Crosslight July 2016

Crosslight Publication of the year

No. 267 July N J l 2016

06

17

Thelma Wall has been serving coffee and helping others for 30 years.

Meet president of the UCA Stuart McMillan and Assembly general secretary Rev Colleen Geyer

08 – 09

22

A Peninsula church has taken the initiative to make a difference in its community.

Rev Sharon Hollis reflects on the highlights of Synod 2016.

Moderator Sharon Hollis was installed at a moving ceremony at Wesley Church in Melbourne on 3 June. The installation service was the start of Synod 2016. Turn to centre spread for a snapshot of the five-day meeting or go to: victas-synod2016.org.au for our comprehensive coverage.

11 – 14

Images and thoughts from Synod 2016

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Picture credit Garth Jones

Synod Snaps brings you images from throughout the Church and beyond.

Regulars People - 15 Reviews - 18 to 19 Letters - 20 Notices - 20 to 21 Moderator’s column - 22

Editorial Word wise PENNY MULVEY

Communications & Media Services

UCA Synod Office, 130 Little Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Phone: (03) 9251 5200 Email: crosslight@victas.uca.org.au ISSN 1037 826X

POLITICAL correctness is defined

by Wikipedia as follows: “commonly abbreviated to PC, is a term which, in modern usage, is used to describe language, policies, or measures which are intended not to offend or disadvantage any particular group of people in society. In the media, the term is generally used as a pejorative, implying that these policies are excessive.”

The furore which erupted over offensive ‘banter’ between well-known football identities on a Melbourne radio station last month reinforced how careless we have become as a society in our use of words.

Comedians can be confronting in their ability to reflect society’s failings back onto itself, but they too can cross the line when they home in on the vulnerable and the voiceless, who cannot defend themselves against such verbal barbs.

Each of us is responsible for the words that Crosslight is a monthly newspaper produced by the Communications and Media Services unit of The Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania.

It is published 11 times a year.

Opinions expressed in Crosslight do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or the policies of The Uniting Church.

Advertising: Crosslight accepts advertising in good faith.

Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement.

Advertising material is at the discretion of the publisher.

Distribution: Crosslight is usually distributed the first Sunday of the month.

come out of our mouths. However, we are all sponges of the culture that surrounds us. We casually use words and phrases without thinking about the impact of those words, and the hidden trauma they might be inflicting.

An ABC journalist in a story on past political manoeuvrings spoke about ‘knifing Kevin Rudd’. Does such a turn of phrase bring back painful memories for people who have literally experienced a knife attack or lost relatives and friends in such a manner? It certainly reinforces a violent society.

Putting aside the total inappropriateness of joking about drowning a female sports reporter in an icy pool as part of a fundraiser, what trauma is inflicted on those listening who have a personal experience with drowning?

Is it political correctness ‘gone mad’ to be conscious of offense or trauma that we

might cause because of our words?

I am grateful for people who have the courage to point out the distress my use of words might have. For example, ‘committed suicide’ implies a criminal act. More appropriate language is ‘died by suicide’ or ‘ended their own life’.

Being loose with gender descriptors for people within the LGBTI community can be incredibly hurtful.

Words are used as a weapon to cause hurt, as is evidenced by the deeply offensive and aggressive language often used in social media forums. Words are used to give power and make others powerless.

“It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that.”

(James 3:6, The Message) Perhaps instead of being PC, we could strive to be WW (word wise).

Circulation: 21,000 (publisher’s figure).

Staff:

Deadlines: Advertising and editorial.

Executive Editor - Penny Mulvey Managing Editor - Deb Bennett Design, Digital Illustration and Print Services - Garth Jones Graphic Artist - Mirna Leonita Communications Manager - Nigel Tapp Online Content Coordinator - Emmet O’Cuana Communications Officer - Tim Lam P.A to Executive Editor - Lynda Nel Senior Media Officer - Ros Marsden Media Communications Officer - David Southwell

Please check exact dates on our website <crosslight.org.au>.

Closing date for August– Friday 22 July 2016.

Printing: Rural Press, Ballarat Visit Crosslight online: crosslight.org.au

ucavictas

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News Make lives better ONE of the proposals resolved at the 2016 Synod meeting expressed concern about governments no longer adequately funding services which protect the vulnerable in our community.

Put forward by the synod’s Justice and International Mission (JIM) unit, the Synod meeting heard that if Australia collected close to what other OECD governments collect in revenue, billions of dollars would be available. This money could be spent on supporting our communities and programs that encourage people to reach their full potential.

The JIM unit’s Make Lives Better campaign will focus on the services that will benefit from an increase in revenue.

Part of the campaign calls on the federal government to collect more revenue for mental health services.

In 2014 the federal government changed the way it funds mental health services.

Service delivery moved to an individualised service plan called a ‘recovery model’. This new model focusses on individual care, however, the changes meant that drop-in centres, group programs, and day programs were all de-funded.

Rev Natalie Dixon-Monu runs community programs previously provided by large mental health agencies. There are 400 people on her books, all of whom receive crisis management and participate in programs.

Ms Dixon-Monu runs these programs at the Boroondara Community Outreach ministry

Playing their part in the polls ROS MARSDEN MOST of our readers will pick up Crosslight the day after the federal election.

A large number of Uniting Church halls across the Victorian and Tasmanian synod transform into polling booths on Saturday 2 July. We asked Janice Laverty, who co-ordinates hall bookings at the Nhill Uniting Church in the Wimmera district of Western Victoria (as well as playing the organ for Sunday worship) what is involved with preparing a hall for voting.

“We have inspectors visiting months before the election,” she said. “They spend a lot of time measuring doors, working out our accessibility, the location of toilets, the availability of ramps and whether we have enough tables and chairs. We are right on the highway, so as well as local people we have a constant stream of travellers who stop to vote.”

When an election hits town, the Australian Electoral Commission’s booking always takes priority. So Janice is probably one of the few Australians pleased with the long election campaign, as the Nhill church hall

Rev Natalie Dixon-Monu and Michele

without federal funding; she relies on grants and local council support.

Most of the people who attend Ms DixonMonu’s programs have disabilities or mental health illnesses.

Michele has been diagnosed with chronic borderline personality disorder and chronic schizoaffective disorder. Natalie and Michele believe that people with mental illness still need places during the day to engage socially. Michele said

the services provided by the program are important for her wellbeing.

“It is very easy to for people to think ‘she lives in supported accommodation, that’s good enough’,” Michele said. “But the community activities I participate in mean so much to me, they are socially connecting and they are fun. Our music band is really good when we practice together and sing songs. We have gym and art and writing class. Rev Natalie doesn’t

stop. She is always helping people. She is a saint. That’s all there is too it.

“When I am unwell I can’t cope socially.

I need these programs for my wellbeing.

I come home feeling like I have achieved something that day.”

is a popular events venue, so it helps to be able to plan ahead.

“We host school examinations, the Lions Club Youth of the Year, dinners for the CWA, space for Wimmera UnitingCare when they need it as well as Probus meetings and of course, our own church events.”

Almost 10 years ago, the church hall received funding for a commercial kitchen so the community had a central place to gather for crisis events such as a flood.

The Australian Electoral Commission delivers the polling booths ahead of the election and then spends approximately half a day setting up the hall. They are expected to leave the hall as they found it, removing the furnishings after the election, important for a church which has worship services the next day.

“Up until this election, the Ladies’ Guild has run a store but because we are all getting older, this time we will not be doing so,” Janice explained. “But we benefit from the hall hire and the ability to be a welcoming location for polling day.

“My only job on the actual day is to turn up and vote!”

Did your church have a polling booth?

Send us a photo to crosslight@victas.uca.org.au

It’s an honour

Several Uniting Church members from Victoria and Tasmania were awarded a medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

Rev Dr Robert Gallacher was recognised for his service to the Uniting Church, particularly in religious art education.

Dr Gallacher was the founder and coordinator of Uniting Church Icon Schools from 1995-2015. The program has approximately 50 members from different denominations who meet monthly at Auburn Uniting Church to learn about iconography.

Dr Gallacher was also national secretary of the Christian Unity Working Group from 2001-2004 and co-chair of the Anglican Church of Australia/Uniting Church in Australia Joint Commission for nine years.

Marie Robinson, who has volunteered at UnitingCare Outreach Bendigo since 2006, received an OAM for service to the community of Bendigo and people with a disability.

Other Uniting Church members from the synod awarded with an OAM included Margaret Harmer, Irene Harrington, Carol Porter, Ronald Harris and Dr Stewart Gill.

Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove offered his congratulations to all honours recipients.

“We are fortunate as a community to have so many outstanding people willing to dedicate themselves to the betterment of our nation and it is only fitting that they have been recognised through the Australian honours system,” Sir Peter said.

“The recipients now join the company of more than 40,000 women and men whose actions have enriched our community and our lives. Their qualities – compassion, dedication, generosity, selflessness, tolerance, and energetic ambition – inspire and motivate us.”

Nhill Uniting Church

JULY 16 - CROSSLIGHT

MANY Uniting Church members dedicate countless hours living out the biblical call to serve the most vulnerable and marginalised members of society.

Their hard work and generosity were recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Kenneth Harrison, congregation member at Mark the Evangelist Uniting Church, was appointed a member of the Order of Australia (AM). He was recognised for significant services to the community through financial support and senior roles with horticultural, social welfare, medical and cultural groups.

Mr Harrison is the current chair of the Royal Botanical Gardens and ambassador at the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation, where he develops corporate philanthropic leadership. He was also an honorary director at Oxfam from 19902004 and foundation governor of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists Foundation.

Kathleen Johnston was recognised with an AM for her philanthropic support to medical research, aged care, social welfare and charitable groups, including Prahran Mission.

For copies of the postcard for the campaign, please phone (03) 9251 5271 or e-mail jim@ victas.uca.org.au.

3

Annual Investor Briefing 2016 Interest rates lower for longer Tuesday 26 July 2016 Register now to ensure your place!

Titled “Interest rates lower for longer”, this year’s investor briefing will cover: > The economic outlook, fund positioning and performance

> Implications of the election > Ethical investment developments

> The challenges of a low inflation environment Each session will include question time, as well as a meet and greet with the full UCA Funds Management investment team.

Due to popular demand, we will be holding two sessions: Lunch session Tuesday 26 July 2016 11.30 a.m. – 12.45 p.m.

Evening session Tuesday 26 July 2016 5.00 p.m. – 6.15 p.m.

Rydges Melbourne, Broadway Room 186 Exhibition Street, Melbourne

Rydges Melbourne, Broadway Room 186 Exhibition Street, Melbourne

Lunch, tea and coffee provided

Canapes, tea and coffee provided

Register your place > www.ucafunds.com.au/investorbriefing General advice disclaimer: This advert provides general information only and must not in any way be construed or relied upon as legal or financial advice. No consideration has been given or will be given to the individual investment objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. Before acquiring a UCA Funds Management product, you should read the disclosure document for the product and seek independent advice to ensure it is appropriate for your particular objectives, financial situation and needs. UCA Funds Management is a registered business name of UCA Funds Management Limited ABN 46 102 469 821 AFSL 294147. Neither UCA Funds Management nor the Portfolios/Funds are prudentially supervised by APRA. Contributions to the Portfolios/Funds do not obtain the benefit of the depositor protection provisions of the Banking Act 1959. The Portfolios/Funds are designed for investors who wish to promote charitable purposes and support the work of The Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania. Unit values reflect the market value of the assets of the Portfolios/Funds, and consequently may rise or fall in line with market variations. Past performance is no indication of future results. UCA Funds Management does not guarantee the return of capital or the performance of the Portfolios/Funds.

UCA Funds Management is a social enterprise of The Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania

Follow us on LinkedIn! www.ucafunds.com.au/LinkedIn

News Developing dementia-friendly congregations CHARISSE EDE

FOR the past eight years, Joan Waters has thought, read, wept and prayed about dementia.

The insidious disease has taken hostage of her husband of 65 years, Reynolds, a retired Uniting Church minister.

Ms Waters has watched as her vibrant, caring and loving partner slowly lost his memory, his understanding and his reasoning. In their place are confusion, anxiety and frustration.

There are almost 343,000 Australians with dementia. That figure is predicted to increase to almost 900,000 by 2050 unless there is a medical breakthrough.

While some medication is available to those with dementia, it is not a cure.

“Medication only slows down its inexorable march; it does not halt or retreat,” Ms Waters said. “The slow erosion of the person known and loved for a lifetime is unmerciful.”

It’s important the many thousands of other people touched by people with dementia understand how to care for them. This

Reynolds and Joan Waters

FOR A LONG TIME religious belief has been quarantined to the domain of the private in a way that would have been inconceivable to earlier generations.

The separation of church and state has become the separation of religion and society. This separation is connected to the fact that more people are boldly declaring themselves to be atheists. ΖQ WKLV VHULHV RI ȴYH SUHVHQWDWLRQV Bruce Barber canvases the philosophical and theological legacy that has led people to think the way they do.

The sessions: 1. +RZ GLG WKH LGHD RI *RG ȴUVW DSSHDU in Western Culture?

2. Up and down with the philosophers— a selective survey.

3. The legacy of the Medieval world.

includes church congregations.

“Most Christian theological models of personhood are based on memory, relationships, spiritual growth or doing God’s work, so they fail to include people with dementia,” Joan said.

“For a person with dementia, as the disease progresses, memory, relationships, spiritual growth – all may be lost.

“People with dementia remind us that ultimately we are all dependent on grace alone – being remembered and valued by God.” To help congregations increase their understanding of dementia and improve their pastoral care, Uniting AgeWell and the Centre for Theology and Ministry (CTM) have developed a dementia education resource.

The DIY Dementia and pastoral care program was launched at Synod 2016.

The two-module program is accessed through the CTM website and is designed to be conducted as a group study by congregational members over two sessions.

Uniting AgeWell director of mission John Clarke said the idea for the resource came from a meeting with Ms Waters that “shook my cage and extended my horizons”, when she asked how Uniting AgeWell was equipping congregations for ministry with older people, particularly those with dementia.

“Over the last two years I’ve visited over 15 congregations conducting Q and A sessions about the challenges of ageing, and the need for more information and accessible training was reinforced in my mind,” Mr Clarke said.

“The Presbytery of Yarra Yarra’s recent meeting agreed to encourage the development of an information kit within the wider church to assist congregations to become more ‘dementia friendly’ which underlines the need.

“Joan’s promptings led us to wonder what resources we could create with CTM to offer other avenues for helping people with these pastoral care skills with older people.”

Mr Clarke said the organisation drew on its skilled education team, chaplains and the ListenWell pastoral care training modules to help build the program.

He said it was then piloted by several congregations, including Healesville Uniting Church and The Avenue Blackburn Uniting Church, while he also trialled it with a group from the synod office.

Ms Waters encouraged all congregations to take advantage of the online modules.

“It is a brief guide for congregations seeking to be welcoming, inclusive and nurturing to all who enter, including those with dementia and those who care for them,” she said.

“To be a dementia-friendly congregation is to find ways to minister to people with dementia so that they know they are ‘held

by God’.

“This is a challenging ministry, but dementia-friendly congregations offer an opportunity to reach out to the vulnerable and show the love of God in action.”

DIY Dementia and pastoral care is available on the CTM website: ctm.uca.edu.au

The new 2016 Share Sunday resource pack launches in August!

4. The 18th century Enlightenment and the ‘death’ of God. 5. Where are we today?

Bruce Barber has taught theology at WHUWLDU\ OHYHO IRU IRUW\ \HDUV ȴUVW LQ 3HUWK and subsequently at the United Faculty of Theology, Melbourne.

The sessions will be held at the South 3RUW 8QLWLQJ &KXUFK 3DULVK 0LVVLRQ Centre, 329 Dorcas Street, South Melbourne from 11am to 1pm on Fridays 12th August, 19th August, 26th August, 2nd September and 9th September. A light lunch will be provided. If you wish to attend please contact Rev Ross Carter on 9690 1188 or 0407 351 545 or ross.carter@southportuniting.org.au

by Friday 5th August.

Together we can make a difference!

Share Sunday: Your faith in action Share Sunday is a great opportunity for your congregation to see the impact of your donations and to link your church service with the spirituality, aims, ethos and work of Share.

Holding a Share Sunday service is easy: 1 Sign up and receive a resource pack with everything

you need to run the service including worship resources and a video presentation featuring footage from UnitingCare agencies and messages from Share and the Moderator.

2 Choose a date for your Share Sunday service.

3 Hold the service and restore life, joy and hope to

people who need it most!

For more information please contact Laura Cregan on FREE Call 1800 668 426 or laura.cregan@victas.uca.org.au

JULY 16 - CROSSLIGHT

5

News A cuppa and a caring heart DAVID SOUTHWELL

Thelma Wall was volunteering at the Sycamore Tree Coffee Shop when she saw a “young fellow” enter the adjoining Heidelberg-East Ivanhoe Uniting Church, which in those days had a front section open as a chapel.

Ms Wall decided to follow the young man in and approach him.

“People enter a church for a reason,” she said.

She found the youth clutching rosary beads and learnt that his brother was in the nearby Austin Hospital, having been kinghit the night before.

The brother was not expected to survive.

Ms Wall introduced the youth to the church’s minister and invited him back to the coffee shop.

He accepted and the minister and shop volunteers did what they could to provide both food and comfort to the young man as his brother passed away in hospital.

“I was always very glad we got to feed this young kid, just to have him with us.

It made me very glad the coffee shop was there,” Ms Wall said.

She said many people had similar personal stories about the coffee shop.

Heidelberg-East Ivanhoe Church is gearing up this August to celebrate 35 years since it set up the largely volunteer-run shop on Burgundy St, Heidelberg, as an outreach to the community.

“There is a lot of pride about the coffee shop,” Ms Wall said “It has a clear connection that is recognised by the community as part of the church.”

“It has a warmth and friendliness, it’s not a churchy place. We are welcoming to

everybody, lots of people comment on it.

They like the light and bright feeling of it.”

The premises previously served as a drop-in centre run by Heidelberg Church parishioner Elizabeth Lowson. Ms Lowson formulated the plan to turn it into a coffee shop, with the next door shopfront being rented out by the church to fund mission work.

The shop employs two staff, a manager and a barista, but all other staff are volunteers.

Coffee shop workers have come from the Heidelberg congregation as well as other churches and charitable and volunteer groups.

“It’s very well supported by people of other congregations,” she said.

Ms Wall said doing volunteer work had been confidence-building both for older and younger people, with the manager very adept at recognising people’s capabilities and ensuring service went smoothly.

Sometimes volunteers come from unexpected sources.

Ms Wall said a woman whose husband was undergoing surgery asked if she could wait in the shop and ended up doing dishes.

Often students and others come into the shop to get work experience and a number have gone on to be employed in the hospitality industry.

As tastes have changed so have the coffee shop’s offerings, from a relatively simple menu of sandwiches and pies to modern foodie staples such as pulled pork.

Ms Wall said that though the shop has been profitable, this money has never been kept by the church.

“Every year we have made donations,” she said “We’ve always seen profits but it has been to help the community.”

One source of giving back is by offering food vouchers for the shop to people at the nearby Austin and Mercy hospitals.

Ms Wall has volunteered at the shop since it began. She works four hours a week, mostly waitressing.

Over the years she has got to know many of the shop’s regular patrons.

Ms Wall decided to become involved when she left nursing to raise her children.

“I wanted something where I could keep active, keep useful and, like nursing, keep interacting with people by always being on my feet,” she said. “This hit the button.”

4th Common Dreams Conference “Progressive Spirituality: New Directions” Major public addresses by Dr Diana Butler Bass (US), Dr Val Webb (Aus) and Prof Pamela Eisenbaum (US), plus other noted progressive Australian & International speakers BRISBANE l 16 to 19 September 2016 To register online & for more information visit the website at www.commondreams.org.au For enquiries or a brochure call (03) 9571 4575 or email info@commondreams.org.au 6

CROSSLIGHT - JULY 16

News God in the margins

Rev Dr Ji Zhang

THE Chinese church has undergone dramatic change in the past few decades.

Two men with considerable knowledge of the church in China are Rev Dr Ji Zhang and Rev Zhu Enshou. They will bring their stories and experience to regional Victoria when they speak at a conference at Hamilton Uniting Church on the weekend of 12-14 August.

Mr Zhu is minister of the Zion Chinese Church, which worships on the site of the Glen Iris Road Uniting Church. It is home to a congregation of more than 70 Chinese Christians. He is also the first minister from the China Christian Council to take a ministry position in Australia.

Dr Zhang is UnitingWorld’s manager of church relationships (Asia). He grew up in Shanghai and studied theology in Melbourne and Boston.

The conference is organised by the Henty region and will focus on the theme ‘God in the margins’.

It will commence on Friday night where Mr Zhu will share his journey to Australia and his ministry to build a Chinese church community in suburban Melbourne.

Mr Zhu and Dr Zhang will then explore the history of the church in China on Saturday, from its suppression during the Cultural Revolution to its re-emergence and subsequent growth. They will relate their experience of the Chinese church’s development to emerging issues in the Australian rural context.

The conference will finish on Sunday with a worship service led by Dr Zhang and Mr Zhu. Hamilton Uniting Church minister Rev Peter Cook said the conference originated from a discussion at a Henty region meeting about providing learning opportunities to Uniting Church members.

“We started off just hearing about the growth of the Church in China and the association Australia has developed with China in terms of trade and various ways,” Mr Cook said.

“Increasingly, Australia is more multicultural and will be much more connected to Asia – it’s already happening now and there’s no reason why it would stop.”

The church in Australia is experiencing a period of change and Mr Cook believes it will be valuable for congregations to learn from the story of the Chinese church.

“The idea of ‘in the margins’, as I would understand, is that for a long time Chinese Christians were in the margins in China.

The way things are developing in Australia, you could say that in some respects the church is much more on the margins than it was 70 years ago,” he said.

“The conference will build a little bridge in those respective experiences and see what we have to learn.”

Evening and midday meals can be purchased from Friday tea to Sunday lunch for a total cost of $80 or pro-rata. Some billeting is also available.

A picnic in the country JIM FOLEY A GUEST at the refugee picnic took a final look at the Castlemaine botanical gardens in their autumn splendour and said to one of the organisers: “This is the best day I’ve had since arriving in Australia”.

The comment was music to the ears of the team of people from Rural Australians for Refugees and churches and community groups who had put a large picnic together for refugees living in Melbourne who have come to Australia mainly from Iran, Tanzania and Pakistan.

Josh Lourensz from Lentara UnitingCare said recreational events like the Castlemaine picnic provide a welcome distraction from the daily struggles of housing, employment and keeping in contact with families overseas.

“It gives refugees a few hours of fun and a chance to meet people outside their immediate circles,” Mr Lourensz said.

Other days out have included visits to Anglesea, a magic show and the Melbourne Zoo.

“These events are particularly appreciated by people suffering from depression and anxiety, they value being in a safe place,” Mr Lourensz said.

The Castlemaine locals who ran the event said they enjoyed having fun with their visitors, particularly playing games like soccer and a tug-o-war. One organiser said the contest should be renamed a “tug-of-peace”.

Two IGA supermarkets in Castlemaine donated snacks and icy poles that augmented the delicious country cooking. One picnic organiser said “I felt like Father Christmas as I handed the Icy Poles out. They were a real hit with everyone and helped our visitors feel even more welcome here.”

One of the organisers, Solway Nutting, described the day as “just lovely”.

“The animals were a terrific attraction, food was abundant and face painting, balloon twisting and origami-folding absorbed many kids,” Ms Nutting said.

“The tug-of-peace was to have been the best of three but it was more peaceful to stop when the score was even. Anyway, we were all too winded to do another!

“Our guests were delightful and there were lots of local people making them welcome.

The picnic was well worth doing and doing again for another year.”

For more information and to register for the conference, contact Elaine Edwards on P: 03 5572 4627, Mob: 0411 404 189 or email: elaine1747@gmail.com

Tug-of-peace in the park

MIND BODY SPIRIT Service

Heidelberg Choral Society, Soloists and Orchestra

SUNDAY 31 JULY 5.30 - 7.30pm Rev Anneke Oppewal (M Theol.; Dip. C HYP)

A CALL TO PEACE

North Balwyn UCA, Duggan St. North Balwyn (Mel. 46 F3)

Anneke is a Minister in the Uniting Church and is a recently accredited Hypnotherapist and teacher of Meditation.

Conductor: Peter Bandy

Topic - “Hypnosis, Meditation & Prayer” Anneke will explore the differences and similarities between hypnosis, meditation & prayer. She will speak about how focus and entering into trance like states can help us more easily access resources within ourselves that can bring healing and transformation, both physically and mentally and help us deal with a wide range of conditions such as anxiety, chronic pain, addiction, insomnia, high blood pressure and depression.

SUNDAY 28 AUGUST 5.30 - 7.30pm Dr Itir Binay

Featuring, The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace ~Karl Jenkins When the Bugle Calls ~Nicholas Buc (Premiere)

Post-doctoral researcher and lecturer in the Department of Marketing at Monash University.

Topic - “To have or to be; Alternatives to consumerism” Dr Binay will speak about alternatives to consumerism based on her dissertation study of everyday life in intentional communities. Her study compared two communities in Australia and Turkey that aim to provide alternatives to modern consumption and consumerism.

Talks are followed by soup & Reflective Worship Further details: 9857 8412, mail@nbuc.org.au or www.nbuc.org.au JULY 16 - CROSSLIGHT

Saturday

20th August

7.30pm

Melbourne Recital Centre Cnr Southbank Boulevard & Sturt Street, Southbank

Bookings: www.melbournerecital.com.au l (03) 9699 3333

7

News

Project Cloverleaf supporters celebrate the announcement of federal funding

Homecoming DAVID SOUTHWELL

IT has taken years for the Southern Mornington Peninsula Uniting Church to secure funding for its ambitious plan to build supported social housing for people with a disability who are in the care of ageing parents. But, according to congregation member Peter Hunter, that’s just the beginning.

“It is an enormous first step,” Mr Hunter said of the announcement of funding for the Cloverleaf project. The project will see a two-storey, four-unit accommodation complex built on land provided by the congregation next to its church in Rosebud on the Mornington Peninsula.

Local MP Greg Hunt held a media conference at the site on 10 June to announce that the federal government would match a state government commitment of $1 million, ending a long search for funding for the project.

“When we first got the news it was an enormous relief,” Mr Hunter said.

“It seems like you are pushing uphill all the time until you get some credibility about

the project and personnel.

“People in the congregation were just rapt.

Some of us were wondering if this would ever happen.

“It took a long time to get the circumstances right. It’s pretty amazing.”

It is anticipated the $2.4 million Cloverleaf centre will be completed by late 2017 or early 2018 and be able to house eight people with disabilities.

Project Cloverleaf came out of the merger of three congregations on the Peninsula three years ago.

Before amalgamation, the Visioning Committee began to discern the mission of the new gathering.

Committee member Jan Hall had read an article in a local paper about Community Lifestyle Accommodation (CLA), a campaigning group of ageing parents caring for children with severe disabilities.

The Visioning Committee met with the CLA secretary Marie Hell, who was a finalist in the recent Victorian Disability Awards.

Congregation members learnt that the parents, some of them in their 80s, often had no respite from the full-time role of caring for their children.

After bad experiences with state care, the parents were very worried about what would happen when they were no longer around.

Eight families from the CLA have chipped in $30,000 each to help fund the project.

“These are amazing people,” said Mr Hunter.

“Their passion to make sure that something is done is incredible.”

Mr Hunter a 68-year-old retired engineer, said the project had given the 90-strong congregation, many in their later years, a “new life”.

“It’s the church in action, hopefully the start of something much bigger. There is so much need,” Mr Hunter said “There is such a synergy in this with our mission to help people from the margins who have been forgotten.”

Ms Hell said she felt the Church’s

intervention and continued partnership with CLA was nothing short of a miracle.

“It was a gift from God. I have no doubt in the world about that,” she said.

“It was a match made in heaven. It has just been wonderful.

“When we have needed someone they have arrived. We were not carrying this burden by ourselves anymore.”

Mr Hunter said that in receiving the federal government money the project was cited as a great example of community participation.

Southern Mornington Peninsula Uniting Church is moving to do further outreach by turning its church into a community hub, with spaces available for different groups,

Greg Hunt MP addresses the gathering

29 College Crescent, Parkville Victoria 3052 Telephone 03 9340 8800 Facsimile 03 9340 8805 info@ctm.uca.edu.au www.ctm.uca.edu.au

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ctmvictas

CROSSLIGHT - JULY 16

News including the people with a disability.

This plan involves turning pews into seats and opening up areas to invite people in.

To financially support this mission work, some of the church land will be used for residential housing.

Mr Hunter said that from the time the three congregations came together, they recognised the need to work closely with the wider community.

“The church needs to look outside itself,” he said.

“It unified the three congregations with focus on the mission. Our unity of purpose is on mission.”

The church will continue to work with CLA and other community groups to drive Cloverleaf forward.

Community participants will be welcomed to an afternoon tea to “keep the momentum up.”

“The key in all this was the congregation was closely involved with people in the community,” Mr Hunter said.

“Rather than a church project, it is a community project the church is giving leadership to. It doesn’t have to be the church doing it all.

“We want to closely involve the parents, particularly aiming at the ageing carers where the big hole is.

“By having community participation we want to have a home-like feeling.”

Ms Hell said the aim was to create an alternative to the sometimes impersonal care facilities that parents were not comfortable leaving their children in.

“We are creating homes with some TLC.

Outside the church, Jan Hall (SMPUC), Marie Hell and Kevin Turner (CLA and Rev Chris Meneilly hold a picture of the planned Cloverleaf house

“That’s because they (Cloverleaf residents) will be treated as people, part of the church community,” she said.

“The church is a welcoming place for everybody. An extended family, that’s what the church has been to us.”

Ms Hell said safety is a big issue. Some parents found their children had been beaten or robbed by other residents in care situations.

Ms Hell’s 45-year-old son Geoff is severely disabled. She has been his sole carer since her husband passed away in 2010.

She knows of many other families in a similar position, with parents in their 70s and 80s providing round-the-clock care for their adult offspring and desperately worried about what will happen when they are gone.

“As a nation we should be ashamed of ourselves to let families live in fear of this, in fear of dying,” she said.

Last year it was reported that 15,000 Australian parents aged over 65 accessed services when caring for an adult child with a disability.

A 2012 report commissioned by Carers Victoria estimated there were 16,800 aged parent carers overall in Australia, which had increased from 6400 in 2003.

The eight people to be taken in as Cloverleaf residents will be decided by an independent panel, with none of the 18 registered families guaranteed a place.

It is this urgent need that drives Southern Mornington Peninsula Uniting Church and the CLA to view Cloverleaf as a template to be copied.

“They (the CLA) don’t want to stop here, and neither do we,” Mr Hunter said.

“There are hundreds of people in our local area needing this type of accommodation and thousands around the suburbs.

“The urgency is there to get people security and satisfaction in their final years so they have the confidence their child or adult dependent will be left in a caring environment.

“I would dearly love to see other congregations joining with us in seeing a need and meeting that.

“We need to move forward as to how to replicate this project.”

According to Mr Hunter, an important

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aspect of the Cloverleaf project was that it showed a way that the church could help not just by donating its land but by providing credibility and backing to the project.

The land’s owner is the Uniting Church Property Trust and the board assumes the legal and financial responsibilities for the long-term Cloverleaf lease.

“The church is providing an instrument for government funding to be funnelled into the project,” Mr Hunter said.

“We have been able to develop the mission at congregation, presbytery and synod level.”

Mr Hunter said the National Disability Insurance Scheme presented opportunities for churches to use their assets and draw on government funding to make social

housing financially viable.

He encouraged churches to take part in the Social Housing Project, which is a synod initiative to audit church properties and devise the best means to utilise them for social housing.

“We have the opportunity in the Church to do this,” Mr Hunter said.

“Lots of land, lots of buildings are underutilised. How do we use this land to do the mission of the Church?

“I think that as congregations we sometimes don’t understand that we are stewards of our property and we need to make beneficial use of it.

“With all the resources the Church has, unless it’s for a purpose, what’s the point?”

Can we have a slice of cake and not just the crumbs?

“There are carers everywhere battling to survive in an inhumane system. Where is the compassion and value for human life? As our population ages, carers that chose to care for their child with an intellectual disability at home are now disadvantaged because they have to fight for support services, respite and full time accommodation.

Unpaid caring labour has saved the Government billions of dollars. We need the services and supports so that we too, can have quality of life for our children and peace of mind for ourselves. We have all, for so many years, foregone normal lives so that our disabled sons and daughters could have the best quality of life as valued members of our own family and community.

Carers are pleading for help and getting nowhere. Not only do we live with the stress of caring, but we live in horror of not being able to ease our children into accommodation that is appropriate to their needs. Our children do not deserve to be exposed to a crisis response to their housing needs when we die or can no longer care because of illness.

There needs to be a transition from the family home into appropriate accommodation before we die.

Aging carers have stated that they would rather take their loved ones with them when they die than leave them to an uncertain and insecure future. Carers and their children are human beings and their lives are at stake!

We live in a wealthy and beautiful country. Where is the compassion for carers and people who, through no fault of their own, are born with an intellectual disability? Why can’t they expect a comparable existence to that enjoyed by the rest of the community?

Why can’t they eat the cake instead of being fed crumbs?”

(Extract from a letter written by Marie Hell.)

Seeking photos for the 2017 calendar

is

GIVING

LIVING

Is your congregation involved in life-changing initiatives?

The Commission for Mission is looking for photos for the 2017 Giving is Living calendar. The photos will showcase how the Uniting Church is involved in changing lives.

Photos should be high quality (recommended dimensions 3000x2000 pixels and 300DPI) and accompanied by a caption. Each person featured in the photo must complete a permission form, which can be downloaded from this link: bit.ly/Calendar2017 Send your photos and permission forms to David Wang at david.wang@victas.uca.org.au by August 1.

Find us at uca.victas.org.au JULY 16 - CROSSLIGHT

ucavictas

ucavictas

9

Profile Daring conference TIM LAM THE Uniting Church is characterised by a diversity of cultural and theological perspectives. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the Church as it examines its stance on issues such as samegender relationships.

The topic of diversity was discussed throughout the Queen’s Birthday long weekend at the biannual Daring Conference held at the Centre for Theology and Ministry.

Daring is organised by Uniting Network and connects LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and intersex), CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) and interfaith communities together for a weekend of storytelling, prayer and friendship.

Approximately 65 people attended the 2016 conference, which focused on the theme ‘honouring our diversity’.

Rev Sani Vaeluaga is presbytery minister of pastoral care in Gippsland. He said honouring diversity begins with acknowledging the universal needs of every human being.

“We are all human. We may speak different languages or eat different food and make different choices, but we live in this world and breathe the same air and yearn for love,” he said.

Mr Vaeluaga said there is great diversity within CALD communities and attributing the opinions of one person as representing the views of everyone in that community can be misleading.

“It really bugs me when an issue is discussed and somebody stands up and says ‘we Samoans think this way’,” he said.

“We are all different in terms of thinking and upbringing. That diversity exists and we need to recognise that. For me, the diversity that people offer is a real blessing.”

Ken Moala is a member of Southport Uniting Church on the Gold Coast and part of the steering committee of the Global Interfaith Network for People of All Sexes, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (GIN – SSOGIE).

He spoke about the need for solidarity between LGBTI members from different faith backgrounds.

“We really need to understand ‘the other’.

We need to feel their pain; we also need to share the love,” he said.

Another theme that emerged from the

discussions was finding commonality in a diverse community.

Toni Paynter was educated at an all-boys private school but now identifies herself as ‘gender diverse’. She encouraged the attendees to remember our shared humanity.

“We have more in common with one another than we have differences,” she said.

“And most of the differences are perceptions about who we are and what we belong to.

We tend to overlook the simple things in life – we have a magnificent teacher in Christ who always welcomes people.”

Rev Dr Amelia Koh-Butler, former chair of the Assembly’s National Reference Committee for Multicultural and Cross Cultural Ministry, said reducing debates into a binary ‘right and wrong’ argument is divisive. Rather, a theology of hospitality may pave the way for greater engagement between people with different opinions.

“What I discovered over the years is that ‘honouring’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘liking’ – honouring under a covenant with God means loving people unconditionally, even if you don’t agree with them,” Dr KohButler said.

“What I get really excited about is ministering to communities with different needs in the congregation. Not everyone has to have the same version of the gospel but what they have in common is the one God who meets all the different needs.

“They can still be a community that encourages each other by sharing the differences in their story about the one God.” A topic that generated much discussion was the Uniting Church’s stance on marriage and same-gender relationships.

At the most recent Assembly meeting, the Church resolved to hold a culturallyappropriate discussion on marriage into the next triennium.

Attendees shared their views on samegender marriage with Rev Dr Avril HannahJones and Rev Dr Geoff Thompson from the Assembly’s Doctrine Working Group.

Uniting Church President Stuart McMillan was also present to hear their thoughts.

Many participants spoke passionately about their personal experiences as LGBTI members of the church community and why they believe the Church should broaden the definition of marriage to include people in same-gender relationships.

Many older LGBTI people fear discrimination when they enter aged care services. Uniting AgeWell organised a session about how it provides LGBTIinclusive services to its residents, as well as training for its staff.

David Ross-Smith shared the story of how he and his partner, Rev David Hodges, were supported by AgeWell staff after Mr Hodges was diagnosed with dementia. AgeWell has now set up an annual musical concert series in Mr Hodges’ memory.

David Landis-Morse from the Banyule Network of Uniting Churches attended Daring for the first time. He said the conference challenged him to see Christianity from other cultural perspectives.

“One of the things I really enjoyed was Amelia’s bible study on the first night where she was talking about how we exist in ambiguity. So rather than have a definite

black-and-white idea about Christianity it’s having the strength to not always have to nail things down specifically as right or wrong,” he said.

“For a lot of it, it’s experiencing Christianity outside my own culture, so that means I don’t necessarily have to have a right or wrong or immediate response – I can learn and listen.”

Mr Landis-Morse hopes the Church can regain its prophetic voice so that the next generation will be people with the capacity to speak powerfully about their beliefs.

“As we move to a situation where Christianity is no longer automatically a respected part of society, we really need to discover what it means to be a church in society,” he said.

“I hope we would rediscover the radicalness of who Jesus was and how his message was really radical.”

Rev Peter Sanders and Rev Sani Vaeluaga

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CROSSLIGHT - JULY 16

Feature

Augustine of Hippo said: Hope has two lovely daughters. Anger and courage. Anger at the way things are and courage to make a change.

So here is a poem thinking about some other friends that we have.

Among us today and every day are some friends death and the future.

And death is a friend when death is the friend but death’s there whether we’re ready or care. and the future is there already.

Among us now. in the moment of courage in the moment of truth. in the wrinkles of ageing and the smoothness of youth Among us now in the moment of risk in the moment of pain the future’s among us hidden and plain.

Some friends to guide us in death and in life some friends to mind us in trouble and strife Some friends to help us lay down our arms Some friends to help us Continue with calm.

Pádraig Ó Tuama

JULY 16 - CROSSLIGHT

victas-synod2016.org.au

11

Feature

Synod 2016 – busy from d DAVID SOUTHWELL D

There were a lot of elephants at SSynod 2016 but thankfully the sstately main meeting room at Box H Hill Town Hall was large enough to aaccommodate them, as well as the 3300 people attending in some style aand comfort.

SSessions in the main hall were largely dominated by Synod’s consideration of the Major Strategic Review and its associated proposals.

During discussion a number of speakers from the floor identified various “elephants in the room”; issues they said the MSR was not fully addressing. These included the state of Church finances, placement insecurity and Church culture.

This theme was so evident that poet in residence Pádraig Ó Tuama was moved to compose a piece about an elephant and during the last day’s one-minute speeches on any topic a member kindly volunteered to give the whole herd of packed-in pachyderms a good home to go to.

Mr Ó Tuama’s nightly theological reflections, generally accompanied by two or three poems composed from his observations of the day, were a highlight of the Synod.

He often left the audience lost in a hushed moment of communal contemplation.

Such quiet was unusual in the five days at Box Hill. The meeting REV CHARLES SUNDARESAN R RE BAKHTAR BA I’M really enjoying Synod. The opening op service was just fantastic.

The sessions we are meeting at are quite qu challenging and inspiring at the same time. We are looking towards tow the future and I pray that the th spirit will guide us to move on.

I hope h that we as the Synod will take tak things seriously and pray to God Go and listen to his voice.

12

days (and evenings) were filled with reports and proposals accompanied by discussion either on the general floor or in working groups, ballots for Synod Standing Committee, tributes, videos and other presentations plus a bit of socialising over cups of tea and plentiful biscuits.

A notable feature of this year’s Synod was that every speaker introduced themselves at the microphone by naming the Indigenous custodians of the land they live on.

Each morning opened with devotions and general housekeeping.

Rev Dr Sally Douglas then led the well-received daily Bible studies that explored the imaging and celebration of Jesus as the female divine – Woman Wisdom.

Away from the main hall the breadth and depth of the Church’s life and activities were on display with various units and agencies exhibiting tables of information.

During some breaks Synod members were invited to take part in demonstrations.

Uniting AgeWell’s virtual reality glasses transported wearers to prehistoric times or deep sea diving.

For those who wanted something a little more tactile there were masseurs on hand to relieve tired shoulders.

REV SUSAN MALTHOUSE-LAW THE MSR is obviously really significant for everyone. There’s lots of discussion happening around that and it’ll be interesting to see how far we get with it but I don’t think we’ll get all the way through it.

My hope is that we manage to make some decisions, that no matter what happens we journey together and hold each other in our differences and our diversity and come through the other end a better people because of it.

victas-synod2016.org.au

CROSSLIGHT - JULY 16

Feature

MARGARET ARTHUR M THE installation of the moderator and T tthe whole service was an inspiration. I lloved the silences and going with that, w we spent a number of moments in ssilence and prayer during the Synod.

IIt’s my first Synod…it takes a lot of b brain power and concentration. But I think what I am really appreciating iis the way Synod is making decisions.

IIt is not just a motion being put aand voting, I appreciate the table d discussions and the work groups where d different voices are heard.

dawn to tusk Books and other initiatives were launched during lunchtimes and the knitting needles relentlessly clicked and clacked to produce winter warmer items such as scarves, mittens and jumpers, which were collated for donation at Synod’s end.

Synod did not always stop with the last main hall session.

Sunday night’s ‘Letters from Elsewhere’ proved a hit, as four storytellers related how letters and music had shaped their understanding of faith and the world.

On the last day a memorable tribute was paid to the retiring Synod Business Committee chair Geoffrey Grinton, whose deep voice and greybearded authority had calmly and methodically pointed and prodded Synod through its agenda.

Rev Sue Withers noted that, like a certain British secret agent, Grinton, Geoffrey Grinton’s name had achieved a uniquely recognisable quality during his 30 years of administrative service to Synod.

Tributes, most reports and the bulk of proposals concluded with a forest of orange cards being held aloft, showing the members were warm to what had been presented and the meeting was adopting them by consensus.

PETER BEALE I HAVE been somewhat distracted by being given the joy of taking pictures.

I have engaged, it’s been good to be a part of the working group and table groups. The working group was a really good one.

Presentations that have struck me so far was the worship this morning.

And of course with every Synod is the networking, meeting old friends and making new ones. And watching the church grapple with hard things like the MSR.

There were, however, some proposals that needed greater discussion, chiefly the MSR and associated proposals such as the amalgamation of UnitingCare agencies under one board.

Another proposal that attracted considerable discussion was on the future of Synod meetings and how they could be made more accessible.

MSR discussions were conducted each day with working groups considering proposals and a facilitation team providing feedback and suggestions to rework some proposals.

It wasn’t until Wednesday afternoon that moderator Sharon Hollis was finally able to declare there was consensus on the last of the MSR proposals, to some quiet cheers from among the tables half-buried under the paperwork, mugs, electronic devices and other essentials of Synod deliberation.

Final thanks for Synod were delivered amid an atmosphere of some relief and satisfaction.

The concluding worship began and members stood at their tables with the hymn singing reverberating loud and proud around the grand main hall.

AARON BLAKEMORE THE MSR was presented really well. I thought it was really logical and made sense and it’ll be interesting to see the way Synod responds now.

Bible study was amazing this morning – I love the whole concept of Woman Wisdom.

D PATERSON DI T THE highlight for me so far has been SSharon being installed as moderator, tthat to me was an awesome experience.

A Also listening to the reports, p particularly listening to the Major SStrategic Review because of the amount o of work they have done – and they d don’t have all the answers yet.

I really enjoyed the service today where w we celebrate the retired ministers and rrecognised the ones who have passed aaway. It was also a celebration of the llong journey and new beginnings.

MICHELLE JACKSON I’M anticipating some more depth of discussion. I feel we’re just skimming or just touching on what we’re here to talk about. I look forward to delving a bit deeper into that.

We’re starting to swim a little bit with the MSR proposal but it’s difficult – it’s a huge issue with minor details at the same time and wrestling with those two things together. It’ll be interesting when we can finally combine the two and see what we can come up with together because there’s a lot more work to be done and I look forward to those conversations.

Feature pictures credit Peter Beale, Tim Lam and Garth Jones

JULY 16 - CROSSLIGHT

victas-synod2016.org.au

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Feature The future is here MUCH of the business of Synod 2016 concerned the future of the Church based on proposals relating to Major Strategic Review. Discussion was at times emotional, as Synod members grappled with changes that would decide what the future might look like. Then one young woman, Karen Sooaemalelagi, stood up to remind the Synod that the future of the church was actually in the room.

As the young members of Synod stood beside her, Karen read a speech on their behalf.

“I speak on behalf of the collective voice of the younger generation standing around me.

We acknowledge that each and every person is unique and valuable.

Every age of life, culture, gender, race, sexuality and belief are the diverse groups that make up parts of our communities and the world in which we all reside.

Each of these groups can find themselves on the edges.

Homeless, poor, widowed, orphaned, sick, victimised, disabled, marginalised, vulnerable, tokenised and forgotten.

How do we prioritise ministries, when our communal call is to go to, and love, every person wherever they are?

The challenge is between ‘maintaining’ and new initiatives.

We stand before you as a group of diverse opinions, race, gender, sexuality and circumstance that we are the younger generation of the church.

There are times we feel unseen and unheard. We want to be visible. We are all from CALD in a sense we are all from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, because we are all different. But what makes us the same is God’s love for us and we are part of the church together.

All we would ask the Synod, and the MSR, is to allow us to remain a focus, only so that we could continue to be the church.

We are not here to take, we are here to serve. To be, to live …wrestling what that means as a people of faith.

So if we as the young people are the future of the Church, the future is now. It is not another 20 years because WE ARE HERE! We are the seeds that God has planted in this Church and we yearn to be nurtured by you.

Journey with us, guide us, resource us, share your faith and experience with us, so that we can begin to grow and take up the call of the church we might inherit.”

Reflections of Synod Some of the Church’s younger members shared their thoughts of Synod 2016 with Crosslight.

Karen Sooaemalelagi:

Josh Ocampo: Reflecting on how meetings and proposals are heard and discussed, it can be quite intimidating at times. The use of vocabulary in reports and using acronyms for groups who aren’t regularly involved in meetings (PCG – what’s that?) can make you feel like you, as a member of the Church, aren’t necessarily in-the-know of what these committees are or what they do.

I like how decisions or proposals are questioned, discussed and consensus is reached. Time for questions is important and it’s good people can be heard.

Looking around the room, the leaders of the Church are much older, which is fine.

Their wisdom and longevity in the roles they hold is fundamentally very important and valuable.

But still, the lack of younger people and people from different backgrounds is a concern. This tells me there is not enough wider representation in the leadership of the Church in committees where their influence and thoughts can be heard. Especially considering that some of the bigger congregations in the Uniting Churches here in Victoria and Tasmania are congregations from CALD backgrounds.

I would like to see at future Synods a more accurate representation of what the Church looks like in Vic/Tas. If the Church wants to continue to have a bright future it needs to encourage, mentor and include younger generations and help them step into and be a part of leadership in the Church today, right now. So they know how the Church works, or how it does things, before it’s too late.

14

The theme of Synod this year was for us to be the Letters of Recommendation of not just our own lives but of Christ. It was a great way to meet together as a Church and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us with the decisions that needed to be made.

Proposals from different parts of our Church brought seas of orange and blue cards, where warmth and coolness shook a lot of different opinions. Yellow cards flew up tough questions and concerns as the future of our Church was discussed with new ideas bringing a lot of risks.

Although, with new ideas coming in, it was hard for some to let go of the old ones.

It was interesting to sit, see and hear how everyone was wrestling with the idea of change, the idea of sacrifice and the idea of taking a chance or just leaving things as they are.

A possibility of what happened with Acacia College, with hope and faith being lost, brought a lot of concerns – certain members questioned why they should trust these new ideas.

Thankfully, bible studies about a new way of seeing Jesus brought some light into the room with Woman Wisdom, as well as poetry bringing passion and ease into the meeting.

I struggled as I sat and listened, not knowing who everyone was. I even struggled to understand – why celebrate and say we are a multicultural church when we are just tokenising the idea of being a multicultural church?

Along with watching young people being separated on different tables so we can just be heard and not seen. How long do we have to sit and be heard yet only to be ignored again? Then feeling patronised by saying “What do you young ones think?”

If we are the Letters of Recommendation, then I pray that we as a church can recommend the idea of actually acting as a church of unity. So that all walks of life from different parts of our church can be heard equally, can be acknowledged and can understand how we can, together, unite and move forward.

Christine Ting:

Luisa Kamitoni:

Why do the majority of the church attendants in the Uniting Church have grey hair? Where are the young people? Where are the young families with children? What happened to the youth group on a Friday or Saturday night? What is going on, UCA? It was an honour to be invited to attend Synod this year. I came to Synod with the purpose of finding out why there are significantly low numbers of youth and young adults in some churches. And why some young people are struggling in their ministry at church today? This has been a particular challenge in my local congregation.

I was really eager and excited to see and hear what is going on in the higher levels of the Church. I believe whatever is decided and how things are structured, both in terms of an organisational and operational level at Synod, filters down to congregational level.

Not surprisingly, only a few young people took part in Synod this year. This made me wonder if the decisions made at Synod reflect the diversity of the Church? Perhaps not. The breadth of the Church was not adequately represented, not only in terms of age but culturally as well.

Nevertheless, it was encouraging to see young people were given freedom to speak at Synod. I would like to express my gratitude toward Synod for organising a dinner with the moderator Sharon Hollis and president Stuart McMillan. Their initiative to engage and to hear from the young people was very much appreciated.

I pray that such space and freedom for young people remains and will continue to expand. I pray for revival in this church, a place where we are all in it together.

For the first time, I had decided to take my first steps into learning more about an organisation that I have always been a part of. Growing up in the Uniting Church I have always been aware of the overarching committee, however, never seemed to understand the structure or how decisions were made.

Synod 2016 has been a huge eye-opener of what it’s like to have a voice with the wider church. It was interesting to see the number of people who attended, but even more interesting to see low numbers of young people. I found it rather difficult to understand the language used in proposals, but later found out it was a common barrier with a lot of the other attendees.

As a young person I was brought to tears when a representative from Next Gen spoke for the first time on behalf of all young people. We stood united to share our vision with Synod, that we are the future of our church and we care about what happens, as it too affects the next generations.

This was my highlight and the only time I saw a group stand united. I commend the standing committee, our moderator, working groups and Synod attendees for making this experience an eye opener. I remain hopeful for the future of our church and pray for congregations across this nation.

victas-synod2016.org.au

CROSSLIGHT - JULY 16

People Family Tri-dition WESLEY College student Tim Bliss is knee deep in economics, biology, maths and chemistry books. But that hasn’t stopped the 18-yearold, and a group of friends, from establishing a fundraising triathlon event, Tri-for-Change, to raise money for Share and their agency work.

“My grandfather, George Gilbertson, was a big supporter of Share,” Tim said. “After he passed away last year I wanted to carry on the family tradition of giving something back to the local community.”

The fundraiser combines teamwork with community spirit and involves a 20 minute swim in Wesley College’s pool, 20 minutes cycling in the gym and a 20 minute run

around the school grounds.

Last year Tri-for-Change participants generated a healthy $1232.40. In April this year, Tim raised everyone’s game and, together with more than 20 fellow students, raised $3848.65. The funds will contribute to Share’s work in providing emergency relief for families in crisis, educational support for disadvantaged children and help for the homeless.

“We had a couple of really good fundraisers in the event this year,” Tim said. “We promoted the event in the daily bulletin, spoke about it in assembly and advertised on notice boards.

“About 30 minutes before the triathlon there was a real buzz of anticipation. We had 12 individuals and a couple of teams.

“It was a school-wide event with different year levels and a mixture of male and female. We also held a barbecue to raise a bit more money.

“I was really happy with the day and that people got behind the event. It was really worthwhile. I’m really pleased to continue my grandfather’s support for Share.”

Tri-for-Change

Raising awareness, and money LAST month 60 Cornish College students and 11 staff swapped their warm beds for cardboard boxes when they took part in the Winter Sleep Out. The event has already raised $12,000, with more money set to come in. The funds will be used to buy Backpack Beds for homeless people through the charity Swags for Homeless.

Students also made 560 cheese and vegemite sandwiches on the night for the EatUp program, which feeds local children in the community who often go hungry.

The temperature plummeted to 6 C on the night, but the students thought the event was worthwhile. Year 7 student Flynn said he learnt that there are many causes of

homelessness, so there is no easy solution to fix the problem.

“The Winter Sleep Out is important because we are helping others and raising awareness,” Flynn said.

“It was cold but fun, I liked sleeping out with my friends and talking around the fire about the problems and possible solutions of homelessness.”

Cornish College chaplain Jarrod Davies organised the event and said the money raised will buy more than 125 Backpack Beds – backpacks that roll out into an allweather protected bed.

“It’s fantastic to see so many of our students and staff committed to helping others,” Mr Davis said.

“Sleeping out on a cold, wet winter evening is no mean feat, but everyone showed huge community spirit and wanted to live our motto and ‘make a difference’ for more than 125 people sleeping on our streets”.

Year 7 students Flynn and Hugh.

JULY 16 - CROSSLIGHT

Dick Carter AM steps down

DICK Carter retired as the chair of UCA Funds Management last month after reaching the statutory board membership maximum of 10 years.

During that time he guided Funds Management through the turbulent 20082009 Global Financial Crisis – when the Australian Stock Exchange fell 54 per cent in 16 months – to a healthy position, with funds under management currently close to $1 billion.

Mr Carter explained that makes Funds Management “big enough to be noticeable” within the industry.

In a Minute of Appreciation at last month’s Synod meeting Michael Walsh, executive director of Funds Management, praised Mr Carter’s contribution to the organisation.

He described him as the man who had genuinely impressed him the most throughout his career.

Mr Walsh made particular reference to Mr Carter’s generosity, faith and passion.

General secretary Rev Dr Mark Lawrence said Mr Carter had a deep knowledge of Funds Management and was committed to being an effective steward of the Church’s resources.

Mr Carter said leading Funds Management had been a fulfilling and satisfying experience. As a result of stepping down from the Funds Management position, he has also relinquished his role on the

Learning from students WHAT does a group of middle-aged and older people and a gang of grade 6 students have in common? At Darebin, it’s a love of their iPads.

Students from Preston West Primary School have been trekking up the road to Darebin North West Uniting Church to help some older residents learn how to use their iPads.

The pilot project is a joint initiative of the church and The Brotherhood of St Laurence. It follows worldwide trends to draw on the expertise of students to assist older people with technology.

Darebin North West Uniting Church minister Rev Leonie Purcival co-ordinates the program.

“I love the energy the kids bring to the group and I am astonished with the patience and commitment they show as teachers,” Ms Purcival said.

“At the same time, the kindness and tolerance of the older people towards the students has created a lovely learning environment. Throw in a hearty morning tea and everyone is smiling.”

Mark Ross, a teacher at Preston West Primary School, described the pilot as a ‘win/win’ for everyone involved. He said the students are learning important lessons as they teach, such as the rewards of community service.

Michael Hillier, from the Brotherhood of St Laurence described the project as “the kind

Synod Standing Committee. He said while it would be disappointing not to have seen all his work on the SSC come to fruition he believed the time was now right to hand over to others.

“When you give up things you have been doing for some time there are regrets, but I am at a stage in my life when I know there will be others to carry on,” Mr Carter said.

Mr Carter will continue his involvement with several organisations such as the Progressive Christian Movement of Victoria, of which he is a founding member and president.

He also plans travel with his wife Heather now that his schedule is a little freer.

Dick Carter

of fun community development project that the Brotherhood loves”.

The current six-week course has concentrated on creating visual histories of key events in the lives of the older people. Courses later this year will focus on curating music and movie collections, and an ‘Icoffee Icake’ trouble shooting round-table.

For more information contact Rev Leonie Purcival P: 9471-3265 E: dnwuniting@gmail.com

Learning how to use an iPad

15

Reflection

Power of love

16

HOW do you think about power? Is it a good word or an ‘ugly’ word in your vocabulary?

Often, it seems to be coupled with words like ‘too much’ or ‘too little,’ or use and abuse. Yet we all (yes all) have power, even if in different ways.

It could be the legendary power of the holder of the key to the tea towel drawer; the chair or moderator of great councils; our ability to give or withhold our joy; or our participation and our voice in the activities of church and community.

Even when at times we feel powerless, in that powerlessness we have choices about how we respond.

We hold power through our lives and experiences, our roles and responsibilities, and in our character and person. Our education and knowledge through our profession and employment bring their own aspects of power to our engagements.

Our gender, ethnicity, language – even our physical stature – can affect the way we influence or even dominate others. Much of this happens without our being aware of it, in the ways that we listen or are listened to, or are silenced; our readiness to take action or defer to others.

We also hold power through roles, in our positions of authority in formal and nonformal roles. Formal roles seem the most obvious way we hold power, and yet there are many subtleties in this. Within a role we can give away the responsibility we may rightly hold, or abuse the power of the role.

In some communities in the Uniting Church, influence and power may be assumed by family lines, or ‘chiefly heritage’. It may be difficult for those from other communities to understand the kind of deferment that is often in place.

We also hold power in a kind of personal and spiritual authority. Our competence and confidence and way of being in the world, living in a manner that demonstrates we ‘have our act together’ – and in a spiritual sense, that we have our sense of place with God together – in a subtle way governs the way that we act with power.

When power is used without awareness it can be destructive. Power can then become manipulative or dominant; other voices and opinions are silenced so a full canvas of options is not heard, less than optimal decisions made, and others disempowered.

Neither are we immune from playing power games: power used negatively as people play out roles of victim (never taking responsibility), rescuer (always taking on others’ tasks and not completing their own), and domination.

Strangely, we can use power simply by being silent, by not participating, by withholding as well as by actively engaging.

We withhold power when we are silent instead of speaking out, when we don’t give our opinions or comments for another’s advantage, and when we don’t play our part.

A ‘power audit’ of the ways we hold power in specific situations can help us to recognise and articulate the power we have.

It may highlight how we use our power unwittingly or even abusively. Reflection may help us to recognise our power shadow – the ways we use power that underlie our articulated motivations, the dark side of what we do. Realising the kind of power that we hold can help us to use power in ways that are beneficial.

In the Uniting Church, with its inter-related councils and a consensus decision making approach that invites participation of all views, there seems to be a flat approach to

power. Yet of course, as individuals who make up the church – at all levels – we participate in ways that are more or less ‘powerful’. I hear many mutterings about power coteries in church councils. How can we make sure we use our power positively in the ways we act in our congregations, faith communities, and agencies?

Many of the names and adjectives we use for God, and sing in our hymns and songs, also speak of power: Almighty, God of hosts, omnipotent, victorious. Sometimes these articulations of God’s power are deeply off-putting to others, especially those who have experienced abuse of power by those who used God’s name.

Yet God’s power as displayed in Christ is a power that is taken up in ways that benefit and empower others. It is power linked with love, and for relationship. It might be that we think a Christian approach of humility and service means that we should not use power in any way.

Someone taking part in one of our programs recently said: “I’ve realised I need to regain personal power that I have lost and given away.” Maybe this person realised the tension we all need to keep in balance: when we recognise and use the power that we hold in our person and our roles, we fulfil our responsibilities by using our power to serve rather than withdraw, or dominate or have our way.

Power used wisely to serve the other is thus power in love and relationship.

Christine Sorensen Formation Co-ordinator Centre for Theology & Ministry CROSSLIGHT - JULY 16

Profile

In conversation with Assembly leaders ASSEMBLY president, Stuart McMillan and general secretary Rev Colleen Geyer, were two of nearly 300 people in attendance at Synod 2016 at the Box Hill Town Hall last month. Crosslight spoke to them on the last day of the meeting: Crosslight: How have you found your first Vic/Tas Synod meeting?

Colleen: Interesting is the word, because not only do I get to meet a lot of people, but I get to hear what the issues are at Synod. That has been really beneficial across the three Synods I’ve attended this year. To see the big things across the synods gives you a big picture when you’re in the national position and you’re talking to people across the Church.

Stuart: Just continuing on from what Colleen has been talking about, the things that have been good here have been those moments when Pádraig [Ó Tuama] has done a theological reflection and blessed us with a poem, and taken us somewhere else. There have been times when we’ve gathered together in a different way, and our motivations have been touched in a way that allows us to let that emotion out.

Colleen: I was talking to someone yesterday about how ‘those moments’ had kind of ‘grabbed’ the Synod. Theological reflection is a creative space – even the worship on Friday night – they’ve wrapped the other serious considerations with respect, and that’s been very helpful.

Crosslight: Stuart you’ve sat at the top table,, so yyou understand what it’s like. I’m bit in bi n aawe we o he a bit off th the mod mo deera r to or, r, aand nd d tthe hee moderator, gene ge neraal secretary, sseecr crettar ary, y y, general m nagi ma nagi na ging ing ng tthe he he managing meeeti m eettin ing. g. You’ve You’v ou’vve got ou got meeting. ob tthere here eerre in in b odyy,, od to bee th body, sso ou ull and and nd mind min ind d for for fo soul th he whole wh ho olle of of the the he time, tim ime, ime, the for 12 fo 1 hours hou ours rs a d a. ay for day.

What Wh at’s’ss yyour our refl ou reefl flec ecti ec ecti t io on n What’s ection on tthat haat demand dema de m nd ma nd o na on on peerson p rsson n? person?

Stua St Stua uart r : As As I was was as Stuart: reefl flec ecti ec tingg with ti wiitth refl ecting Coll Coll Co llee een this th hiss morning, morrni n ngg, Colleen th he ro role ole le iiss to o ttry ryy aand nd nd the seen nsse th tthee ga ggathering’s ath heerrin ingg’’s sense co omi ming ng ttogether o et og etheer ethe coming

JULY 16 - CROSSLIGHT

and to help them to come to consensus.

The tricky thing is when you’re discussing proposals like we were last night (Major Strategic Review), to know when to say to people ‘look, we’ve got consensus’ or whether we need to tweak it, or what might help us to move to a common place where we can move forward. I was really feeling for Sharon [Hollis] last night, because I think it’s a difficult judgment to make.

Ultimately the moderator had to make a call to go to formal voting. What would achieve a consensus by agreement or a resolution by agreement? That’s a difficult space to be in as a moderator, or as a president. To fall back to formal procedures feels like failure. It’s not.

Crosslight: It’s quite fascinating when the moderator then has to go to the book and follow it very closely, because clearly the words are important. Do you think that we have a greater emphasis on words in the Uniting Church?

Colleen: Oh I think meetings bring words together; how we get the stories is through words. I like here that the moderator has also held us in silence a few times. That allows us to reflect on the words and to think about what they might mean to us or to our situations. So even that has been used really effectively, but yes we all have a lot of words.

Crosslight: Colleen, when you were appointed general secretary – you knew who the president was going to be before you were appointed – as an observer, it g How do you y seems almost like a marriage. b bo otth hw o k with or witth wi h the the ebbs ebb bs and d flows ows of both work

what needs to be discussed, who says what?

Colleen: One of the blessings is that we’ve both been new, so we don’t have any understanding of how it might have worked before, really. For me the significance of having a journeying companion in a leadership role at the Assembly is absolutely key. We have different responsibilities and different things we need to take notice of, and we have conversations about, ‘this is yours to decide’. But to have another person to discuss the important things is so valuable.

It really does make things bearable and easier.

Stuart: Valuing and respecting one another, and affirming one another’s giftedness and, as Colleen was saying, respecting those areas of responsibility that fall within the role of the general secretary or fall within the role of the president – and continuing to communicate about that. You referred to it like a marriage.

Communication can be the biggest problem or the biggest attribute in any relationship, so what we’ve worked at is communicating with one another so that there are no surprises.

Crosslight: One last question for the president. Stuart, do you have any particular words you’d like to give to the Vic/Tas Synod?

Stuart: Some words from the Basis of Union – “Christ rules and renews the Church”. So let’s not be concerned about the rule of individuals, because our church is beingg renewed and it’s beingg renewed by Chri Ch hrist ist through thrrough ough ou h the the he Holy Hol olyy Spirit.

Sp pirrit it.. And And n iit’s t Christ Chri Ch r st ri s tthat haat h at ru rrules. ule lees. So SSometimes meti me time ti mess I th me hin inkk w Christ think we get preo pr eocc eo ccupie cc upie up ied d with wit the wi preoccupied po p owe w r off iindividuals. nd ndiv divid ivvid power Thee heart hear he artt off m ar u Th much of w haat is hat is b eing ei ng of what being sp po okken n aabout bout at bo at spoken this th is SSynod ynod yn od iiss ab bo this about recon re conc co nciilllia iati ia ttiion o and an reconciliation rreene newal. waal.l If If we w focus fo renewal. n rreconciliation econ ec o ci on cilliiatio attio on on a d renewal, an r neewa re w l, and an nd d not and u on up on w hetth heth he her er ‘‘this t upon whether happ ha pp pen ns th tthis h his iss w a happens way’ or ‘‘this th hiss h appens ap peenss that or happens w yy’’ w wa e’lll e’ ll b way’ we’ll bee at tthe heart he art of ar of the the he gospel. gossp heart

17

Review

Alessandro Gassman and Marco Giallini

Where there’s a will REVIEW BY PENNY MULVEY FILM | GOD WILLING | SUBTITLED | PG

Bridging cultures REVIEW BY EMMET O’CUANA BOOK | BUILDING BRIDGES | JOE REICH

18

BILLED as ‘Italy’s #1 smash-hit comedy’ and titled God Willing, one can’t help but be a little curious.

In an era where the reputation of Catholic priests has been severely tarnished, this film provides an alternative narrative – priests can be cool, relevant, and offer a meaning to life that is beyond ourselves.

The first feature film of writer director Edoardo Falcone debuted at the 2015 Lavazza Italian Film Festival, and has been enchanting audiences around the world ever since.

Tommaso (Marco Giallini) is a cardiac

surgeon with an over-sized ego. He treats his patients, their families, his staff and his own family with shared disdain as he marches through his ordered and powerful daily life.

When he strides out of surgery to inform worried relatives of the success of an operation, his focus is not so much on the recovering patient, nor the feelings of the family, rather it is on his own skills as a surgeon. He shows no compassion for a nurse scampering to keep up as he does his rounds, telling her to lose weight. He describes his daughter as an amoeba. But he

Building Bridges is the third book by Melbourne ophthalmologist Joe Reich.

Launched to a packed room at the Melbourne Jewish Writers Festival in May, Reich’s mixture of ironic humour and wry commentary on Australian society continues to impress.

The story, set in 1970 around the time of the Westgate Bridge disaster, follows two protagonists who are the children of postwar immigrants. Petr is a construction worker at Westgate. Arnold is a junior resident doctor at the fictional ‘Royal Hospital’.

As a novel, Building Bridges is the product of an author not only ‘writing what he knows’ but sharing personal insights in a fictional context.

In the book’s opening Arnold, the child of Jewish Holocaust survivors, witnesses Petr’s arrest for the stabbing of a doctor. The suspected killer’s parents were Nazis. Reich weaves the perspectives of these two men into the plot to bridge our understanding of them as characters, as well as the legacy in Australia of the conflict in Europe.

The author spoke with Crosslight about the appeal of Melbourne as a setting for his novels.

“The portrayal of Melbourne in most contemporary fiction is usually set in the Northern or Western suburbs,” Reich said, “often in a milieu of drugs, violence, sex and abuse. Certainly good material

for a novel but I have written of the oftneglected, and perceived middle class east.

“Our suburbs stage our lives and, while it may seem I have typecast my characters and their homes, I feel the city of Melbourne is in fact as important a character in my writing as the more recognisable humans that inhabit it.”

The book has arrived at a time when the perceived ‘Australianness’ of second generation immigrants is high on the political agenda. How much of an influence was this on the book itself?

“Building Bridges cheekily starts by having Petr called a ‘dago’ by the policemen arresting him, excusing themselves for this racial slur by the fact they had recently fought the Second World War to keep foreigners just like him out,” Reich said.

“It reminds us that in the 1970s those not born in Australia were called ‘New Australians’. Arnold, even though he arrived as a baby, was also considered as ‘other’ especially by the older doctors in the hospital.

“Following the war Jews in Europe, like Arnold’s parents, were homeless and stateless. By the end of the war, the countries of their birth had occupied their previous homes and made their return unwelcoming and dangerous.

“Australia, to its credit, was one of only a few countries to welcome the new immigrants. Melbourne became the city accepting the most refugees from the

loves his son, Andrea (Enrico Oetiker), who is studying medicine.

When his son hints that he has an announcement for the family, Tommaso becomes convinced that Andrea is going to inform them that he is gay. He rallies his wife, daughter and son-in-law to be supportive.

Andrea was delighted by the reception of his surprise announcement. Little does he know that his atheist father was, in fact, horrified when he learns his son is not making a declaration about his sexuality but, instead, claims he wants to become a priest.

A highly agitated Tommaso rants to the rest of the family: “A priest is no different from being a knife sharpener, a bagpipe player. I don’t want a bagpipe-playing son.”

Rather than confront his son with his own feelings, Tommaso hatches a plan – to spy on Andrea to find out who could have manipulated him to make such a foolish decision.

The Christianity presented by the charming and sincere Father Don Pietro (Alessandro Gassman) is a lived, down-to-earth faith, which is both practical and passionate. His interaction with Tommaso’s son has a ripple effect on the entire family.

Each member begins to examine their own life – all find something is missing.

The revelations lead to both fulfilment and dysfunction. As Tommaso single-mindedly pursues a strategy to discredit the priest, and so dissuade his son from a priestly vocation, his behaviour becomes increasingly erratic with humorous outcomes.

This feel-good movie gently explores the capacity for change. Tommaso, a man so confident of his own abilities, so sure that he can manage his own destiny and all those who interact with him, is transformed by his encounter with God through Father Don. Beautifully crafted, God Willing will have you both laughing out loud and reaching for the tissue box. And, if you speak Italian, you won’t need to rely on the subtitles.

In selected cinemas.

Holocaust apart from Tel Aviv in Israel.

“The Australian populace, suspicious of the newly arrived, were not as welcoming.

They saw that many spoke no English and had no useful trades. The rules were soon changed and ships leaving Europe were not allowed to have more than 25 per cent Jewish refugees.

“I didn’t write to contrast those times when migration was being encouraged with today, as Australia immediately post Second World War was a different place.

“The government had realised it needed to encourage migration to bolster the population, initially as a way to protect Australia from the risk of invasion and then for the economic benefits of growth.

“Today, the mood of the country is different, with talk of overcrowded cities, global warming, water shortages, and a lack of infrastructure bandied as excuses as to why we need to limit growth.

“Yet it is sad to see the same attitudes about racial difference being used to vilify prospective migrants and their perceived ability to integrate and contribute to our society. That much has not changed.”

Building Bridges is available from Sid Harta Publishers: sidharta.com RRP $24.95 CROSSLIGHT - JULY 16

Review

A colourful record

A well-worn path

Words of wisdom

REVIEW BY GWENDA SMYTH (CHURCH ELDER)

REVIEW BY GARTH JONES

REVIEW BY ALAN RAY

BOOK | QUARTERLY ESSAY- FIRING LINE, AUSTRALIA’S PATH TO WAR | JAMES BROWN

BOOK | SERVANTS & LEADERS | GRAHAM DOWNIE

‘SI vis pacem, para bellum.’ (‘If you want peace, prepare for war’).

AS a pacifist, I came to former Australian Army Officer James Brown’s Quarterly Essay with some measure of apprehension.

Brown, a veteran of the second Iraq War and Afghanistan, applies his rigorous knowledge of defence and military issues in this examination of Australia’s role in 21st century conflicts.

Firing Line, Australia’s Path To War advocates for a thoughtful approach to matters of national defence, and is an excellent primer on our country’s geopolitical responsibilities as a so-called ‘middle power’. The essay gives consideration to our national interest, framed against the backdrop of shifting global alliances, terrorism and the continued evolution of the technologies of war.

Sensitive to the horrors and trauma of war, Brown writes with admirable pragmatism on the realities of Australia’s place in the global hegemony in stark terms.

Firing Line also makes a clearheaded case for our staggering focus on defence spending.

Even this skeptical reader finished the essay understanding, if not precisely convinced, of our government’s policies.

Brown also gives extensive consideration to the unprecedented powers of the Australian Prime Minister in matters of war, and wonders at the wisdom of this approach.

In the lead up to the 2016 federal election, whispers began of former prime minister Tony Abbott returning to the Turnbull government’s ministry in the Defence portfolio.

Brown’s Quarterly Essay is an eloquent repudiation of the Member for Warringah’s qualifications and temperament, with quotes from Abbott’s March Quadrant essay, ‘I Was Right On National Security’ giving the reader particular cause for concern: “Placing substantial numbers of Australian troops within 25 miles of a hostile Russian army was a scenario that no one had ever before contemplated,” Brown writes.

Brown’s tempered prose throws Abbott’s aggressive overreach into relief. Considered and never hawkish, Brown examines the realpolitik and outlines a pragmatic approach to policy and preparedness for future conflicts.

Firing Line, Australia’s Path To War is an illuminating, perceptive examination of Australia’s shifting strategic role in the new millennium, a measured education for hawk and dove alike.

A SENIOR federal minister was furious about a front page photograph on The Canberra Times newspaper where Graham Downie was the religion reporter. “Haven’t you seen the photo? Are you blind?” demanded the politician. “Yes I am,” replied the author of Servants & Leaders Eminent Christians in their own words.

This book contains vignettes and interviews by Downie of 27 clergy and lay people over 35 years, including Desmond Tutu, Peter Hollingworth and George Pell.

They have shared their views on matters such as church and society, morality and sex, child abuse and homosexuality. These reports chronicle church life of the times and chart ecclesiastical evolution. Most of the interviewees are senior Catholic and Anglican clergy. James Haire, president of the Uniting Church in Australia from 2000 to 2003 is an exception, and he reflects on his missionary life in Indonesia, as well as issues current during his time as president.

Like most newspaper reporters, Downie takes a great interest in the scandals which have beset the church, yet is fair-minded enough to document instances of charity and compassion.

Bishop Tom Frame, in his preface, notes that newspaper reporters present penportraits of public figures which respond to what they believe will interest their readers, mediated through their own appreciation of what constitutes the public interest. This book represents what Tom Frame calls “the first draft of history”.

This is an enticing, accessible book to dip into to recall the topical religious issues over the last 35 years. It will prompt reflections on where the church has come from in this period and lead, more importantly, to contemplation about where the church should be going in the next 35 years.

BOOK | SURREY HILLS UNITING: A CHURCH HISTORY | GRAHAM BEANLAND WHEN Graham Beanland came to Surrey Hills Uniting Church some years ago, he discovered that, though there were documents by the dozen and considerable pride in the church’s origins, there was no recorded history of its life. With skill and scholarship, he set about remedying this situation.

The book is a history of the Surrey Hills Uniting Church from the earliest days of the Wycliffe Congregational and Wesleyan Methodist Churches. Timelines are included from 1884 and 1887 for the two churches respectively, up to the present day.

The 1880s were pioneering times in Surrey Hills and churches provided an essential framework for social and community life.

In the course of his work Beanland made some intriguing discoveries. He wondered why the Surrey Hills Methodist Church building, opened in 1915, was called the ‘Centenary Church’; nothing worthy of celebration had occurred in Victoria 100 years earlier. It emerged that Rev Samuel Leigh, the first Methodist missionary appointed to the Colony, had arrived in Sydney in 1815; the fact that there was no settlement in the Port Phillip District at the time did not dampen the Surrey Hills Methodist congregation’s enthusiasm to celebrate Leigh’s arrival.

After summarising their separate histories, the book records the events that led to the Congregational and Methodist Churches joining to form the Surrey Hills United Church approximately 18 months before the Uniting Church in Australia was inaugurated.

Stories of two significant pioneering families are included, together with biographical details and personal reflections for about 30 other families.

Using many different voices, the book is a collection of available records, stories, reflections and photographs of a church’s life over the past 130-plus years, its activities and people.

It is a valuable addition to our knowledge of those who went before, and of the two congregations which together evolved into the Surrey Hills Uniting Church.

The book is available from Graham Beanland for $25 or $35 incl. postage: P: 9939 9931 or E: beanlandgh@optusnet.com.au

JULY 16 - CROSSLIGHT

Fun the second time around REVIEW BY BOB FASER MOVIE | MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 2 | PG I NEVER thought a sequel could ever be better than the original film. It’s particularly hard for a sequel to exceed the original when the first film set as high a bar as My Big Fat Greek Wedding, but I believe My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 is even better than the original.

Most of the original cast are back in a movie about families who are constantly in each other’s faces, but also have each other’s backs.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 is about people who have pride and love for their heritage, and appreciation for the heritage of others.

In this vein, the scene with the four elderly men in the physio clinic, talking about their Greek, Iranian, Chinese, and Scottish cultures is pure gold.

The movie tells the story of young people becoming individuals in their own right.

It’s also about elderly people learning that they can still enjoy life.

It touches on the middle-age dilemma of parenting adolescent children and caring for ageing parents while remaining human in the process.

A sequel wouldn’t be a sequel if there weren’t some humorous references to the first film. There are plenty of these, enough to recall key comic moments but not to such an extent that you’ll need to see the two films in sequence.

As a Minister of the Word, one of the things I found refreshing in both films is the fact the characters attend church is treated as utterly normal. There isn’t a hint of caricature in any of the church scenes.

One of the great emotional moments in My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 involves the wedding crowns used in the Orthodox wedding liturgy, but I won’t give away a spoiler for this.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 is a celebration of life, and it’s also screamingly funny.

Halstead Press. RRP: $28.95.

Available from www.blackincbooks.com RRP $22.99

19

Letters “Listen and you will learn.”

AS a child this was the wise advice of my late father Cliff Shaw, at the time a lay preacher in the then Methodist church in Romsey for 50 years from the age of 18. In 1998, prior to his passing at age 83, he told me he only ever wanted to be remembered for two things: he never preached but rather conducted services of worship, and he never received one cent for these services.

I have been told by people who knew my father well that he would never be dead while I was alive, so I have felt it only right that I do my best to continue to serve God through lay leadership with the Uniting Church.

However, I have become increasingly disappointed by the inability of ALL Christian churches of late to effectively connect with the genuine person hurting, or in need, which brings me back to that simple word – listening.

Hugh McKay’s book Why don’t people listen?, written 20 years ago, is even more relevant today. As faceless methods of communicating continue to grow, people continue to just need someone to listen to them, which is so simple but not easy. To quote an elderly friend: “It’s not the loneliness; it’s that feeling of being forgotten.”

Hearing someone is the easy bit, it’s the listening that is the difficult challenge we all face in our everyday life. So how much more difficult is it for the modern day church of today to listen if they don’t make better use of their most important asset, the good listeners that make up their congregations?

With the greatest respect to all churches, it appears to me that they are tending to become a magnet for negative-thinking people just looking for sympathy.

Sympathy is the easy bit, it’s the empathy that is needed.

Just the mere act of sitting with someone who is hurting might be all that is needed to get them to open up and talk out their issues. They may not necessarily want a representative of a church, ie minister, elder, counsellor, but rather a good listener who genuinely cares and is very well respected by their church family.

As a member of a team, and whatever good is achieved may God receive the Glory.

Gary Shaw Ballan, VIC.

Reality of God I RECENTLY bought a telescope to watch the night skies. At first I was a little perplexed when the image of a tree I trained it on was upside down. On further research, it seemed that it doesn’t matter. This was an astronomical telescope, not a terrestrial one.

In space, ‘rightside up’, north, south, east and west are irrelevant, Earthbound concepts. Just like ‘Down Under’ is a direction of geographical convenience only.

Similarly with human values and qualities, what we think important may not be so after all. The world, in its quest for the almighty dollar and the adjuncts of power and prestige, may rank intelligence and knowledge way above simple kindness and compassion.

The chase can turn us into lemmings.

And we all know what happens to lemmings when they come to a cliff, don’t we?

As with Earth-bound perceptions, God turns such ‘man’-acled or humanitytethered objectives on their heads.

Beyond doubt a person who lacks the ability to read and write or does not possess an iota of academic prowess, may be as close or closer to God’s heart than say, the Pope (no particular offence meant here).

In the inverted and overriding reality of God’s world, it is not what you know or how much you know or even who you know that matters but whether He knows you. And God knows a person who loves Him (To paraphrase 1 Corinthians 8:1-3) In the final analysis, isn’t that what counts?

Steven Ching Ballarat, VIC

Placements CURRENT AND PENDING PLACEMENT VACANCIES AS AT 20 JUNE 2016 PRESBYTERY OF GIPPSLAND Mitchell River – Paynesville (0.6) Presbytery of Gippsland Growth Corridor Minister (0.5)(P) Traralgon District

PRESBYTERY OF TASMANIA West Coast Circular Head**

PRESBYTERY OF LODDON MALLEE Dunolly (0.5) (P) Maryborough (0.75) Mobile Ministry (P) North Central Living Waters (Birchip, Donald, St Arnaud, Wycheproof) (P) Sunraysia (0.5) and Robinvale (0.5) (P) Tyrell**

PRESBYTERY OF YARRA YARRA Diamond Valley (0.8) (P) Eltham – Montmorency (0.5) (3 year term)** Melbourne (St Michaels) Ringwood North Tecoma (0.6)

PRESBYTERY OF NORTH EAST VICTORIA Mansfield (0.3) Rutherglen (Rutherglen/Chiltern-CorowaHowlong) (0.5) Wodonga (St Stephens) PRESBYTERY OF PORT PHILLIP EAST Beaumaris (0.6)** Brighton (Trinity) Narre Warren North (0.7) (P) Noble Park (St Columba’s) (0.5) Presbytery Minister – Mission and Education St Kilda Parish Mission PRESBYTERY OF PORT PHILLIP WEST Geelong St Albans – St Andrews Glenroy, Pascoe Vale, Pascoe Vale South (0.5) Hoppers Crossing Lara (0.6)**

PRESBYTERY OF WESTERN VIC Nil

SYNOD Ethical Standards Officer Hopkins Region Prisons and MRC Chaplain (0.6) (P) New Agency – Director of Mission** ** These placements have not yet lodged a profile with the Placements Committee, therefore they are not yet in conversation with any minister. There is no guarantee that the placement will be listed within the next month.

(P) These placements are listed as also being suitable for a Pastor under Regulations 2.3.3 (a)(ii).

A person may offer to serve the church in an approved placement through a written application to the Synod.

Further information on these vacancies may be obtained from the Secretary of the Placements Committee: Ms Isabel Thomas Dobson.

E: placements.secretary@victas.uca.org.au Formal expressions of interest should be put in writing to Isabel.

MINISTRY MOVES CALLS AND APPOINTMENTS FINALISED

Presbytery Minister – Administration to commence 1 August 2016.

Moderator joy

John Tansey (Deacon), EACH Mental Health Ministry, commenced 1 June 2016

WHAT a joy it was to read in Crosslight (June) the interview with Sharon Hollis and her moderator’s column. Such positivity in every section.

Congratulations to the interviewer and Sharon herself.

Let’s thank God for such people in the Uniting Church.

Peter Beale, Uniting AgeWell Condare Court, Girrawheen and Tanderra (0.5), commenced 6 June 2016

Caro Field, Presbytery of Gippsland, Presbytery Minister – Mission and Education to commence 1 September 2016

Mary Gillard Via email.

Sue Waddell (Lay), Wendouree (0.5), commenced 19 June 2016 Tawk Kap (E), Eastern Mallee Rural (0.5) – Kerang (0.5), to commence 1 July 2016 Nathaniel Atem (E), Orbost, to commence 1 August 2016 Annette Buckley (Lay), Macedon Ranges Partnership – Pastoral Care, to commence 1 August 2016 Rob Dalgleish (Lay), Presbytery of Loddon Mallee, Presbytery Minister- Administration, to commence 1 August 2016.

Temukisa Amituana’i – Vaeluaga, Bellarine Linked Congregations, to commence 1 October 2016 CONCLUSION OF PLACEMENT Sani Vaeluaga to conclude as Presbytery of Gippsland, Presbytery Minister – Pastoral Care on the 31 October 2016.

INTER SYNOD TRANSFER Nil RETIREMENTS Nil

Dan Wootton (P), Presbytery of Yarra Yarra,

God in the Margins: The changing dynamics of how people live in the margins Henty Region presents a weekend conference at Hamilton UC to explore this topic on August 12 to 14, 2016 Keynote speakers will be Rev Dr Ji Zhang (Manager, Church Partnership, Asia Uniting World) and Rev Zhu Enshou (Minister, Chinese Faith Community, UCA) Venue: Hamilton Uniting Church, 113 Lonsdale Street, Hamilton Further details from Elaine Edwards P: 03 5572 4627 or M: 0411 404 189 or E: elaine1747@gmail.com

20

CROSSLIGHT - JULY 16

Notices COMING EVENTS OPEN DAY, CROYDON NORTH UNITING CHURCH/GIFFORD VILLAGE SATURDAY, 9 JULY, 1PM – 5PM Croydon North Uniting Church, 387–389 Maroondah Highway, Croydon North.

Come along to see our art studio, try some sketching, music recital, afternoon tea, displays, photo library, and kids activities – all welcome!

For enquiries Pastor Margaret Pohlmann P: 0411 809 569 or Jane Davoren, UnitingCare Harrison on P: 03 9871 8701 or E: jane.davoren@harrison.org.au A PLEASANT WINTER SUNDAY AFTERNOON SUNDAY, 24 JULY 2016, 2.30PM Camberwell Uniting Church, 314 Camberwell Road, Camberwell Camberwell Asylum Seeker Support Group and Oxfam Australia Canterbury Group.

Music from around the world presented

by Daniel & Marla Nistico with music for flute and guitar, followed by High Tea. Admission $20.

For further information P: 03 9889 1504 or P: 03 9882 4560 VICTORIA WELSH MALE CHOIR SUNDAY, 24 JULY, 2.30PM Strathmore Uniting Church, cnr The Crossway & Upland Road.

The Victoria Welsh Male Choir will perform at the Strathmore Uniting Church, on Sunday, 24 July at 2.30pm. Afternoon Tea will follow. Net proceeds will be forwarded to Frontier Services.

Tickets are available at $25 or $20 Concession P: 03 9379 3326.

60th ANNIVERSARY OF WORSHIP AT DANDENONG NORTH UNITING CHURCH SUNDAY, 31 JULY 2016, 2.30PM Cnr Birch & Holly Avenue, Dandenong North.

Thanksgiving Service, followed by high tea and a time of fellowship. All past members and clergy are warmly invited to attend.

RSVP to Margaret Swaby, Secretary on E:samaswaby@bigpond.com or P: 03 9707 0631.

OFFICIAL OPENING OF ROWALLAN PARK SUNDAY, 31 JULY 2016 Kingston Uniting Church and community centre, South of Hobart, Tasmania.

The opening ceremonies for Rowallan Park will commence on Friday, 29 July at 12 noon with the official opening of the Supported Accommodation by the Premier of Tasmania, The Honourable Will Hodgman. At 6–8.30pm on Saturday, 30 July there is a family event with a meal.

2pm on Sunday, 31 July is the official opening of the whole complex by the Moderator, Rev Sharon Hollis.

Enquiries: Chris Parker, Secretary, Kingston Uniting Church Council, M: 0400 552 248, E: crparker47@gmail.com SOCIAL JUSTICE LUNCH SUNDAY, 7 AUGUST 2016, 12 FOR 12.30PM St John’s Uniting Church, 567 Glenhuntly Road, Elsternwick.

Speaker - Daniel Webb: Human Rights Advocate on the Immoral Detention of Refugees.

Cost is $25 per person.

Contact P: 03 9530 0684 or E: janeoldfield@netspace.net.au CUPCAKE DAY for the RSPCA MORNING TEA at THE HUB WEDNESDAY, 17 AUGUST, 10AM - 12NOON Glen Waverley Uniting Church, cnr Bogong Avenue and Kingsway.

Bring your family and friends. All donations to help the work of the RSPCA. Info and group bookings P: 03 9560 3580 THE SYCAMORE TREE COFFEE SHOP 30th BIRTHDAY CHURCH SERVICE and CELEBRATION LUNCH SUNDAY, 21 AUGUST 2016 Service from 11am – 12noon at Scots Church, 187 Burgundy Street, Heidelberg, and lunch from 12.15pm 2.30pm at The Sycamore Tree Coffee Shop and Drop-In Centre.

The Sycamore Tree Coffee Shop is the outreach of the Heidelberg/East Ivanhoe

Presbytery Minister, Mission and Education (2 year term) Presbytery of Port Phillip East Expressions of interest are invited for a full-time two-year ministry placement in the Presbytery of Port Phillip East to commence ASAP. This interim ministry role is to advance, empower and implement strategy development in collaboration with the Presbytery Standing Committee and other Presbytery ministry colleagues. Strong personal faith, CALD and intercultural engagement, proven project implementation skills and team ministry are essential.

Inquiries can be made to the Secretary of the Placements Committee of the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania at placements.secretary@victas.uca.org.au Applications close Friday 22 July 2016.

JULY 16 - CROSSLIGHT

Uniting Church. It has been open to the community offering hospitality for 30 years since 1986. All are welcome to join in the celebrations.

RSVP and queries to P: 03 9458 4279 or E: sycamoretreecafe185@gmail.com FRIENDS OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA AND THE SOLOMON ISLANDS MEETING: SATURDAY, 22 OCTOBER 12PM TO 4.30PM St Andrews Uniting Church, cnr Malvern & Burke Roads, Gardiner.

Melways: P.59, H7.

This group brings together people who have lived or worked in these countries, to allow for sharing of common interests, updating on current developments, and provision of practical support.

For more information: Margaret White P: 03 9889 7345 or Don Cracknell P: 03 5623 6058 HISTORY OF SURREY HILLS UNITING CHURCH LAUNCH, SUNDAY, 7 AUGUST Centenary Church, cnr Canterbury Road and Valonia Avenue, Surrey Hills.

Launch of the history, which includes the Wesleyan and Congregational origins, will be held on Sunday, 7 August at the Centenary Church. A communion service at 10am will be followed by a light lunch at 11.30am, and all interested in the book launch will be most welcome to attend at 10am, 11.30am or 12.30pm, when Professor Graeme Davison AO will officially launch the book.

For copies and further details please contact Graham Beanland on E: beanlandgh@optusnet.com.au or P: 03 9939 9931 140th ANNIVERSARY OF ST KILDA UNITING CHURCH PARISH MISSION St Kilda Uniting Church Parish Mission will be celebrating the 140th Anniversary of the Balaclava Church on 21 May 2017. A detailed history is currently being written.

Queries, photographs and reminiscences most welcome. Please contact Maureen Walker on P: 03 9534 1966 or E: maureenwalker5@bigpond.com WOMEN’S ORDINATION BOOK In the 1820s Congregational women could not speak in church, by the 1880s they ran their own meetings, and by the 1920s they were ordained to positions of congregational ministry, missionary service or theological education. This is their story. Rev Dr Julia Pitman’s new book, Our principle of sex equality: the ordination of women in the Congregational Church in Australia, 1927-1977 is available now for $39.95 from the Resource Room, Centre for Theology and Ministry, P:03 9340 8800, or Mediacom, P:1800 811 311, or online at www.mediacom.org.au. Rev. Dr Julia Pitman is a Uniting Church minister, St Paul’s and Armitage Uniting Churches, Mackay, Queensland and Adjunct Research Associate, Charles Sturt University.

THE HUB IS OPEN TUESDAY AND THURSDAY 10AM - 2PM, AND WEDNESDAY 10AM - 12 NOON Glen Waverley Uniting Church, cnr Bogong Avenue and Kingsway.

The Hub at Glen Waverley Uniting Church is a welcoming and friendly meeting place for people needing company, a cuppa and a biscuit, to relax in a busy day or to practise speaking in English in an informal setting.

The Hub is open. People of all ages are welcome.

CLASSIFIEDS CALOUNDRA, Sunshine Coast, Queensland: Beachside units, from $400/ wk. For details contact: Ray P: 0427 990 161 E: rayandjean@hotmail.com CAPE WOOLAMAI Summerhays Cottage. Sleeps 3. Tranquil garden. Stroll to beach. Discount for UCA members.

Ring Doug or Ina P: 0403 133 710. www.summerhayscottage.com.au GRAMPIANS WORSHIP When visiting the Grampians, join the Pomonal Community Uniting Church congregation for worship each Sunday at 10.00am.

LORNE: Spacious apartment, breathtaking ocean view, open fire, peaceful, secluded, affordable.

P: 03 5289 2698.

PSYCHOLOGIST: Sue Tansey, BA (Hons), MPsych (Counselling) MAPS. Individual and relationship counselling. Bulk billing for clients who have a referral from their GP and have a low income.

St Kilda. P: 0418 537 342.

E: suetansey@yahoo.com QUALIFIED CHRISTIAN PAINTER: handy-man, interior/exterior work, available outer eastern suburbs.

P: 03 9725 6417.

SENIORS’ SPECIAL: Enjoy a break in luxury surroundings.

Three days and three nights, dinner, bed and breakfast for $450 per couple (including GST).

Jindivick Gardens. P: 03 5628 5319.

SUNDAY SCHOOL, CHILDREN AND FAMILIES WORKER A paid part time position exists for a Sunday School, Children and Families Worker at the North Essendon Uniting Church. The position would report to the Minister. Experience working with children is essential. A position description is available via the email below. Please email a resume to E: ganna@bigpond.net.au or P: 0419 361 206.

WANTED TO BUY: Antiques, second hand/retro furniture, bric a brac and collectables. Single items or whole house lots. Genuine buyer – contact Kevin P: 0408 969 920.

DEATH NOTICE Ross William EVERARD Born,1949. Died 25 May 2016 in Tallangatta.

Private cremation.

21

Moderator’s column Lessons from Synod ONE of the things I value about the Synod’s Vision and Mission Principles is that they tell us who we are, and call us to more truly become who we are, for the sake of serving the reign of God. At the recent Synod meeting there were many moments where I saw the already and the still-becoming nature of the Vision and Mission Principles on display.

I want to share just three of those moments.

MEMBERS of Synod who presented or asked questions commenced with the First Peoples’ name for their home as a tiny sign that we live on stolen land. Glimpses of what it might mean to be a church where we walk together as First and Second Peoples. But we have a long way to go and much to be done so that we can more fully live into this vision.

Both the Tasmanian and Victorian Congress reports at Synod told of their work amongst First Peoples. We heard about the role of Leprena and Narana as places for First Peoples to gather, to engage in community development that builds stronger more resilient people and communities.

Ken Sumner (pictured), state director Congress Victoria, invited us to take seriously the large gap between what we hope to be and who we actually are: “Where is the space in this Synod to talk about treaty? When will this Synod start to talk seriously about sovereignty?”

We need to have these urgent and important conversations if we want to say with any integrity that we walk together as First and Second Peoples.

DR Hee-Jeong Silvia Yang (pictured), dressed in a beautiful traditional Korean chima jeogori, comes to the Synod lectern and reads the scripture in Spanish. We hear the scripture in a fresh way and see an embodiment of what it might mean to become an intercultural church, where we learn across cultures and from each other.

This intercultural learning changes us, as it invites us to see how the good news of Jesus Christ is incarnate in different cultures. It helps us to see, in fresh ways, what God is doing and invites us to new expressions of discipleship.

To become a church that listens to each culture means those of us from the dominant culture need to give up our privilege and make space for multiple languages, multiple cultural expressions and diverse ways of being a follower of Jesus Christ. To grow into being a church that learns from other cultures invites us to be open, curious and generous with each other in order that the letter we display to the world speaks of the diversity we have in the unity of Christ.

se examples I encourage each of you to think about the places in your own In sharing these ommunity where you glimpse the Vision and Mission Principles being life and faith community o hope that you will pray and talk and plan for ways in which you, and your lived out. I also community off faith, can grow more fully into the Vision and Mission Principles.

KAREN Sooaemalelagi emalelagi (pictured) stands at the microphone, ne, a supportive friend beside her, and delivers ers an impassioned speech on behalf of the young adults at the Synod. As she speaks, thee young adults stand to show that she speakss for them too. They plead for the Synod to make youth and young adults a priority. Not because they want to take from the church, but because they want to be equipped for discipleship, they want to be servants of Jesus Christ and his ways in the world.

Several times throughout the Synod meeting we were reminded that there are plenty of young people in the church, if only we notice and make space for them.

As we grow into our desire to listen to each generation, we need to continue to find ways to listen to the children children, youth and young adults in communities. And to do so in ways that make it possible for them to share their faith and their hopes for the church.

Three glimpses of the Vision and Mission Principles from the Synod meeting that also invite us to continue to grow into them. Where do you see the Vision and Mission Principles being lived out in your community of faith? Where are the growing edges? Who can you have a conversation with about what the Vision and Mission Principles might mean in your community and church?

Sharon Hollis Moderator

22

CROSSLIGHT - JULY 16

Opinion Feminist theology CATH MCKINNEY

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67% of illiterate adults in the world are women.

85 million girls in the world are unable to attend school, compared with 45 million boys around the world.

1% of the land in the world is owned by women.

One woman (on average) per minute will die in childbirth.

Globally, one in three women will be subjected in their lifetime to violence perpetrated by men.

The Equalities and Human Rights Commission estimates it will take 70 years at the current rate of progress to see an equal number of female and male directors of FTSE 100 companies.

FOR equality gives strength, in all things and at all times. Meister Eckhart.

Feminism: The advocacy of women’s rights on the ground of equality of the sexes.

(Oxford English Dictionary) TO be a feminist in the context of being a follower of Jesus is to affirm diversity, protest discrimination and advocate equality for all.

The gospel of Christ compels me to wrestle with what it is to participate in the building of a more just world. As a feminist I affirm the specific worth, particular purpose and meaningful existence of all people in the world regardless of race, gender, sexual identity and socio economic status.

When Paul declared that there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:28), he was not dismissing race, gender or status in the world. Paul was advocating that a gospel of Christ proclaims that we as people in the world are ‘all one in Christ’. To argue for equality is not to suggest that people are indistinguishable from each other. It is to insist that all people are commensurate in value, purpose and meaning in the world and to object when this is not the case.

To be a feminist is to protest the blatant and persistent way people are treated with inequity in the world, one mark of which is

the disparity between women and men.

As a follower of Jesus, I seek to engage in the promise of the gospel that life can be experienced as a hopeful engagement, and that equality for all people is not just a utopian fantasy but a goal for us all to work towards.

As a feminist, I advocate for feminism to be understood as a politic of solidarity with the gospel of hope in the world for ALL people. Now more than ever, the church can be experienced as a community of hopeful engagement in the world, a sanctuary for all people where love and acceptance in the name of Christ might be encountered.

As a feminist I believe that we can engage with one another in our differences with the assurance that our place in the world is determined by who we are in Christ, not how we are assessed as valuable in the context of what a particular societal construct might comprehend as important.

Diversity is a word that can be more easily spoken than lived. Any politic, philosophy and social theory that assists collaborative and inclusive dialogue and aids us all in the task of loving one another and being loved, seeing each other and being seen, and hearing another person and being heard is worth generous consideration.

On 8 July the Australian Collaborators in Feminist Theologies will be launched at Pilgrim Theological College. This Network is an initiative of the University of Divinity and aims to foster good conversation about what it means to be a feminist in and beyond the churches today. For more information go to: ctm.uca.edu.au or join us at Facebook @FeministTheologies

Source: Womankind worldwide

Giving is living Clamping down on tax dodging multinationals TIM LAM

MULTINATIONAL tax dodging is an increasingly prominent issue on the national and global agenda. A survey conducted by accounting firm BDO earlier this year found that multinational tax avoidance was the number one tax concern for Australians.

The federal government has taken steps in recent months to tackle multinational tax dodging. In April, assistant treasurer Kelly O’Dwyer expressed a verbal commitment to create a public registry that identifies the real owners of companies.

However, the federal government’s official statement at a global anti-corruption summit in May was less definitive.

“Australia is committed to exploring, via public consultation, options for a beneficial ownership register for companies,” the statement said.

Tax dodging deprives the world’s poorest people of essential services such as water, sanitation, healthcare and education. A report released by Oxfam in June revealed

JULY 16 - CROSSLIGHT

the impact of tax avoidance at home and abroad.

“The Australian government and many OECD member countries have been working to reduce the tax losses that result from multinational tax avoidance. However, the vast majority of measures neglect the impact on developing countries,” the report states.

Australia’s neighbours in the Asia-Pacific region are among those hardest hit by multinational tax dodging.

The report estimates USD $172 billion in tax revenue was diverted away from developing countries in 2014. Developing countries lose more money every year through corporate tax dodging than they gain through international aid.

Australian-based multinational corporations alone are responsible for depriving developing countries of approximately US $2.3 billion in tax revenue annually.

Papua New Guinea is one of the poorest countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Just less than 40 per cent of its population live below the poverty line. Australia is Papua New Guinea’s main trading partner but Oxfam estimates US $12 million is lost every year due to Australian-based multinationals diverting their profits offshore.

The synod of Victoria and Tasmania is a member of the Tax Justice Network, which campaigns for a more transparent and equitable global tax system. Oxfam urged the federal government to fulfil its commitment to create a public registry of beneficial owners, a call echoed by the synod’s Justice

and International Mission (JIM) unit.

The JIM unit has launched a petition calling on the Senate to establish this public registry and ensure Australia’s current company registry remains in public hands. If the registry is sold into corporate hands, it will be easier for shell companies with hidden ownership to be registered in Australia.

The petition also calls on the Senate to

introduce laws that protect and reward whistleblowers who expose wrongdoing in the private sector, mirroring the protections currently given to public servant whistleblowers.

You can sign the JIM unit petition at www. justact.org.au/the_panama_papers_petition 23

Synod Snaps

“For me, the camera is a sketch book, an instrument of intuition and spontaneity.”

- Henri Cartier-Bresson

Knitters getting ready for World Wide Knit-in-Public weekend at Queenscliff Uniting Church, 11 and 12 June. (L-R) Carol McIntyre, June Wells, Trish Imrie.

Photo by Charles Gallacher.

A special morning tea was held at The Hub, Glen Waverley Uniting Church.

Donations totalling $640.75 were received for the Cancer Council Victoria. On the following Sunday, the congregation prayed for people affected by cancer whose names were on the cut-out figures.

Artist Nathan Patterson at Narana’s Connecting To Country gallery exhibition launch.

More than 200 people attended the event, which coincided with the launch of the Australian Indigenous Surf Titles.

Wimmera UnitingCare’s general manager of specialist services Alistair Houston and Wimmera UnitingCare’s new mascot ‘Iggi’ paid a visit to Horsham Primary School to present a prize to the mascot-naming competition winner, Lilli.

Journey Bound performed at Marriott Waters Shopping Centre to raise money for the Red Shield Appeal. Left to right: Maurie Richardson, Cranbourne Regional Uniting Church member Sharon Start, Rev Wendy Snook, John Wilson and Mark Lindsay

Belmont Uniting Church members made 340 hand-crafted items, including 85 woollen blankets, 40 quilts, 72 beanies and 32 scarves. The items will be distributed via UnitingCare Geelong, Nangatta, Cottage by the Sea, and Geelong Hospital.

(L-R) Ros Buckwell, Marilyn Funston, Jill Jeffers and Heather McCann with part of the display in the church.