Launch of the Christian Lawyers Society

The Christian Lawyers Society was incorporated under the Associations Incorporations Act 1981 on 31 August 2000 after some eighteen months in the planning. It is an interdenominational body with the object of promoting the Christian religion, particularly as it relates to the legal profession. It intends to achieve this by holding approximately four functions a year at which guest speakers will be invited to deliver papers on topics of interest to Christian lawyers. The association also intends to publish a journal carrying articles on topics of interest to its members as well as advertising meetings and speakers of various denominational and non-denominational Christian groups.

It would appear that the earliest group of Christian Lawyers was formed in England in 1852 and continues to this day known as "The Lawyers Christian Fellowship". It is a registered charity. The Right Honourable Lord Mackayof Clashfern is the current President. Lord Denning was elected President of The Lawyers Christian Fellowship in 1952 and remained in that role until he became Patron in 1987.

A similar group, known as Lawyers¹ Christian Fellowship (*LCF¹) was formed in New South Wales in the late 1950¹s or early 1960¹s. Justice Keith Mason, President of the New South Wales Court of Appeal, has been a long term member and supporter of LCF. The current president is Justice Peter Young of the New South Wales Supreme Court.

The objects of LCF, which Christian Lawyers Society endorse are:-

1. to promote mutual encouragement and fellowship among Christians
   engaged in the legal profession;
2. to promote and stimulate consideration of the gospel of Jesus Christ
   within the legal profession;
3. to uphold Christian principles in the administration of the law.

LCF has a very co-operative relationship with the Ministry to the Legal Profession, recently established by Rev Dr James McPherson at St James Anglican Church in King Street, which is close to the NSW Supreme Court.

In Victoria, the Christian Lawyers Society was formed in the 1970¹s. The current President is Daniel Flynn, Barrister at Law.

Christian Legal Society was founded in America in 1961 and has more than 3,700 members. Its Center for Law and Religious Freedom is said to be "one of the most respected religious liberty advocates in the Christian community, providing Christian perspective administrative, legislative or litigation-related public interest advocacy services in every type of legal forum from Oregon to Congress and the Oval Office."

Although these various groups have no official affiliation at this time there is informal co-operation, fellowship and assistance between the groups. For example, one of the members of the steering committee is an invited delegate to the Advocates International conference and Christian Legal Society conference in Washington DC in November this year at which Christian lawyers from approximately 200 countries are expected to attend.

Until now, it would appear that Queensland has never had a formal organisation for Christian lawyers of all denominations although there are and have been a number of small groups which meet in Brisbane. Christian Lawyers Society was formed in response to a desire to provide a focal point and network for these groups.

Membership of the Christian Lawyers Society is open to anyone involved in the practice, administration, teaching or study of law, who accepts the principles of the Christian faith as taught in the Scriptures, particularly faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.The statement of faith of Christian Lawyers Society is the Apostles Creed as outlined in the attached membership application form.