Country Demographics:

• Population:  20 million
• Religions:  Anglican 26.1%, Roman Catholic 26%, Other Christian 24.3%, Other 12.6%, Non-Christian 11%
• Income Per Capita:  $23,814.73 year/ $66.15 day
• Government Type:  Democratic, federal-state system recognizing the British monarch as sovereign
  Chief of State: Queen of Australia ELIZABETH II (since February 1952), represented by Governor General Maj. Gen Michael JEFFREY
  Head of Government: Prime Minister John Winston HOWARD (since 1996)

Legal Profession:

• Estimated number of lawyers in Australia is about 40,000.
• Estimated number of believers involved in the legal profession is 1000.
• There are 6 states and 2 territories in Australia.  There are organized Christian lawyer groups in four states (New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia) and one territory (Australian Capital Territory).  
       In New South Wales, the Lawyers Christian Fellowship was commenced in the 1950s.  The President is Justice Peter Young.
       In Victoria, the Christian Lawyers Society was commenced in the 1970s. The President is Daniel Flynn, barrister-at-law. 
       In Queensland, the Christian Lawyers Society Inc was officially launched on 1 December 2000.  The President is the Hon Justice B H McPherson CBE and the Vice President is Graham Robinson QC.
       In South Australia, the Lawyers Christian Fellowship was launched on 14th November 2002.  There are 77 paid up members including several supreme Court and District court judges, the chief magistrate and other senior members of the profession.  The president is Justice David Bleby, Supreme Court judge.  The vice president is Mark Mudri and the secretary is the Public Advocate, Mr John Harley.

Major Activities of Christian Lawyers:

Christian lawyers in Australia are involved in the following activities:

• Pro bono litigation work
• Pro bono legal advisement 
• Fellowship
• Mentoring and home fellowship for law students and new lawyers
• Developing peacemaker ministries

Prayer Items:

• God’s protection against the spirits of pride, materialism, and greed prevalent in the legal profession
• Courage for Christian lawyers to approach colleagues and clients about faith matters
• Triumph of God’s wisdom and justice in all aspects of the Australian legal system
• Peacemaking becoming a priority among Australian lawyers
• Willingness among Christian lawyers to use their gifts for fellowship and reconciliation
• God’s influence on church leaders to open avenues for lawyers to become involved in biblical mediation
• Provision of resources for conflict resolution services to benefit the needy

Convocation Goals:

• To serve other participants and learn from others as much as possible, and in particular:
  1. To develop strategies for the effective proclamation of the Gospel in the legal, political and economic infrastructure of our city;
  2. To develop stronger relationships with Christian ministries, churches and business groups to achieve a more coordinated effort in winning our cities for the Kingdom;
  3. To develop peacemaker ministries in our churches, schools and ultimately in our legal system;
  4. To understand what the Lord is doing with Christian leaders in the marketplace and cooperate with Him;
  5. To protect our churches from lawsuits, whilst fairly addressing legitimate claims;
  6. To raise the level of ethics, integrity and excellence in the legal, economic and political arenas;
  7. To mentor, disciple and encourage young Christian lawyers;
  8. To help countries such as Serbia and Montenegro transition to real religious liberty;
  9. To deal with the current crisis involving the abuse of children in a redemptive way;
  10. To achieve  balance in lifestyle; and
  11. To build unity in our Fellowship and celebrate the diversity of our Christian expression.

Contact Information:

• Sue-Ellen Hollyock Sue-Ellen.Hollyock@ato.gov.au