The Church and the Free Market

Politics and religion combine when Australian governments contract out welfare services to church welfare agencies. This practice, relatively new in public policy in Australia, raises questions of the autonomy of church agencies, maintenance of their distinctively Christian value base, and the extent to which the Church is being co-opted into government policy. Economist Paul Oslington lays out the challenges of contracting out. Welfare executive Ray Cleary spells out the doctrine of justice at the heart of the Church's mission. Social worker Marilyn Webster asks whether love and compassion can be maintained. Brian Howe brings it all together. Questions for group discussion in churches and agency staff training are included to make this book practical and useful. Published by the Victorian Council of Churches in association with the Australian Theological Forum.