Romano: Preserving the Church-State Relationship: The Dangers Of A Breakdown In The ACT

Columnist John-Paul Romano Writes About The Serious Concern About A Breakdown Between Church And State...

Laudetur Iesus Christus.

THIS week’s shock decision by the ACT Government to forcibly acquire Calvary Hospital is the most significant infringement upon the Church by the State in the history of the Australian Capital Territory. The decision leaves open the question, if this, then what else? Which commercial contracts are open to forcible termination, and which institutions are open to forcible acquisition by this Government?

The issue of the ACT Government's proposed acquisition of the Calvary Hospital from the Catholic Church raises serious questions about the appropriate relationship between Church and State. This article will outline the inherent dangers in such an action, arguing that the move is not only improper but also infringes on the long-standing relationship between Church and State.

One must also suspect that the timing of this decision is linked to the ACT Government's disdain that the Catholic hospital would not perform abortions or euthanasia, as highlighted by a recent, Green-led parliamentary inquiry into the access to abortion in the ACT, which had scathing words about abortion access at Calvary Hospital.

The Calvary Hospital, under the auspices of the Catholic Church, has a storied history of providing high-quality healthcare to the residents of Canberra. Its services and ethos are deeply intertwined with the Catholic principles of compassion, dignity, and respect for all human life. Forcibly acquiring this institution would risk eroding these principles that are so central to its operation and identity.

Let us not forget that Calvary Hospital is a women's success story; in 1885, six nuns entered Australia by ship; from there, they founded a charitable organisation that now has over 18,000 staff and almost 100 hospitals and health institutions across most states of Australia. Forcibly taking part of their legacy cannot be a positive outcome, nor can it aid in their legacy as female pioneers of healthcare, especially in women's health and caring for those on the margins, in need and the vulnerable.

On the face of it, the ACT Government may argue that its intentions are rooted in the interest of public welfare. However, the move can be seen as a thinly veiled attempt at expanding state control at the expense of religious institutions. Such an overreach not only disrupts the delicate balance between Church and State but also sets a dangerous precedent for future Government interventions.

Firstly, it is essential to discuss why the forced acquisition of Calvary Hospital is fundamentally wrong. The principle of Church and State separation is foundational to the preservation of religious freedom and diversity within a democratic society. A Government forcibly taking over a religious institution infringes upon this principle. It encroaches upon the autonomy of religious institutions, threatening the plurality that is essential for a vibrant democratic society. The proposed acquisition of the Calvary Hospital is not a matter of mere property transfer; it is a direct assault on the ability of the Catholic Church to carry out its mission within the public sphere.

Secondly, such an action is highly improper. The Catholic Church has not only been a provider of spiritual services but has also been a significant player in the field of health and social services. This contribution is not merely ancillary to the Church's mission but an integral part of its religious exercise. The forced acquisition of Calvary Hospital undervalues this historical contribution and undermines the essential role that faith-based institutions play in our society.

Moreover, the proposed acquisition infringes on the long-established relationship between the Church and State. In Australia, as in many other liberal democracies, the relationship between the Church and State has been characterised by mutual respect and understanding. The State recognises and respects the role of religious institutions in providing essential services, while the Church acknowledges the State's role in maintaining law and order.

This mutual respect forms the basis for a healthy church-state relationship, allowing each to coexist without infringing upon the other's domain. Most unfortunately, the ACT Government's proposed acquisition of the Calvary Hospital disrupts this balance. It sends a message that the State can unilaterally interfere in the affairs of the Church, effectively eroding the mutual respect that underpins the Church-State relationship.

It is also worth noting that such a move may have significant implications for the hospital's ethos and identity. The Catholic ethos of Calvary Hospital is not a mere appendage that can be detached without consequence. On the contrary, it shapes the institution's approach to healthcare, underpinning its commitment to the dignity of the human person, the sanctity of life, and a holistic approach to health. A State takeover threatens to dilute this ethos, potentially transforming the hospital into just another secular institution.

There is a profound need for an open and respectful dialogue between the Church and State, one that recognises and values the unique contributions of each institution. The Government should be a partner with religious institutions in serving the public, rather than an adversary seeking to diminish their role.

The Government's role should be to create a conducive environment for religious institutions to thrive, not to stifle them through forcible acquisitions. This requires a commitment to principles of respect, understanding, and partnership. It also calls for a re-evaluation of the Government's role in a pluralistic society, affirming that a diverse society is not one where religious institutions are sidelined, but one where they are allowed to contribute fully to the common good.

In the case of the Calvary Hospital, the ACT Government should seek to engage with the Catholic Church in a constructive dialogue, looking at ways to support and enhance the hospital's work, rather than seeking to usurp it. This could include partnerships, collaborations, or other forms of support that respect the hospital's Catholic identity, while also serving the public interest.

The potential consequences of the proposed acquisition are too significant to be ignored. If such a move were to proceed, it would not only impact the Calvary Hospital and the Catholic Church, but it could also have far-reaching implications for the broader society. It could signal a shift towards greater state control and less respect for religious freedom and institutional autonomy. This would be a significant loss, not just for the religious community, but for all who value the diversity and richness of our pluralistic society.

In a world where secular and religious spheres often seem to be in conflict, it is more important than ever to affirm the value of a healthy Church-State relationship. This means recognising the unique contributions that each makes to our society and respecting the autonomy of each institution.

The forced acquisition of the Calvary Hospital by the ACT Government is a step in the wrong direction. Instead of promoting mutual respect and collaboration, it fosters division and conflict. It is a move that should be resisted, not just by those directly affected, but by all who value the principles of religious freedom, institutional autonomy, and a healthy Church-State relationship.

This is especially true because the origins of free healthcare as we understand it today have deep roots within the Catholic tradition. The Church's mission to care for the sick and vulnerable led to the establishment of the world's earliest hospitals. At a time when the State showed little interest in providing such services, the Church stepped in, offering care and compassion to those in need. The Catholic Church's commitment to healthcare is not a recent phenomenon but a deeply ingrained part of its mission, and the Calvary Hospital is a testament to this ongoing commitment.

The proposed acquisition of the Calvary Hospital by the ACT Government is not a mere policy decision; it is an unprecedented and egregious incursion into the church-state relationship. Never before in the history of the ACT has the Government sought to acquire a religious institution forcibly. This is a major turning point that could have significant implications for the future of the Church-State relationship in the ACT.

It is also critical to note that around 20% of the ACT population identifies as Catholic. This is not an insignificant number. These are individuals who, in many cases, have a robust attachment to the Catholic Church and its institutions. The Government's proposed acquisition of the Calvary Hospital is likely to resonate deeply with this community, potentially influencing their voting behaviour in the next election. The Government would do well to consider the potential political repercussions of its actions.

Furthermore, the method of forcibly acquiring institutions is more reminiscent of practices in dictatorships or authoritarian countries than in a democratic state. In a democracy, the principle of private property, including that held by religious institutions, is respected and protected. The proposed acquisition of Calvary Hospital is a violation of this principle. The Government's overreach echoes the tactics of authoritarian regimes, where state power is used to suppress or control religious institutions. This is not in keeping with the values of our democratic society, and it sets a dangerous precedent for the future.

In light of these considerations, it is clear that the proposed acquisition of Calvary Hospital by the ACT Government is a significant and troubling development. It undermines the principle of Church-State separation, threatens the autonomy of religious institutions, and risks alienating a significant portion of the ACT population. Accordingly, it is a move that should be met with deep concern and robust opposition from all who value the principles of democracy, religious freedom, and institutional autonomy.

Notwithstanding, the proposed legislation enabling the forcible acquisition of the Calvary Hospital represents a gross misuse of governmental power and a perversion of the lawmaking process. The power to legislate is one of the most potent tools in a democratic government's arsenal, but with it comes an obligation to use that power judiciously, fairly, and in accordance with the principles of justice and democracy. To use legislative power to enable a targeted acquisition of a religious institution is an abuse of that power. It represents a disturbing overreach by the Government into the sphere of religious freedom and institutional autonomy. The law is meant to protect citizens and institutions from arbitrary state action, not to enable it. This proposed legislation not only undermines the sanctity of the Church-State relationship, but also threatens the integrity of our legislative process and the principles of justice and fairness that underpin it.

In conclusion, the proposed acquisition of Calvary Hospital by the ACT Government raises serious concerns. It infringes upon the principle of Church and State separation, undermines the valuable contributions of faith-based institutions, disrupts the delicate balance in the Church-State relationship, and threatens the very identity of the hospital. As such, it is incumbent upon those who value religious freedom, democratic pluralism, and the sanctity of the Church-State relationship to oppose such a move.

Let this be a call to action, a call to stand up for these principles, and to oppose any move that threatens them. For in doing so, we not only preserve the integrity of our institutions, but we also safeguard the richness and diversity of our society.

Let us not forget that the Church-State relationship is a two-way street. If politicians do not want the Church to get further involved in politics, they should heed this warning. For if it is a war or battle Mr Barr and Ms Stephen-Smith want, it is a Crusade they shall get. For those who fail to remember the past, even if just up the road in Goulburn, are destined to repeat it.

John-Paul Romano is a Canberra businessman, advocate, and commentator of society, religion and politics. @johnpauldromano

This article was originally published on Honourable Opinion (www.honourableopinion.com).