Indigenous community bans welcome to country ceremonies over embarrassment
- Newly-elected City of Sydney councillor Matthew Thompson has led an initiative to eliminate the longstanding opening prayer at council meetings.
- Thompson argues that the prayer does not reflect the diverse beliefs of the community, where over half identify as non-secular.
- Despite his push for change, the proposal was rejected by the majority of councillors, leaving the tradition in place.
In Australia, Matthew Thompson, a newly-elected City of Sydney councillor, has advocated for the cessation of the opening prayer before council meetings, a tradition that has persisted for over two decades. This prayer follows the Welcome to Country address and is seen by Thompson as not representative of Sydney's diverse demographic, as recent census data indicate that a significant portion of the population adheres to non-secular beliefs. He suggests adopting a moment of quiet contemplation similar to practices by other councils, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive alternative. Despite his efforts, the City of Sydney council rejected his proposal during a meeting, indicating ongoing divisions over how to respect and acknowledge the culturally varied community. Critics, including Lord Mayor Clover Moore, have defended the tradition, viewing it as an inheritance from previous administrations and an important ritual. The debate highlights broader conversations about secularism and representation in local governance, as several councils across Australia reconsider similarly traditional practices. The ongoing discussion reflects shifting cultural attitudes in a country increasingly aware of its multicultural identity.