Democracy

This service and Jennie's address preceded our Church's AGM on Sunday, 28th November. Jennie chose the topic of Democracy - with reference to our UUA 5th and the 2nd Principles. Evolving historically from the "direct democracy" of ancient Greece, the idea of democracy then morphed into monarchies ruling with "divine right" and later, into representative, parliamentary democracy and responsible Government with rule - in theory - "by the People" - ostensibly - "for the People". 
Drawing on issues drawn from contemporary Australian politics, Jenny describes how Australian democracy is being eroded to the extent that we are in danger of losing it.

Jennie sees hope in "direct democracy" and "sortition" - such as citizen "juries" and how these initiatives might be used to restore the democracy we've lost. Jennie concludes by focusing on today's AGM, the impending election of members of our Church to the CoM and how democratic values are being applied within our church governance.