AFA brings in big guns

By Robert Hiini
Sex saturation in the media, housing affordability and inadequate financial assistance are just some of the main challenges to families that will be explored at the Australian Family Association’s (AFA) National Conference.

A couple kiss after renewing their vows at the annual golden wedding anniversary Mass. In its first national conference in Perth in 17 years, the Australian Family Association has brought in the big guns to discuss solutions for the assault on marriage currently underway. Photo: CNS

Seventeen years after it was last held in Perth, the “Marriage Matters” conference will take place at the Tradewinds Hotel, Fremantle over the weekend of October 18-19.
The conference will feature three key presentations – “A defence of the family”, “Sex and Society” and “The natural family… in an unnatural world” – as well as an array of workshops exploring the practical struggles families face.
Keynote speakers include international guests Allan Carlson, author, researcher and founder of the AFA’s global partner organisation, the World Congress of Families, and Lynn Wardle, Professor of Law from Brigham Young University, Utah.
A third keynote speaker, Dr Adam Cooper, is a senior lecturer at the John Paul II Institute in Melbourne as well as being a Lutheran pastor.  
Conference participants will discuss the social utility of marriage and will help draft recommendations to assist the AFA in planning its work of promoting marriage and family.
For the first time in the AFA’s history, a series of awards will be presented celebrating the achievements of recipients in fostering and sustaining family life.
Special guest Rabbi Dr Shalom Coleman will present 30 ‘50 Years Married’ Awards and five Family Awards, presented to families who have faced their own unique challenges.
A special Defender of the Family Award will be given to keynote speaker Allan Carlson for dedicating his life to promoting healthy families, particularly through the World Congress of Families which is represented in 70 countries.
The conference will be opened by Pastor Margaret Court of Victory Life Church with Archbishop Barry Hickey celebrating Mass on the Sunday.
The biannual conference will include registered participants from almost every state and territory and will be filmed for an eventual DVD release.
For more information contact the Australian Family Association on 9321 2333.