POSITIONAL STATEMENT

Human rights and the denial of them is a major issue of concern for this Foundation.

We come from a Christian theology which believes all human beings are God’s children, that all are equal in the sight of God and that all people should be able to live with basic human rights. Furthermore, we believe that Christians have an unalienable obligation to actively campaign for human rights. (For examples refer to Matt 22 v 39; Matt 25 v 31:46; Luke 10 v 30:37)

We accept that all Christians do not hold these views, including some who are in positions of great power.

We accept that there are people of other faiths who hold similar views and that there are people not associated with any recognized faith who also hold the same views about the human rights of all people.

We believe that the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights Preamble opening paragraph summarizes our position:

“Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world…”

In campaigning for human rights it is inevitable that nations, groups and individuals are criticized, but in criticizing:

* Australia’s treatment of indigenous people and individuals such as David Hicks - we are not being un-Australian; 
* USA’s invasion of IRAQ - we are not anti-American or anti-Protestant; 
* Israel’s treatment of Palestinians - we are not anti-Semitic; 
* Indonesia’s treatment of West Papuans - we are not anti-Muslim; 
* China’s treatment of Tibetans - we are not anti-Communist or anti-Capitalist 
* Philippines Government’s many human rights abuses - we are not anti-Catholic.

In this 21st century, in our multi-cultural and multi-faith world, our unique global village, there is need to:

* use our God-given brains and knowledge to understand the mystery of life, guided by God's word as contained in the Scriptures; and 
* to understand how Christians can, without compromising their own core beliefs, be tolerant of others' beliefs.

Of course, in claiming the right to challenge or criticize others' actions and concepts we should also be ready to be criticized – and we trust we are.