IF A prayer and acknowledgement of country are now accepted across state and federal governments why not local government according to a group of Wonthaggi residents.
A petition to Bass Coast Shire Council to reinstate the Lord’s Prayer has collected nearly two hundred signatures urging local councillors to restore the practice.
Bass Coast Council opens its meetings with a Statement of Acknowledgement.
“We acknowledge the Bunurong as the traditional owners and custodians of the lands and waters, and pay respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.”
South Gippsland Shire adopted an updated Council Meeting Prayer in 2023 to be read at the start of each Council Meeting after it had not been updated for over ten years.
“As we gather here from diverse backgrounds and beliefs, may we hold privilege with good care and trust. As we deliberate and discuss, may we be wise in our discernment, fair in our decisions and visionary in our planning. May we be guided by our common goal of a strong and united South Gippsland.”
The prayer is then followed by an acknowledgement of traditional custodians.
“We acknowledge the Bunurong and Gunaikurnai people as the traditional custodians of South Gippsland and pay respect to their Elders, past, present, and future, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture, and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia.”
The Lord’s Prayer was removed from Bass Coast Shire Council’s order of business in 2014 in a move many locals believed reflected anti-Christian sentiment.
The petitioners claim the Lord’s Prayer has been read at the opening of both Houses of the Victorian Parliament since 1857 as a solemn reminder of the responsibility borne by elected representatives to serve with integrity and humility.
Supporters of the petition to Bass Coast Council argue the Lord’s Prayer themes of forgiveness, guidance, and provision are inclusive in nature and transcend individual beliefs.
The residents claim the recitation of the prayer serves as a unifying tradition that reflects the democratic values of service and accountability.
Wonthaggi resident Karen Thorp said the newly elected Bass Coast Council now had an opportunity to reinstate the Lord’s Prayer.
“It’s a prayer of blessing with themes of forgiveness and guidance,” said Mrs Thorp.
Mrs Thorp said the Lord’s Prayer was not at odds with non-Christian beliefs.
“Welcome to Country should not be a replacement for the Lord’s Prayer,” she said.
“This is our strong heritage.
“It has a lot of benefits.”
The petition by Bass Cost residents calling for the reinstatement of The Lord’s Prayer will be tabled at this week's meeting of Bass Coast Shire Council on October 8.