Message from the Chaplain

Tolerance

“Words can mean different things to different people – as lawyers continually demonstrate to us.” The English author Jeffery Archer, in his novel First Among Equals, puts this sentence in the mouth of one of his main characters – who is (somewhat ironically!) a politician. As we come up to Saturday’s State Government election, I suspect that many of us might think that this statement rings true for politicians, as much as lawyers, or perhaps any other profession....

‘Tolerance’ is an idea that almost all of us think is a good thing; but it’s also an example of a word that has come to have different meanings for different people in our society. Essentially, tolerance involves allowing people with different beliefs, for instance, to practise them in peace – agreeing to live together in harmony without coercion or persecution.  It’s one of the main reasons for Harmony Day, being celebrated this Tuesday!  True tolerance has always supported this idea: ‘I may disagree with what you say, but I’ll defend your right to say it’.  

The problem is that in today’s society the meaning of ‘tolerance’ has shifted, in many cases, to be something like, ‘You’re not allowed to disagree with any other belief, of any other person or group; and you can’t insist on your right to disagree with them.’  The problem with this (false) meaning of ‘tolerance’, though, is that it ends up being very intolerant - opposing anyone holding any differing truths or beliefs.

Jesus Christ came into a society that, like ours, had a variety of belief systems.  While acknowledging those beliefs, he made claims and statements such as, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No-one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6). Part of the virtue of a peaceful and tolerant society – according to the proper understanding of tolerance – is being able to have schools like Calrossy, where the claims of Jesus can be presented and investigated.  I invite you to take the opportunities to do this – one step in encouraging our society to hold to the true meaning of this word ‘tolerance’!

Mark Rundle

Calrossy Chaplain

CALROSSY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP CCF PRAYER MEETING

FRIDAY 31st MARCH, 2023 – 8.30 for 9.00AM

For those who may not be aware – as well as a reminder for those who are! - we have a very special group at our School called the Calrossy Christian Fellowship (or CCF).  They’re a group of parents and friends of Calrossy who gather together regularly during the year to pray for our School community, people and events – and you are MOST welcome to join the group for any of their meetings and enjoy encouragement and rich fellowship with each other!

The first CCF meeting for the year is happening this Friday, March 31, at 130 Brisbane Street.  Arrive from 8.30am, for a 9.00 start - finishing about 9.30am.

Contact Mrs Amy Price or Mrs Julie Smith for further information!