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Australian law restricts use of names on prayer lists
2003-002-1
1/8/2003
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[Episcopal News Service]
A Privacy Act that took effect December 21, 2002, in Australia restricts churches from placing names on prayer lists in bulletins unless they are given specific permission. Clergy are also finding it increasingly difficult to visit patients in hospitals because of privacy legislation restrictions.
'If there is any doubt about what the individual's reasonable expectations are, it is good privacy practice to check with them first, especially where sensitive matters such as health or personal troubles are involved,' said deputy privacy commissioner Timothy Pilgrim.
According to Anglican Bishop Roger Herft of Newcastle, the act detracts from the spontaneity of comfort a person derives when they unexpectedly hear their name read aloud on the prayer list. He said that, while he understands an individual's legal rights must be respected, people also were part of the human family and should be able to care for each other without restrictions. 'It would seem to me that the Privacy Act, if it is not used sensibly, can contribute to the biggest disease of mankind and that is loneliness. People can feel completely left out of the loop if we are not careful.'
Some clergy complained about getting access to sick people in hospitals because hospitals now cannot release that information. Patients must sign a permission form before they go to the hospital.
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