenant, Admin, Retired
Royal Australian Air Force.
January 31, 2014
I wonder if they would allow a party of soldiers to attend a pro-life rally in poly’s. After all isn’t one of the implied tasks of the defence force to preserve the life of our citizen, albeit unborn. i dare say no. Given that my OC was part of that disgrace and quoted in issue of the Army Newspaper last year front paging the parade, my morale and confidence in the Chief of Army and the ADF continues to wane.
February 2, 2014
I reckon that maybe if we found a sympathetic QC this termination notice would possibly prove enlightening at a High Court and would possibly be another type of embarrassment for the government. I don’t know what the Defence Association thinks on this matter but they seem too inclined to not rock the boat. The BS outrages projected publicly from military hierarchy about alleged ADFA scandals seems to be at odds when it sure is overwhelming in its support from the “Brass” when queers and muslims are concerned. I also want to know the truth about queer senior officers and others getting sex changes financed on the Defence medical system. And of course the mischievous meddling of the Defence “culture” and related social engineering conducted by ex minister Smith in cahoots with his lesbian offsider Penny Wong whispering in his ear. We need to call these grubs out and then put them back in the proper slot they belong in.