In an amazing document that could have been written in Salem in another century, intolerance for diversity is spelled out (even banning yoga), clearly relying on current religious exemptions to gag discussion and reveals the Trojan horse of the religious prerogatives in attacking contemporary Australian values.

The Sydney Anglican standing committee report to be voted on and turned into law in all churches and other properties at this week’s Synod (church parliament) proposes shows a contempt for the society and government which negates any sense of charitable purpose or intention.

It is a frightening document inspired by fear of losing control in a changing world.

The Archbishop of Sydney’s favourite phrase is “let’s be clear about this”, but he’s only interested in free speech when he’s the one doing the talking.

They are writing their own rules and a mission statement that promises to foster intolerance that will inevitably injure the well-being of people of all ages but most importantly will dedicate schools as training grounds for discrimination that will compromise the interaction of young people within their own community.

If institutions import public money they need to import public values.

It is an act of state-sponsored vandalism to place the gun of intolerance in the hands of children in preparation for their adult life and political and economic nonsense to fund youth mental health programs while unleashing mandated discrimination against yourself and fellow Australians.

The Wentworth byelection and the Ruddock report leaks were a blessing in disguise outing both the iron fist of religious institutions and the Coalition government content to hold down minorities so that outdated religious prejudice can have a free hit at them. 

The warning is on the packet, the question is whether the Morrison government will act to protect Australia’s most precious resource – our next generation.    

Albury councillor Murray King wrote that The Border Mail “continues to undermine the roles of both Albury and Wodonga councils in their reporting.”

Cr King was referring to your article relating to the travel expenses of the respective mayors.

I agree that council expenses should be open to public scrutiny and that newspapers have a role to play in bringing these to the attention of the public.

As a former public servant of many decades, I appreciate the need for transparency in the management of public funds.

However, I agree with Cr King in that your article had undertones of frivolous wasting of taxpayer funds. 

The mayors have a significant role to play in promoting the economic benefits of their constituencies for businesses considering moving to the Border or engaging with businesses on the Border.

This cannot be achieved without incurring travel and associated expenses.

The amounts involved are, in my opinion, insignificant in comparison to the potential gains.

I commend mayors Anna Speedie and Kevin Mack for the role they are playing in promoting our region.