Some of you may have seen the post doing the rounds that suggests to be a true Australian means you celebrate the following six days: Christmas Day, Easter, Anzac Day, Australia Day, Fathers Day and Mothers Day. 

It’s a short list isn’t it? It’s intentionally exclusive. People who I have spoken with, who suggest lists like this, tell me they don’t value a diverse, inclusive Australia. That’s not the Australia they want! They’re entitled to their views. But I think they’re very concerning. 

Behind a post like is thinking that says “you’re not really one of us” if you put greater value on celebrating other days. The ones important to many other Australians – the ones that reflect other important days, traditions and seasons for people of other cultures and religions, people on the margins and First Nations people. 

Sure, it’s just a silly Facebook post. Don’t lose sleep over it Scott some of you may be thinking! I’m not and I could list so many other days important to Australians. And how dare they leave out grand final day! 

But can I suggest we do need to be careful when we see posts like this – as trivial as they might seem. We need to be attentive and responsive to all forms of exclusion, racism, nationalism and attempts to limit the freedoms of people “not like us”.  

Donald Trump recently crassly commented that Kamala Harris “is not one of us”! Many of you may join me in saying “thank God for that” because Trump’s “us” intentionally fosters division, racism and dangerous Christian nationalism. 

The Jesus I follow was always ready to welcome others. He was beautifully and intentionally inclusive. He was always building bridges of love and grace – not constructing walls aimed at excluding and dividing.