The Rev Hon Fred Nile MLC gave an opening address and welcomed those special people who had attended. "Special" because only those who received Dr Moyes' newsletter, "Christian Voice in Politics" by email, knew of the meeting.
A special tribute was given by Dr Moyes for Mr Phil Lamb who has resigned as CDP (Christian Democratic Party) State Director (NSW) to accept a similar position with the National Party.
The guest speaker on this occasion was the Most Rev. Anthony Fisher OP, co-ordinator of WYD08 (World Youth Day 2008), a historic event to take place in Sydney, 15-20 July, 2008, attended by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI - and an expected half a million pilgrims.
Billed as the "world's largest youth event", the large Cross and Icon being carried throughout Australia, is a build-up to the special occasion.
Bishop Fisher said: "Like an Olympic torch, only more sacred and meaningful, these symbols will herald the coming of World Youth Day to Australia next year. In the meantime they will be carried upon the shoulders of young Australians and touch the hearts of us all."
A full itinerary of the Journey of the Cross and Icon can be found at www.wyd2008.org
Bishop Fisher explained that: "The Cross and Icon are currently on a journey through South East Asia and Oceania. The itinerary in the region includes the Philippines, Solomon Islands, Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, East Timor, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia. The Cross and Icon will travel to each of Australia's 28 geographic dioceses, visiting at least 400 communities over a 12-month period. The Australian Journey will culminate in their arrival at the World Youth Day Opening Mass of Welcome on Tuesday 15 July 2008 in Sydney."
He went on to share the preparations underway and the need for people of all denominations to provide accommodation, volunteer for services required and attend the events planned throughout the City of Sydney.
His address was a most informative presentation, explaining in minute detail what is happening and what will take place in July – from the arrival of the Pope by ship on Friday, to the Pilgrimage across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, headed for the Papal Mass to be held at Randwick Racecourse on the Saturday.
The Christian Focus on Society meeting was followed by afternoon tea and the provision of the full programme for the year. Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of every month and the upcoming speakers cover a wide range of subjects.
As Dr Moyes explained: "Christian Focus on Society is designed to bring the public, politicians and experts in relevant fields together to engage on matters of public policy. These forums enable us to tackle significant social issues by looking at them from a contemporary Christian perspective."
A Christian Voice in Politics is the newsletter for the Rev Hon Dr Gordon Moyes AC MLC and is paid for by Dr Moyes. The parliamentary aspects of this newsletter are edited by Maria Silos Advisor to Dr Moyes. This newsletter is not the official newsletter for the Christian Democratic Party (CDP). For further information: www.gordonmoyes.com and click on "Christian Focus on Society".