http://nat.uca.org.au
April 2004
This edition
The President - Dean Drayton Frontier Services - Queenstown and Tracy Aged Care Call for Peace National Communicators Meeting The Gift of Grace Rose Roses for a Cause! UCOA - Niues cyclone aftermath Covenanting Reconciliation UnitingJustice News Regulation Changes Seeking the will of God Appreciations UIM - People in Mission Uniting Education Church Council and Elders National Conferences Position Vacant - NSW Synod Books for Unitings Dates for your diary
How do I subscribe? Contact: Linda Pritchard Telephone: (02) 8267 4262 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Just a thought. . .
I had a friend once who found Christmas a terrible time. It was the time for the family to come together around the memory of the saviours birth. But it was a broken family because she had told her daughter that she was no longer welcome in her home. This daughter had got pregnant to her boyfriend and had gone to live with him. The mother did not approve of either situation. She was determined to make her disapproval clear. Making her unwelcome was seen as the way to send a clear message about what the mother / family believed was right and wrong.
A generation before this, families were shattered because one party married a catholic or a protestant, as the case may be. Such standing apart was justified on the grounds that other people had to know what we stand for ; and to make sure that the offender and others got a clear message about what was right and wrong.
I know this sort of thing still happens but most families dont ostracize their children any more when they believe radically different things about life and faith. We remain at the same table and find other ways to make clear our own convictions and our disapproval.
The Pharisees were very big on the idea of standing apart from sinners for the sake of their reputations, not being corrupted and for their witness to righteousness. Jesus was often accused of being the friend of drunks and prostitutes because he kept bad company. Jesus took the risk of respectful personal relationships with people and found that this in fact was the way to accurately reveal his character and message. And it was not just to the outsider that Jesus behaved this way. Marks gospel makes very clear that the disciples, time and time again, did not understand Jesus. Yet Jesus did not stand apart from them even Judas was one of the twelve until the night he betrayed Jesus.
Evangelism is essential to the life of the church. Jesus provides us with the key to how best to communicate the ways of God words and deeds conveyed through loving, respectful relationships towards all people.
Terence Corkin, Assembly General Secretary
From the President - February March 2004: From: The Rev. Dr Dean Drayton, President, National Assembly
February and March have been intensive times. I had the privilege of travelling to Jakarta and Ambon with Rev John Barr, UIM, for a visit to the Maluka Protestant Church, one of our partner churches in East Indonesia.
Ambon
The first four days brought me face to face with the extraordinary scale of the fighting between Moslems and Christians stirred up by provocateurs from the outside that took place at the same time as the devastation in East Timor. Virtually all of East Indonesia west of Sulawesi was systematically attacked, with 200 villages destroyed, and half a million people left homeless in the period between 1999 and 2002. The vegetation was growing over what was left. I visited five Internally Displaced Persons Camps on Ambon and Suram. Nearly 30,000 people remain in camps with little hope of returning to their homes or finding new places to live beyond their 3x4 metre plywood homes. It is still a human tragedy, on islands closer to Darwin than Jakarta. We had talks with the church seeking to find how we could help with the resources we have or appeals we could make. The head of the Moslems and the Moderator of the Church both agreed that when religion gives rise to violence everyone becomes a victim.
Ambon is now quite safe, with markets and beaches and public events religiously integrated again. There are attempts to stir up trouble but Moslem and Christian leaders talk to each other first when issues arise.
The next four days I spent with Joy Balazzo and thirty Moslems and Christians meeting in a Moslem Army Barracks to find out how to be agents of peace in the community. The Young Ambassadors Program was amazing. This was the fourth course held in Ambon with both Christians and Moslems, who realized the value of the course that Joy had created at their request. The Uniting Church is providing a tremendous resource for peace in the midst of religious turmoil. It was a privilege to be in the program, but also to receive the grateful thanks of the church for our contribution in the midst of their turmoil.
Other events
After a Charles Sturt University meeting of the School of Theology, I made a visit to the Diaconal National Conference in Melbourne. Nearly fifty deacons were there to share, learn, and enjoy being together. In the next week I met with the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearea New Zealand, renewing a friendship and inviting him to attend the Moderators Meeting with the President in early March. After preaching at the opening service of the National Multicultural Conference on a hot night at Leigh Memorial, I participated in the opening worship and inaugural lecture fro the year at United Theological College, Sydney.
I visited Tamworth for the opening of an Aussie regional church opposite the golden guitar and the golden arches. What a great celebration that was! A few more days then it was off to Darwin for a day with the Pilgrim Presbytery, the first Presidents Table and then south to Lake Bennet for a retreat with the ministers, which I led. The March meeting of Assembly Standing Committee was preceded by two and a half days meeting with the Moderators. The ASC endorsed recommendations for the resources that will comprise Phase 2 of the Road Map to the 2006 Assembly, and approved Presidential Ruling No 23.
I also attended my first meeting of the Heads of Churches at the new Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture. On Thursday night March 18, I had the privilege of preaching at the induction of Professor James Haire as the Executive Director of the Centre. The National Council of Churches Executive followed immediately. I called in to see the secretariat of the Emmaus Walk celebrating 20 years of life in Australia, and preached at the opening of the National Conference of Chinese Congregations.
What lies ahead? A visit to the Congress in Victoria, a meeting with the Missiology Working Group of Assembly Theology and Discipleship in Melbourne, then a visit to Salisbury in South Australia where I ministered in the 70s following on a promise after I had been forced to cancel an anniversary service last year when at the last moment I had to attend the Memorial Services held in Bali. Easter Sunday will be at Bathurst, followed by the meeting of heads of the Methodist Church in Samoa for a week. After visiting the Adult Fellowship National Conference for two days, I will spend four days in the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, visiting regions in and around Melbourne and speaking at three President Table evenings.
In between these visits I keep up with email, and write letters to people. There is now only a minimum of correspondence with regard to ministry and sexuality. It has been a harrowing time answering these letters many of which are based on a misunderstanding of what happened at the tenth Assembly. They include letters from congregations, and people who have decided that the Church has already made decisions they do not agree with. How hard it is to convince people that the Uniting Church makes its decisions in its inter-related councils. Many see me as a President who has the power to change what was supposed to have been decided, when in the Uniting Church the role of the President is to truthfully share what it is that the Assembly actually did, not what it was perceived to have done.
I have discovered that major press releases about the level of childhood poverty in this country hardly rate a mention in the media. I have also visited Government offices and particular politicians in an effort to have some asylum seekers released from detention.
Please continue to pray for the Uniting Church that we may truly be a family that listens to each other and discerns Gods calling for us as a people. Our primary mission must be to bear witness to the Lord who called us into being as a reconciling community, the ambassadors of Christ, in a hurting and suffering world.
Regulation changes: From: Terence Corkin, General Secretary, National Assembly
This information will come through the usual channels and will appear on the Assembly website in the near future. However you may be interested to know that new regulations have been adopted in relation to the following matters (among others):
membership of presbytery ministers-in-association and retired ministers
unsafe buildings
first placement (phase III) membership of various councils
dissolution of the Assembly Finance Committee and replacement with an audit committee
The effective date for the commencement of the new Regulations is May 1 (except for the Assembly Audit and Finance Committee which is April 1)
Frontier Services:
Queenstown - Home to the Only Resident Minister for the Entire West Coast
Queenstown was the setting for the official beginning of Rev Bruce Lauders ministry on the West Coast of Tasmania on Friday 20 February. Frontier Services, a National agency of the Uniting Church, working with the Uniting Church Presbytery of Tasmania has placed Bruce in the West Coast with a particular emphasis on connecting the remote communities.
The Service of Induction was attended by representatives of all denominations and communities on the West Coast. Bruce is the only minister of mainstream churches now resident on the West Coast and his presence has been welcomed by representatives of all of those communities.
Rosemary Young, National Director of Frontier Services, who inducted Bruce on behalf of the National Assembly of the Uniting Church said, we are committed to serve the people of the most isolated parts of Australia. Parts of western Tasmania are as isolated as any of the deserted regions on the mainland. The gift of community can be encouraged and sustained through this ministry and that is what we know Bruce will be able to achieve.
Bruce will have a role in visiting and supporting communities and as chaplain to a range of industrial, pastoral and service industries. He and his wife Margo are delighted to make Queenstown their home.
Contacts: Rev Bruce Lauder Patrol Minister Phone: (03) 6471 2915
Rosemary Young National Director Phone: (02) 8267 4242 Mobile: 0427 180 265
David Sullivan National Development Manager Phone: (02) 8267 4247 Mobile: 0407 276 795
Seeking the will of God step two on the way to the 11th Assembly: From: Terence Corkin, General Secretary, National Assembly
The Standing Committee received a report from the team that had begun to think through how to assist the church to think about the range of issues that have arisen for us since the 10th Assembly.
A number of areas for conversation have been identified:
The Gospel and Jesus (alt: The Gospel and Who is Jesus Christ for us today?) The Bible The Uniting Church Sexuality and leadership How do we live together - what are our options for the future?
The Standing Committee repeated its view that participation in this process is invitational, and should be taken up as and when it is helpful. A simple resource will be produced that speaks to each of the issues and to this primary document will be added a range of voices from within the church on the topics. Ideas will be made available as to how the resource can be used individually, in small groups or larger gatherings.
Further work will now be done to bring the materials to production stage, which is hoped to be by early July. A copy will be made available to every minister and congregation.
Call for Peace: From: Wendie Wilkie, Associate General Secretary, National Assembly
The following statement was released on March 24 2004, two days after the killing of the leader of Hamas in Gaza. The Uniting Church has a member on this dialogue.
Australia's Muslims, Jews and Christians Call for "Positive Choices for Peace"
Representatives of Australia's peak Christian, Islamic and Jewish bodies met in Sydney today, reaffirming their joint commitment to live together in peace and respect in Australia.
In the light of heightened tensions in the Middle East and the possible export of tensions and violence to societies such as Australia, the Dialogue on the subject of "Peace" was both timely and valuable.
The Australian National Dialogue of Christians, Muslims and Jews, which is a joint initiative of the National Council of Churches in Australia, the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, and the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, met at Sydney's Zetland Mosque today, after being formally launched twelve months ago.
The representatives of the three peak bodies reaffirmed their commitment to the peace and the
well-being of all Australians.
The delegates stated jointly "We call on all Australians to make positive choices for peace and to refuse to resolve issues by the use of violence. In light of our commitment to live in peace, no acts of violence or attacks against ethnic or religious communities are acceptable in our community.
We should instead take positive actions, building on the strong relationships we already have.
The 30 young people who participated in the recent 'Journey of Promise' initiative, sponsored by the ANDCMJ and supported by the Federal Government's 'Living in Harmony' program are symbols of hope for the future of relationships in Australia. We should learn from their example and continue building a community of peace and hope."
Further Information:
Jeremy Jones, President, Executive Council of Australian Jewry 0411 536 436
John Henderson, General Secretary, National Council of Churches 0419 224 935
Amjad Mehboob, CEO, Australian Federation of Islamic Councils 0408 234 434
National Communicators meet in Sydney: From: Imran Shehzad Bhatti, Communications Officer National Assembly
National Communicators of the Uniting Church in Australia met on March 11-12 in Sydney. Members of the group are involved mainly in the church's print and electronic media and in media liaison.
The meeting started with prayer led by Imran Bhatti. Elenie Poulos from UnitingJustice Australia was one of the guest speakers. Elenie said the Uniting Church Assembly is preparing resource material to help people think through some of the issues in the next Federal election.
She said that in mid-2004 "No security without justice" will be available from the Uniting Church Assembly. This election resource will contain material to help church members identify important issues facing Australia, listen to politicians and political parties with discernment, and cast a vote that takes integrity in public life seriously.
The group also heard from Dr Rob Bos, National Director of the Theology & Discipleship. Rob shared information on "Becoming Disciples" with the communicators. The Uniting Church, he said, is not particularly good at evangelism, which he defined as "introducing people to the kingdom of God". He believes that "Becoming Disciples" is a way of doing that with integrity.
He also spoke about a national conference on these issues in Adelaide from August 17 to 19. Details are on the Theology & Discipleship website.
The main focus of the meeting was more cooperation between the Synods and Assembly. Stephen Webb, Marjorie Lewis-Jones and the Rev. Paul Swadling from NSW Synod, Bruce Best from Victoria and Tasmania Synod, Nick Kerr from SA Synod, Andrew Demack from Qld Synod, Judith Amey from WA Synod and Imran Bhatti from the National Assembly attended the meeting.
Roses for a cause! From: Wendie Wilkie, Associate General Secretary, National Assembly
Did you know that the Uniting Church Gift of Grace rose is part of a collection of roses grown by Corporate Roses now called the the Cause collection? They have been helping various organisations to have their own special rose for many years now. Canteen has Yellow Courage, Nursing Mothers have Mothers Love, Best Friend is the RSPCA rose. There is recently released new rose for Maggie Taberers melanoma work and one for Ian Thorpe in his foundation that works with youth. You might see some of these in your local nursery. We are proud that the Uniting Church Gift of Grace rose is part of this collection of roses helping people to learn about and support their favourite charity or group. Kim Syrus, who heads up this small company based in rural SA, recently visited the Assembly office. He met with various staff to reflect on the great success of the Gift of Grace Rose and to discuss its release in 2005 into nurseries.
Gift of Grace will be released in 2005 to the general public for sale by nurseries. Therefore 2004 is its
last year exclusive to the Uniting Church. You can still order roses for delivery in July 2004 this year.
Phone Sue Neilson on (02) 8267 4238 or contact her by email [EMAIL PROTECTED]
There are 1,000 roses available for July 2004. Order yours now for delivery this year.
Is your rose failing to thrive or dead after a month or so? Then let us know.
There have been about 100 roses out of 8,000 distributed that have not made it in 2003. Corporate
Roses are happy to replace them. We think a 0.5% failure rate for a growing thing transported all over Australia is not a bad average! Once again phone or email us. Remember they like good enriched soil,
and at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. They should be growing well now and having good blooms.
Two year old roses are sending up strong long shoots with large flowers. In their first year however, they are not as spectacular or strong.
Frontier Services: New Life for Tracy Aged Care
It was almost a year ago that the residents and staff of Tracy Aged Care were told of the impending closure of the facility causing great anxiety about their future.
Today, the residents and staff of Tracy Aged Care can feel secure about their future thanks to new operators, Frontier Services.
Frontier Services took over the operation on 15 December last year and have worked towards ensuring residents feel secure and enjoy the highest quality of care.
Frontier Services has moved its centre of operations in the Territory to the Tracy Aged Care site at 87 Woods Street, emphasising its long-term commitment to the residents.
Appreciations: From: Terence Corkin, General Secretary, National Assembly
When people talk about the Assembly they also refer to the many faithful servants of Christ and his church who serve tirelessly in its various committees and working groups.
Like congregational volunteers they often go unnoticed. At the March meeting of the ASC special appreciations were expressed to Rev Dr Robert Gribben for his outstanding contribution to our worship life, Rev Graham McAnalley for 25 years of service to the Reference Committee on Church Polity, and Mrs Ervyn Whitehead and Rev Tom Plaizier for long service to the National Disaster Fund Committee.
Uniting International Mission: PEOPLE IN MISSION SHORT TERM EXPOSURE TRIPS (S.T.E.T.) 2004
Interested in travel&.but seeking something more than the usual tourist activities?
Interested in sharing with local people, and experiencing the culture from their perspective?
Interested in experiencing God and sharing in worship in another culture?
Interested in finding out more about the mission and ministry of our partner churches?
Interested in a transforming experience that will shape your own faith journey?
Three short term cross cultural exposure trips are being organised for 2004 through People in Mission, an activity of the Uniting Church in Australia (UCA). Places are strictly limited, so an early expression of interest is encouraged from people considering participating in one of the trips.
Contact Sandy Boyce for further information, including Project Outline, Expression of Interest form and Application Form, [EMAIL PROTECTED], Ph 08 8236 4240; 0409 283 004
TONGA Thursday 17th June to Thursday 1st July Ex Sydney
With the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga (FWCT), a partner church with the UCA
This trip will include orientation to Tongan culture prior to departure as well as in Tonga, a joint work party (repairs and maintenance) on Hunga Island with a group from Fairview United Methodist Church (Tennessee), a holiday program for children, a visit to the FWCT Annual Conference on Vavau Island, visits to partner church projects, agencies and schools, time with current Volunteers in Mission, a chance for some recreation, to explore some tourist attractions and do some shopping, and sharing experiences at the end of the trip.
(Option for individuals to extend their stay at the end of the trip to explore Tonga further)
Leader: Sandy Boyce, People in Mission Coordinator
Cost: $2000 (includes domestic and international flights, local travel, food and accommodation in Tonga, and a subsidy to contribute to a reciprocal visit for a delegate to NCYC 2005)
VANUATU Friday September 24th to Saturday October 9th Ex Sydney
With the Presbyterian Church in Vanuatu (PCV), a partner church with the UCA
This trip will include orientation to Vanuatu in Sydney prior to departure as well as in Vanuatu, several days sharing in childrens and youth ministry, and music ministry, with congregations and childrens/youth groups on Efate, several days visit (in smaller groups) to a village on one of three islands (Malekula, Tanna and Epi) with local leaders, visits to partner church projects, a chance for some recreation, to explore some tourist attractions and do some shopping, and sharing experiences as a group at the end of the trip. (Option for individuals to extend their stay at the end of the trip to explore Vanuatu further)
Leader: Val Bartlett, returned Volunteer in Mission (Vanuatu)
Cost: $2000 (includes domestic and international flights, local travel, food and accommodation in Vanuatu, and a subsidy to contribute to a reciprocal visit for a delegate to NCYC 2005)
INDIA Sunday 21st November to Sunday 12th December
With the Church of South India (CSI), a partner church with the UCA
This trip will include orientation to the culture in India prior to and on arrival in Chennai (Madras), a work party in a regional area including spending time in the ministry projects of the church in the region (residential hostel for Dalit children studying at the school, hospital, etc) and time visiting projects and people in the Diocese of Madras. There will be an opportunity to meet the inspirational leaders in the church, and to hear about the challenges and opportunities facing the CSI. There will be a chance for some recreation, to explore some tourist attractions and do some shopping, and sharing experiences as a group at the end of the trip. Early expression of interest is encouraged, to ensure departure from your capital city (if domestic flights need to be booked to another capital city this will be at participants expense) (Option for individuals to extend their visit to explore India further)
Leaders: Sandy Boyce, People in Mission Coordinator; Geoff Boyce, Chaplain, Flinders University
Cost: $2700 (includes domestic and international flights, local travel, food and accommodation in India, a subsidy to contribute to a reciprocal visit for a delegate to NCYC 2005, and a contribution to the work party costs)
Reflections of a participant on a short term cross cultural exposure trip
Many people have asked me since I got back, just what exactly have I learned, and how have I changed? Im not quite sure I have the answers to these questions, and I dont think I will for sometime. I know that Im going to be so much more grateful for what I have, and I know that Im not going to be able to sit on the sidelines and let these injustices continue any longer without doing something. One lady we met was wearing a t-shirt with a picture of Albert Einstein on it, and it had one of his quotes written on it: The world is a dangerous place because of those who look on and do nothing. I am convinced that I have been one of the people who look on and do nothing, for too long. I live in a country where I have health and education services, my basic rights are respected, I have a house to live in, food to eat, clothes to wear, hot showers, flushing toilets and fresh milk. But I have not done anything to earn these things, I was just lucky enough to be born in this place. Unfortunately not everyone is that lucky, but that doesnt mean that they have any less right to these things. It just means that those of us who are blessed, have to work to share our blessings with others. The best memories of the trip are of the many people I met, and especially the time I spent with new friends and I hope the friendships I made will continue for many years to come!
[Bek C was a participant on the Philippines short term cross cultural exposure trip (Dec 03/Jan 04)]
Other related short term cross cultural exposure trips
INDIA
Sun 19th September Sat 2nd October (option for individuals to stay longer to explore India further)
This is a joint National Council of Churches in Australia and Uniting Church in Australia project
Join a group of up to 12 people travelling to South India for an exposure tour. This is not a tourist jaunt. Well see some sights, which will shock and confront us. Well also be delighted with a taste of a world rich in ancient religious cultures and natural beauty .
Leader: Rev Mark Dunn, Minister Pilgrim UCA (Doncaster, Victoria)
Ph 03 9848 3599; [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Cost: $2500 (includes return flights, food, insurance)
Advance notice:
About FACE 7 (Faith and Culture Experience)
January 2006
Coordinated jointly by Peter Lewis, National Director, Covenanting, and Sandy Boyce, People in Mission Coordinator (Uniting International Mission), and is auspiced by Uniting Education.
This three week exposure trip will again have a focus on reconciliation and covenanting with indigenous people, with placements in Aboriginal communities around Australia.
Contact: Peter Lewis, [EMAIL PROTECTED], Ph 03 9416 4262 or Sandy Boyce, Ph. 08 8236 4240, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Please contact Sandy Boyce, People in Mission Coordinator, if:
you want to receive regular updates about short term cross cultural exposure trips and related People in Mission news
you are seeking assistance to organise a short term exposure trip with your congregation linking with a partner church of the Uniting Church in Australia, please contact Sandy Boyce who has developed generic resources for organising short term exposure trips.
you are interested in finding out about short and long term placements with partner churches
Sandy Boyce, People in Mission Coordinator GPO Box 2145 Adelaide SA 5001 Ph 08 8236 4240; 0409 283 004 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
People in Mission is an activity of Uniting International Mission, an agency of the Uniting Church in Australia.
Niues cyclone aftermath: From: Uniting Church Overseas Aid
Between 2 7 January 2004, Tropical Cyclone Heta, with strength close to the centre of 95 knots and gusts up to 125 knots moved through the South Pacific islands of Tokelau, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Niue and Cook Islands, leaving behind damage of various degrees.
Tropical Cyclone Heta began near Tokelau and Wallis and Futuna around New Year. It soon gained strength and momentum as it swept through Samoa, Niua-Toputapu in Tongua and Niue before moving on.
Niue was by far the worst affected. Niue is a single uplifted coral island in the South Pacific, located at 19 degrees south latitude and 169 degrees west Longitude. It has a land area of 259 sq km. The climate is tropical modified by south east winds, which means the temperature is 42 degrees celcius and the average rainfall is 2,177mm.
There has been widespread severe damage across the island. A state of emergency was declared in Niue. The cyclone had cut through Niue, raging at more than 200 knots. The New Zealand Air Force flew to Niue on 8, January providing tents, blankets and a number of personnel to assist with the disaster assessment.
Affected South Pacific countries have been undertaking their respective damage assessments and are identifying areas needing assistance.
Reverend Liva Tukutama (Chairman for Multicultural Ministry) has reported that some UCA congregations have had small collections to help with the relief and repair. Funds will be sent to Ekalesia Niue (Church in Niue). Uniting International Mission has pledged AUS$5,000 and will accept any donations which can be received over the phone by credit card on 1800 998 122 or posted to PO BOX A2266, Sydney South NSW 1235 Australia. If you require a tax deductible receipt please request this over the phone or by making your cheques payable to Uniting Church Overseas Aid.
The Home Endowment Fund: From: Terence Corkin, General Secretary, National Assembly
A report was received on a review that is being undertaken on this fund. It has not been possible of recent times to make new loans and the ASC is investigating how to address this situation. A final report is expected in July.
Commission for national co-operation: From: Terence Corkin, General Secretary, National Assembly
An exciting development over recent months has been the creation of a vehicle that will enable the synods and Assembly to co-operate and co-ordinate their activities in an even more effective way. In a country that increasingly acts nationally we need fresh ways to work with the state based polity of our church. This Commission is a collaborative and exciting opportunity for us to find the ways of standing together in our shared mission for the benefit of the whole church.
Covenanting: From Peter Lewis, National Director, Covenanting
NEW COVENANTING RESOURCES Please visit the Covenanting website - www.covenanting.unitinged.org.au - for new resources for Covenanting and reconciliation.
Worship material for the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation May 27 to June 3
Covenanting Bible Studies
Material from Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation Healing Hands Campaign
And please note this year's Faith Communities for Reconciliation Week of Prayer
for Reconciliation Statement
For more resources or to get a speaker for your congregation/presbytery/UCAF group please contact:
Peter Lewis at the Covenanting office (03) 9416 4262
WEEK OF PRAYER FOR RECONCILIATION STATEMENT 2004
RECONCILIATION: FOR THE HEALTH OF THE NATION
Reconciliation means facing up to racism.
Reconciliation means letting Indigenous peoples have a say in their future.
Reconciliation means self-determination and human rights for Indigenous peoples.
Reconciliation means better health, housing, education and employment outcomes.
Reconciliation means a healthier nation.
The Indigenous peoples of Australia are a blessing to the land and waters of this country. Their unique continuing culture and tradition of land custodianship are fundamental to the health of the nation. But sadly, there is a deep chasm, which lies between the First Peoples of this country and the rest of the population.
It is more than poor health outcomes; although we must acknowledge the serious nature of the fact that the life expectancy of Indigenous Australians is twenty years below the national average. It is more than poor housing, education outcomes and income levels. It is more than the still prevalent racism.
The deep chasm exists because we are still to resolve the fundamental injustices, which have created these conditions for Indigenous peoples. Despite countless inquiries and reports, recommendations to address these fundamental and foundational issues remain unimplemented.
Why have similar nations like Canada and New Zealand closed the health gap between their first peoples and the rest of their population, while Australia has not? Treaties, human rights and policies of self-determination have provided a framework for achieving better health outcomes in those nations.
In Australia, reconciliation needs to go further than the memory of a million bridge walkers and sorry signers. As the recent Senate Inquiry into Reconciliation suggests, we need national leadership to redress injustice and deal with disadvantage.
For the health of the nation and the health of Indigenous people we must all put reconciliation back on the agenda.
Faith Communities for Reconciliation are:
The Anglican Church of Australia, Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, Baptist Union of Australia, Buddhist Community in Australia, Churches of Christ, Executive Council of Australian Jewry, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, Hindu Community in Australia, Liberal Catholic Church, Lutheran Church of Australia, Religious Society of Friends, Roman Catholic Church, Spiritual Assemblies of the Bahai, The Salvation Army, Seventh-day Adventist Church, Uniting Church in Australia, National Council of Churches in Australia, World Conference on Religion and Peace.
What Can You Do?
As a person of faith committed to reconciliation you can actively ensure that the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation is observed well in your faith community
encourage your faith community
- to make commitments for reconciliation
- to participate in services of worship, camps and conferences in which Indigenous and non-indigenous people will share
- erect plaques on buildings recognising the traditional owners of the land
- to establish programs to assist Indigenous economic empowerment and employment
- to promote cultural awareness and understanding
- to redress racism and disadvantage in its own structures
participate in community campaigns to
- support Indigenous rights and redress Indigenous disadvantage
- seek changes in education which better reflect Indigenous culture and our shared history
- erect memorials and monuments in recognition of the true history
- encourage the development of training and employment programmes for Indigenous people
- encourage the development of agreements between local government bodies and Indigenous people
- improve the delivery of health services for Indigenous people
The Week of Prayer for Reconciliation is an initiative of faith communities in Australia committed to a just reconciliation with Indigenous people. It is part of the wider process of reconciliation, which has been going on since 1991. The Week of Prayer begins on 27 May, the date of the 1967 Commonwealth Government Referendum which acknowledged the rightful place of Indigenous people in the Australian population, and ends on 3 June, the anniversary of the historic Mabo decision of the High Court of Australia, recognising the pre-existence of native title to land in Australia.
NCCA and UIM Partners in Mission: South India 2004 Mission Exposure Trip
Rev Mark Dunn from Pilgrim Church, Doncaster, Victoria will lead an exposure trip on behalf of the National Council of Churches Christian World Service and the Assemblys Uniting International Mission to South India from 19 September to 2 October 2004. Participants will meet with workers of the Organisation for Eelam (Tamil) Refugee Rehabilitation in Madras, visit a refugee camp and a school, take a spiritual retreat at the Cistercian Abbey community in East Kerala, and visit the East Kerala Diocese of the Church of South India. The total cost is $2,500. For more information and to register email Mark Dunn at [EMAIL PROTECTED] or phone (03) 9848 3599.
UnitingJustice: From: Elenie Poulos, National Director, UnitingJustice
& our Uniting Church, as an institution within the nation, must constantly stress the universal values which must find expression in national policies if humanity is to survive.
We pledge ourselves to hope and work for a nation whose goals are not guided by self-interest alone, but by concern for the welfare of all persons everywhere the family of the One God&
[Statement to the Nation, Inaugural Assembly, June 1977]
The promises made by the Church to the Australian nation in 1977 may seem idealistic and unrealistic in the face of terrorism, AIDS, and global poverty. At a time when the problems of our country and the world seem so great, what can we do?
The temptation to retreat into our private lives is strong because while we may not be able to make a difference in the world, we can try to make a difference in our home, with our families. The problem in this approach for Christians is that it is, in fact, contrary to Jesus call to discipleship. Our mission, while it includes our homes, is not meant to end at our front door. We are called to reach out into the world, sharing Gods love by extending hospitality and neighbourliness. Jesus taught that we are to love our enemies and give without expecting anything in return.
This call to mission is part of our everyday lives. It drives our relationships and our responses to the world around us. In a federal election year, it should drive us to vote for policies that strive first for justice and equity. While the temptation may be to seek our own safety and security as first priority, Christians are called to seek God first and the life of the Kingdom for all creation. But deciding just what this means for how we each cast our vote on election day can be difficult.
UnitingJustice has brought together a team of people from around the Church to develop resources to assist church members to identify important issues facing Australia, listen to politicians and political parties with discernment, and cast a vote informed by Christian values. In mid-2004, No Security Without Justice will be available from the Uniting Church Assembly. There will be a variety of resources in printed form and available on the website. Stay tuned!
WORK SNIPPETS&
coming soon: a discussion paper on non-violence
work in progress:
Social Justice Sunday 26 September 2004
an ecumenical kit
subscribe to Justice News [EMAIL PROTECTED] to receive info and updates about our work - send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a blank subject line and subscribe justice-news please in the body of the message
Uniting Education: From: John Emmett, National Director, Uniting Education
Elders and Church Councils - stories needed
The 10th Assembly has requested Uniting Education to develop resources for Church Council and Elders.
You are invited to contribute material to this project. Here are three ways your contribution can assist.
Send us...
a) Liberating stories:
If you have positive stories about your congregation's experiences (how you went about it) in developing new and more effective ways of being a local church Council, or of liberating the ministry of Elder amongst the congregation, Uniting Education will be very pleased to receive a written submission of that story.
b) Ideas that work:
You might have developed some simple, effective ways of working (how the work before, during and after Church Council meetings actually happens) that have streamlined and freed your Church Council to give new life to the worship, education, witness and service of the congregation. We are
very interested in these ideas, too.
c) Embracing change stories:
If you have any good stories about changes towards new ways of being church (taking risks to be a vital congregation) assisted by the way a Church Council worked, we would appreciate hearing about these, too.
We need input from the diversity of faith communities and congregations of the Uniting Church - rural, micro (less than 25 worshippers), small (less than 50 worshippers) , remote, urban, inner city, suburban, multicultural, middle (100 to 250 worshippers), large (250 worshippers, plus), occasional groups, etc. You can send individual perspectives, a Church Council perspective or even a congregational perspective.
Can you help us?
You can email your stories and / or ideas as attachments to:
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
or snail mail typed manuscripts to
"Church Council & Elders Project" John Emmett National Director Uniting Education PO Box 1245 COLLINGWOOD VIC 3066
Please make sure that you include full contact details to assist us in our follow-up reading
permissions etc.
National Conferences:
The Future Is& 23-25 April 2004 Uniting Education
An Australia-wide gathering in Canberra for Christians interested in ways in which the Internet, Multimedia, and Information Technology can contribute to the churchs mission, worship, education and witness.
Visit http://future.unitingchurch.org.au Find out. Register. Come!
At Kippax Uniting Community Centre, Cnr Luke Street and Hardwick Crescent, Holt, ACT
Enquiries: Uniting Education Telephone (03) 9416 4262
Faith on the Edge Conference 26-28 August 2004
A conference on Christianity and Interfaith Dialogue in the 21st Century
Relations With People of Other Faiths Contact: Wendie Wilkie, Telephone (02) 8267 4203
Enrolments are starting to come in for this conference run by the Assemblys committee on Relations with People of Other faiths, in Adelaide in late August. There is a limit of 50 places for this conference so if you are interested in interfaith dialogue or a chaplain working in a multi-faith setting, then contact us soon and dont miss out!
It will be held at the Monastery in Adelaide, a lovely Catholic retreat place set in beautiful grounds and a peaceful atmosphere. The President, Rev Dr Dean Drayton will open the conference, and Rev Dr Clive Pearson from UTC Sydney will provide theological reflection and input. Brochures and further information are available from Linda Pritchard at the Assembly office, telephone (02) 8267 4262 or by email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or on line at the assembly web site: http://nat.uca.org.au/home
Position Vacant:
The Synod Mission Resource Funding Committee seeks to appoint a
New Initiatives Project Consultant
The Synod Mission Resource Fund invests around $4 Million in new mission ventures connected with the Uniting Church in NSW each year.
The person appointed will work with leaders of new congregations, regional congregations, emerging new initiatives and presbyteries to:
develop creative and effective mission project applications resource, support & monitor implementation of selected projects
This will be a full time position, open to both Specified Ministry Persons and Lay Persons.
Detailed Job Description and further information from Bruce Irvine, phone (02) 6889 8336;
Email [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Applications close 1 May 2004
Uniting Church (NSW Synod) Board of Mission Telephone (02) 8267 4391
Books for Unitings: Books are selected by Hugh McGinlay e: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> (These new books are available from UCA bookshops and resource centres)
I SEE SATAN FALL LIKE LIGHTNING
Rene Girard
(Orbis)
ISBN 1570753199 $38.95
Argues in these troubled times that even as our world grows increasingly violent, the power of the Christ-event is so great that the evils of scapegoating and sacrifice are being defeated; a new community, Gods non-violent kingdom, is being realised - even now.
JUST COHABITING
The church, sex and getting married
Duncan Dormor
(DLT)
ISBN 023252484X $34.95
In today's western world where most adults believe it is wiser to cohabit before marriage, Duncan offers a radical theological reappraisal of the church's position, in a well-informed, lively and thought-provoking contribution to a hotly-contested area of debate in the churches.
FAITHFUL FINANCES 101
From the poverty of fear and greed to the riches of spiritual investing
Gary Moore
(Templeton Foundation Press)
ISBN 1932031308 $44.95
Uses the financial teachings of the Judeo-Christian Scriptures to show us how to take sound but fragmented ideas about modern political, economic, and theological reality and mould them into a coherent whole; by an author who sees faith as integral to each and every aspect of investing.
THE UNITY OF THE BIBLE
Exploring the beauty and structure of the Bible
Duane L. Christensen
(Paulist Press)
ISBN 0809141108 $47.95
Examines the content and structure of the Bible as a whole 'Word of God', presenting the Bible as a single book whose elaborate structure informs and relates the theology of its entirety; and suggests that both Testaments are interlocking and intricate, with one emanating from and flowing into the other.
FINDING PEACE
Jean Vanier
(Continuum)
ISBN 0826471919 $21.95
The founder of the world wide L'Arche homes for the disabled and disadvantaged has written an inspiring book about how to be reconciled with inner conflict and how we can bring peace to our lives and our communities.
LOSING MY RELIGION
Moving on from evangelical faith
Gordon Lynch
(DLT)
ISBN 0232525056 $32.95
Explores what leads people to question their faith and why asking these questions can be difficult in the first place, especially within the evangelical tradition.
SEEKING GOD
The way of St Benedict
Esther de Wall
(Canterbury)
ISBN 1853113468 $28.95
The practical realism and gentle wisdom of St Benedict will help us to find a balance of body, mind and spirit and enable us to become more fully human, more full of energy as we journey on the way that will bring us to God.
Dates for your diary:
2004
April 20 UnitingCare Australia Advisory Committee on Ageing -
Face-to-Face meeting Melbourne SCSA Board room
April 21-25 The National UCAF Celebration 2004. Venue: Lincoln College, North Adelaide
April 23-25 The future is&&&&.. conference contact Uniting Education (03) 9416 4262
April 23-25 UCA National Conference on Multimedia/the Internet (exploring their potential for ministry and mission), Kippax Uniting Community Centre, Holt, Canberra, ACT
April 27-28 UnitingCare Australia Disability Advisory Committee
Face-to-Face meeting Adelaide
April 27-28 UnitingCare Australia Children, Youth and Family Advisory Committee
Face-to-Face meeting - Canberra
May 13-15 National Working Group on Worship May 21-25 Queensland Synod meeting
June Tongan National Conference contact Multicultural Ministry June 7-8 UnitingCare National Reference Committee meeting Canberra June 9 Uniting Missions Network Meeting in Canberra June 11-14 Tongan National Conference
July Ministerial Education Commission meeting in Adelaide
July 2-5 Queensland: Thomas Bandy speaks on the topic Why Churches Thrive, Sustaining Thriving Churches and Sustaining Leadership
July 9-10 South Australia: Thomas Bandy speaks in on the topic Why Churches Thrive, Sustaining Thriving Churches and Sustaining Leadership
July 9-13 NCCA National Forum, Adelaide
July 16-18 Assembly Standing Committee meets in Sydney
July 18 One Great Sunday of Sharing Multicultural Ministry focus
July 30-August 12 World Alliance of Reformed Churches 24th General Council
Accra, Ghana. The theme is: That all may have life in fullness
August 8-13 National Presbytery Ministers Conference
For further details contact Graham Whybird t: (02) 9980 6762
August 12-14 National Working Group on Worship
August 17-19 Becoming Disciples consultation in Adelaide contact Rob Bos at T&D
August 26-28 Faith on the Edge Interfaith Conference, Adelaide. Contact Wendie Wilkie,
Assembly Office (02) 8267 4203
September 26 Social Justice Sunday September 27-29 National Meeting of Indonesian UCA Ministers September 29-October 2 Indonesia National Conference Sydney
October 11-12 National Working Group on Doctrine October 31-1 November Uniting Missions National Conference
November 15-16 UnitingCare National Reference Committee meeting
November 15-17 Preaching and Teaching in the year of& & in Melbourne
November 19-21 The Christian Unity Working Group National Conference, Melbourne
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Stephen Webb Media Officer Communications Unit NSW Synod, Uniting Church in Australia Box A2178, Sydney South, NSW 1235, Australia email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Phone: +61 2 8267 4308; Mobile: 0423 259 945; Fax: 9267 4716; Web: nsw.uca.org.au/cu/ & insights.uca.org.au/ ------------------ The Communications Unit publishes the monthly magazine Insights, conducts public relations for the NSW Synod of the Uniting Church, and provides a variety of communications services. These include writing, editing, web consultation and development, desktop publishing and graphic design, public relations and advertising. For a consultation or free estimate on your project call the Communications Unit at (02) 8267 4307.
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