Liberal MP Julian Leeser has called on Australian Catholics to become a louder voice in public life, saying the Church need not underestimate its own strength.
Leeser, a member of the Emanuel Synagogue in Woollahra and the grandson of Jewish refugees who fled from Nazi Germany, delivered the remarks during the 2023 Greg Craven Lecture on Ethics and Politics at the Australian Catholic University’s Melbourne campus on October 11.
In his address, Leeser described himself as a “as a sympathetic outsider” to the Catholic Church.
“Australia needs Catholic voices,” he said.
“The Catholic Church is one of the few institutions in our national life that has adherents from every ethnic background, every socio-economic group, every point on the political spectrum. It has the potential to be the great intermediary in our national life.”
The federal member for Berowra said he had noticed a reluctance from the Catholic Church to engage in public debate and discourse, despite it being one of the most representative voices in Australia.
“The Church is an institution which changes lives for the better, bringing the light of faith and hope into the lives of millions,” Leeser said.
“And it impacts Australians of every faith and none through its missions – in health, ageing, education, disability and across so many fields.
“Sometimes I think the Church underrates its own strength and doesn’t see the unique contribution it can make to Australia and that Australia is better for it making.”
Leeser lives within the Diocese of Broken Bay and his federal electorate encompasses many of the Diocese’ schools and churches.
Leeser has been a strong supporter of the mission and visions of Bishop Anthony Randazzo and community projects including in areas of health, welfare, and social justice.