Some have asked about the special meeting which has been called by our Vic Synod Moderator, Alistair McRae. Here is the notice of the meeting, given by our Vic Synod Secretary, Robert Johnson.
And, yes, he has quote from Eph. 2.14 which for me is appropriate to the context of our current situation. The church has been here many times before on other contentious issues. If you have purchased a copy of "The UCA - The First 25 Years" (ed. by William and Susan Emilsen) you'll know what I mean.
Christ's Love and Shalom,
John M.
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19th August 2003
Dear friends in ministry,
Many of you have passed on the concerns of some within our church regarding the Assemblys decisions on sexuality, ministry and membership (Proposal 84). Many of our members are not concerned at all, some are delighted, and some are very angry, feeling their Church has let them down by not upholding standards they see as self-evident for Christians.
This strong difference of opinion between faithful Christians is of course the same problem that existed before the Assembly this is one area in which we just dont all agree. That was the reason why the Assembly sought to restate Uniting Church policy, not to make new policy, and it asked us to live together in peace, acknowledging that we share faith in the one God, despite our differences of opinion.
However what we sought to clarify seems to be understood very differently by some and it does not seem to have brought peace, rather we find ourselves in a situation of tension and sometimes conflict.
It is a little like those situations of conflict that arise in even the best families, where you are convinced that what you are saying is right, but your partner/child/brother/sister just does not seem to understand, in fact is angry that you dont seem to understand them.
One thing I have learned in such situations is that it rarely helps just to shout louder. It usually works much better when we take a little time out to cool down, as long as we know there is a commitment to talk this problem through. Then, if we can actually listen to the other while they share what it is they really want deep down, and how they feel, and they take the time to do the same, it is amazing how often we can find a way through.
The reason we can usually find a way through in families and in the church is that we know that we are committed to one another, and that we really do love each other despite our hurt and anger at the time.
I hope we will be taking the time to listen, to share and to love each other and so show the world the Jesus style of love. The love that is not only for those who agree with us, but for those with whom we profoundly disagree, those who have hurt us, those from we seem divided. That is the love that Jesus has shown us, that is how he reconciled us to God and can reconcile us to one another.
The Moderator has called a meeting on Saturday, 13th September for all who are concerned about where the Church is now, after the Assembly. It will be held at LaTrobe University, where we hold the Synod meeting. You will see the details on the pamphlet in this mailing. It is not an opportunity for beating others over the head to convince them you are right, no decisions will be made, but we will try to listen to one another and then share in the Eucharist together.
We are brothers and sisters in Christ, part of the one family of God, not through our own actions, but by the action of God in Christ. Let us together seek what is best for the family.
Meanwhile our own Synod draws near (very near!) The first mailing of reports has been posted this week to members. Some presbyteries are very light on numbers, especially for ministers. This will be a shorter Synod, meeting just over the weekend, and we will consider at least three important matters, so we do need the wisdom of the whole Synod. Please contact your presbytery if you are able to re-arrange matters so as to be able to come, and see if they have some spare places.
All of us are encouraged to come to, and to bring many others to the Opening Service of Synod and the Induction of the new Moderator, Rev Sue Gormann. It will be in the Melbourne Town Hall at 6.00 pm on Friday, 19th September and is sure to be a memorable occasion. It will be followed by a light supper and a chance to greet old friends.
The Placements Committee has asked me to remind ministers that if your name is put forward for a priority placement, you are expected to hear that as a potential call from the whole Church, and at least to go and meet with the Joint Nominating Committee. Many of us have been surprised by the call of God and have ended up going in a different direction than that we had carefully planned. Those of us in ordained ministry are here because of the call of God on our life, and we need to keep open to that call, which can sometimes disturb our best laid plans.
Yours in ministry,
Robert Johnson
For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. Ephesians 2:14
http://vic.uca.org.au/media/gensec/2003/gs03aug.html
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