Letters to the Editor led by Theo Maras on separation of Orthodox church and state
This week, property tycoon Theo Maras joins other InDaily readers having their say on a holy debate over a church appointment and an ugly turn in South Australia’s election.
Responding to Treasurer embroiled in holy debate over church appointment
The events surrounding the treatment of the Very Reverend Father Diogenis Patsouris have shocked and deeply upset many within the Greek community of South Australia. To see a priest who has given his entire life to the Church treated in this way has caused enormous pain and disbelief.
In my view, Tom Koutsantonis has rightly articulated what many in our community have been feeling – that his comments were not made out of disrespect for the Church, but out of genuine concern for the well-being and unity of the Greek Orthodox faithful in this state.
Tom has long been a strong supporter of the Greek community and of the Church. Through his advocacy, many Greek organisations — including church institutions that now seek to criticise him — have benefitted from government support. His connection to the Church is personal and deeply felt, and his decision to speak publicly reflects the concerns of many members of the community who have been troubled by recent events.
Of course, matters of Church governance ultimately belong to the Church, and that principle should be respected by all.
However, the Church does not exist in isolation from its faithful. Our churches were built through the sacrifices of generations of Greek Australians, and it is entirely natural that members of the community will express their views when events affecting their Church cause distress or concern. Respectful public discussion should not be dismissed or criticised; it is part of a healthy and engaged community.
Sadly, the way recent events have unfolded risks setting those relations back many decades. In my view, it has reopened old divisions and revived concerns that many believed had long been resolved.
For the good of the Church and the unity of the faithful in South Australia, I respectfully call upon His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia to intervene and help bring healing to this situation. The distress currently felt within parts of the community risks deepening if left unresolved, and I have every confidence that His Eminence’s leadership will restore unity, stability and confidence in the Church. – Theo Maras
Responding to Election gets ugly: online trolls, vandals and polling booth safety
It seems that the ALP complain about such behaviour, but the advertisement on the radio highlighting previous Liberals with former politicians who have behaved badly, with the intent of pretending that these bad actors reflect the current Liberal team, is just as bad. – Malcolm Eglinton
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Responding to Second Labor Govt patient information leak, Liberals claim
Picton’s mistake was not the fact that he published the email from the wrong patient; it was that he even contemplated publishing a private email to diminish the argument of the grieving spouse. Disgraceful politics. Similarly, the premier shouldn’t dismiss the behaviour by saying he wasn’t aware – he should dismiss the minister for his actions. – Greg Atkins
Responding to ‘Couple bashed’: Gay marriage and ‘bestiality’ comments reflect daily hate in SA
I feel sickened once again at the hatred pointed toward gay people. What is your problem, Bernardi? – Vicki Matchett
Responding to Labor to ‘crack down’ on fuel price gouging
“Crack down on fuel pricing”?
Like this Premier and his minions did on heritage, park land developments, climate protestors, marine catastrophe, FOIs and ambulance ramping?
No wonder masses are flocking to One Nation. – Richard Webb
It is a wee bit of “weasel words”, blaming it on compliance. It’s a lot like blaming gun owners for terrorist activities when it’s people who cause the problem.
In the case of fuel pricing. This is caused by the run-on service stations, which is caused by a lazy government, for not holding a 90-day supply. The government is instructing retailers to increase prices to stop or slow down the rush for fuel. At the same time, they benefit from extra tax take.
Look beyond the lies to reveal the truth. Three retailers I know have confirmed this activity. – Rick Burnard
Responding to Adelaide at crossroad over 38-storey ‘tower of regret’
The tower of regurgitation, rather. The premier is riding roughshod over community protest, our unique green heritage, and the Adelaide City Council is sickening. – Fiona Black
Thanks for publishing this, InDaily – there is not enough media coverage on this debacle, and too many people will belatedly regret that blot on our skyline and loss of public space in our invaluable heritage park lands and cultural precinct. – Jill Cooke
Stay informed, daily
Responding to Adelaide private school principal fears playground on ropes for MotoGP
As a safety inspector of playgrounds and recreation equipment, the idea of relocating is probably just a dream.
They are not simple to relocate at all.
Plus, being made from a considerable amount of wood makes it even more difficult
The probable outcome will be a completely new playground, which may even work out cheaper. – Greg Keep
Responding to ‘Premier’s tin ear’: Former Writers’ Week director claims amid cancelled author appearance
I’ve looked through Premier Peter Malinauskas’s Instagram posts over the past month or two. There are multiple posts about the LIV Golf and at least two about MotoGP. But I see no posts about the Adelaide Festival, the Adelaide Fringe, the Biennale at the Art Gallery, or the many related events.
I’ve been in the city this week. It’s buzzing. Crowds everywhere, restaurants full, and hundreds of volunteers are helping run shows – not just in the CBD but in the suburbs, including Woodville Town Hall, in the Premier’s own electorate, and events across outer suburbs and in the Hills.
We have seen the Premier giving flowers to volunteers at a multi-million-dollar LIV Golf event. Yet not one word of thanks from Mr Malinauskas for the army of volunteers and artists bringing people into the city for the Fringe, WOMAD and the Festival.
That’s deeply disappointing. I hope to be proved wrong, but there seems to be no room for celebrating the arts on the Premier’s social media feed. – Jan Bowman
Responding to Tree protection for river red gums wound back for Salisbury and private schools
It is reasonable to have, on the verges, the kind of trees that suit a verge.
Big gum trees do have exceptional value in large spaces. – David Donaldson
Responding to Adelaide street renaming to honour global hip-hop stars in the hood
What a joke. It’s not even April 1. Better start renaming more streets to cover all South Australian world-renowned actors, actresses, singers, musicians, politicians, artists, inventors, etc. – Sue Ouzounis
Responding to State emblem seadragon disappears from diving hotspot
I believe that many, not just sea creatures, aren’t where they should be due to Earth’s magnetic poles moving. Many creatures around the globe use Earth’s magnetic field to travel and migrate. As a result of the poles shifting, migratory animals are confused and are moving in strange patterns. – Darrin Vallance
Responding to One-eyed footy fan laments the ‘banana republics’ of SA clubs
We are Crow’s supporters and, as ticket holders, are said to be members. We probably won’t ever want to vote at a general meeting, but to be called a member when we don’t have any rights is a misnomer, bordering on contempt! A concept that I am sure the legal profession and media are very familiar with!
Well written! – Jeff and Janet Justin
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