News

Commonwealth Day on Monday 9th March is fast approaching, and along with it comes the opportunity for parents and grandparents to help children in places such as Australia to appreciate our kinship within the Commonwealth of nations, which is the greatest family of countries in world history.

Commonwealth Day is celebrated on the second Monday in March each year, within 54 diverse countries consisting of a remarkable two billion people. They are connected by the shared values of democracy and the virtues of enlightened human rights, covered by a covenant of goodwill.

Member nations enjoy shared basic values under the rule of law; they agree to never go to war against any other Commonwealth country; each member nation recognises Queen Elizabeth as Head of the association and must utilise the English language for Commonwealth communications.

Unfortunately, Commonwealth Day is largely ignored in our nation - although it happily coincides with several public holidays: Adelaide Cup Day in South Australia, Labour Day in Victoria, Eight-hour Day in Tasmania and Canberra Day in the Australian Capital Territory.

Perhaps the more recently admitted nations have better reason to celebrate their membership within the Commonwealth family, after achieving the democratic and human rights reforms we take for granted in Australia. Such achievements do not grow on a tree or somehow arise spontaneously. They are the result of considerable struggle and warrant careful protection and nurture.

Such developments make for progress, peace, prosperity, happy international trading and cultural exchange. Member nations also enjoy the benefits of Commonwealth projects, encouraged by groups including the Victoria League for Commonwealth Friendship, and the Royal Commonwealth Society. Member nations enjoy the right to compete in the Commonwealth Games.

Regrettably, the nations of Fiji, Pakistan and Nigeria have at times seen their Commonwealth membership suspended, owing to anti-democratic and roguish behaviour. Their experience provides a salutary warning that with privilege comes responsibility. Zimbabwe unfortunately quit the family after a brief suspension but is now seeking re-admission.

As we think about the value of our Commonwealth of Nations, led by Queen Elizabeth, we may reflect on the Christian promises Her Majesty made at the Coronation and consider how valuable an asset are our civic arrangements under the Crown.

We may be sure that it remains Her Majesty’s wish, as it should be of every good Christian, that all the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him (Psalm 22:27).

There is much to think about and share with family members on Monday.