Former SA Premier and now Anglican priest at St Peter’s Anglican Cathedral, the Hon Rev Dr Lynn Arnold AO will be the special guest speaker at the next meeting of the Gawler ALP to be held on Monday 14 November at Café Nova at 7:30 pm. Local Member of Parliament Mr Tony Piccolo said Dr Arnold will speak on the topical subject of ‘faith and politics’ which is very timely given the nature of some social issues currently before the State and Federal Parliaments.Mr Piccolo said Dr Arnold brings a depth of knowledge, experience and wisdom to the issues confronting our community. His thoughts reflect a deep compassion for people, particularly those who live at the Margins of the mainstream community.On 6 December 2014, Dr Arnold was ordained a Minister in the Anglican Diocese of Adelaide. A year earlier, he had been ordained as a Deacon. Mr Piccolo said that at that time, it was announced that Dr Arnold would undertake a part-time role, based at St Peter’s Cathedral, with responsibility for ‘Faith in the Public Square’ a role that would involve him in facilitating discussion within the diocese and the wider community on issues of social importance. “Upon his ordination as a Minister, Dr Arnold continued in this public affairs role,” said Mr Piccolo.Dr Arnold will address a number of social issues that the community, and the parliament, are currently wrestling with.“Whether you agree with Dr Arnold’s views or not, you will be impressed by the thought and reflection that underpin his views,” Mr Piccolo said.“His views will certainly challenge people who think they have the answer. He encourages people to think about what underpins their views and whether they are fair and just.”Given the community’s interest in a range of issues currently before the parliament, the meeting will be open to the general public to attend.Mr Piccolo said he has heard Dr Arnold speak on a range of ‘contentious’ issues and has been impressed by the depth of his understanding.Dr Arnold is currently also a Reader in Public Theology & Church History, at St Barnabas Theological College, the Chair, Public Affairs Commission of the Anglican Church of Australia, a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Justice Advocate, at Second Chances SA amongst many other roles.Formerly a Quaker, Dr Arnold was prominent in the campaign against Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.Prior to embarking on the road to ordination, Dr Arnold was Chief Executive Officer of Anglicare SA from 2008 to mid-2012 and CEO of World Vision Australia from 1997-2003. Dr Arnold holds a PhD, as well as a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education from the University of Adelaide. Between 1979 and 1994 he served as a member of the South Australian Parliament including over 11 years in Cabinet serving in a wide range of senior ministries (including Education, State Development and Agriculture), he also served as Premier in 1992-1993.