If you’re anything like me, you get really frustrated seeing how our side of politics seems to be constantly tripping over ourselves.
After years of running the Australian Christian Lobby, heading up the marriage campaign and advocating for Christian values, I’ve got to tell you the biggest thing holding our movement back is our own ability to get in the way.
Taking fire from the radical left, from the LGBTI activists and the so-called mainstream media is the easy bit.
It’s like water off a duck’s back.
But friendly fire, unforced errors, a lack of vision and strategic thinking are what has held our movement back for decades.
Too often it’s ourselves that let us down.
I’m sure you’ve got lots of questions about last week’s news from the Christian Democratic Party.
That’s why I want to let you know what you can do to take the next step to ensure we have an even stronger Christian voice in parliament.
But first, let me share some updates with you that I hope will encourage your soul.
I want you to know that it’s not all doom and gloom.
In fact, in just the last few months we have seen some incredible green shoots.
A movement is growing of Christians who want to be salt and light in the world of politics.
People who will stand up for faith, life and family.
Together we have raised a much-needed voice against:
- The ABC promoting drag queens to kids;
- Radical gender-fluid ideologies being promoted to kids in school;
- The wokeification of the National Curriculum airbrushing Christianity out of history lessons; and
- The Wiggles introducing non-binary characters and gender fluid ideology to kids.
In just a few months, these campaigns have been signed by thousands of Christians.
This is the beginning of something big in our nation.
Christians are raising their voices to protect children’s innocence in a way the Christian Democratic Party has never seen before.
I am so grateful for bold and courageous supporters like you who have made a stand against these dangerous ideologies.
Your voice is growing, and it is being heard.
By God’s grace, and thanks to generous supporters like you, the thirty-three thousand, four hundred dollar June target to build a campaign war chest was completely smashed.
700 generous donors gave over one hundred and twenty thousand dollars to get our campaign for a stronger Christian voice off to a cracking start.
This is an incredible result, and it just goes to show what you and I can achieve – through Christ’s power – when we work together.
In fact, this result is nothing if not miraculous.
This isn’t just a phenomenal result for the Christian Democratic Party, it’s the sort of thing that is unheard of even in the Liberal Party.
Together, we are well and truly punching above our weight.
You and I could not have hoped for a better start to this campaign.
I am so grateful for the part you have played in this success.
Which brings me to last week’s news.
As I’m sure you’ve heard by now, Rev Nile has withdrawn his endorsement of me as his successor in parliament.
Obviously, this is a big personal disappointment for me.
But, as I’ve heard from hundreds of you in just the last few days, I know how disappointing this news has been for you.
So many people were relieved to learn that there was a succession plan in place for the Christian Democratic Party.
They wanted to know that the CDP would build on Fred’s legacy.
Not only that, but as many of you know, the CDP has for years been plagued by the most un-Christian infighting and factionalism.
In fact, many people have reminded me that this is just the latest in a long series of fallings out that have occurred over decades in the CDP.
This infighting has resulted in numerous court cases, and it’s meant the party has been focused on itself, rather than focusing on speaking up for Christian issues in the parliament.
We all know that a house divided cannot stand.
Many people sincerely hoped that generational change would put an end to the fighting.
Let me be clear, the future of the CDP should not be about personalities or egos.
This is about building a movement of Christians who want to graciously and powerfully speak into the life of our nation.
So, what’s next?
Well, that’s a very important question.
I know that many of you are upset.
You’ve got every right to feel hurt about the way things have panned out.
So many people have emailed me or commented on social media saying you want to cancel your party membership.
But now is not the time to walk away from Australia’s only Christian party with parliamentary representation.
If anything, the events of the last week have shown us just how important it is that we continue to fight for the future of our party.
If you’re a member of the CDP, I want to encourage you to renew your membership.
Important decisions will soon be made about the CDP’s direction and leadership.
As you know, the party is currently in receivership while a special election is organised to choose a new board.
But decisions are made by those who show up.
If you want a say in the future of Australia’s only Christian party, then you need to be a member.
Cancelling your membership cancels your voice.
So I’m here today to ask you to stay the course. The need for a Christian party in Australia has never been greater.
So please, don’t cancel your membership.
Make sure your membership dues are paid and pray that God will grant this party the leadership required to have an even stronger voice in parliament.
And if you’re not yet a member of the Christian Democratic Party, I want to invite you to join me in writing a new chapter for this important political movement.
On this page, you’ll see a link or a button that will take you to the membership form.
As a member of the party, you could have an important impact on the future direction of Australia’s only Christian party with a seat in parliament.
You’ll have an opportunity to play an even bigger role in crucial campaigns defending faith, life and family in Australia.
You may even put your hand up to run for parliament.
But the first step is joining the party.
It’s time to put the infighting and divisions behind us.
Now is the time to look to the future of our party and ensure a strong Christian voice in parliament.
Finally, I want to thank you for your prayers and your words of encouragement.
I can’t tell you want a comfort they have been to me these last few days.
I pray that together, God will use you and me to bring a bold witness to the world of politics in Australia.
So thank you again for your support.
Stay strong.
Don’t cancel your membership – or make sure you renew it.
And if you haven’t yet, please click the link, sign up today, and join me in this important work.
God bless.