Crosslight September 2015

Crosslight No. 258 September 2015

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Meet some of the imaginative anthophiles who turn flowers into works of art each week.

The Disability Action Plan helps ensure the Church is welcoming to all.

Alfie the greyhound reminds us to count our blessings on World Animal Day – the Feast of St Francis of Assisi.

Farewell to Ron Mason, who retires as an elder after 64 years of continuous service.

Photographer Daniel Etter had been stunned with the response to his image, tweeting “I am

overwhelmed by the reaction to this family’s tears of relief. is why I do what I do. ” The Christ is risen.

Christians all around theThis world proclaim these image (front page) depicts the raw emotion as a family finally reaches the safety of land. It words, and done soseeking for centuries, injust acknowledgement is a reminder thathave those desperately safety are people, like us. Our one-on-one interview with Gillian Triggs also reminds us of the importance to remain vigilant in the face of the hope and grace of the risen Christ. Happy Easter.

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of human rights abuses, no matter the resistance or personal toll. Turn to page 12 for our exclusive interview with Prof Triggs.

Dr Lin Manhong inspired Assembly with the Cato Lecture about living on the margins.

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

Regulars Reviews - 16 to 17 Letters - 19 Placements - 20 to 21 Opinion - 22 Moderator’s Column - 23

Editorial She’s someone PENNY MULVEY

THE St Kilda Gatehouse is a not-forprofit Christian organisation which works alongside those involved in street-based sex work or affected by commercial sexual exploitation as a result of hardship. Its aim is to be a ‘safe haven off the streets’.

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

Gatehouse CEO, Sally Tonkin, recently spoke at a Christian business people’s breakfast in the Melbourne CBD on the topic, ‘She’s someone’. It was a powerful, life affirming message, challenging the popular mantra ‘She’s someone’s daughter/sister/ wife/mother’.

The women the St Kilda Gatehouse works alongside are engaged in dangerous illegal activity. The staff and volunteers seek to walk in Jesus’ shoes. Jesus looked through the prostitute, the woman at the well, the tax collector, into the soul of the person.

The Gatehouse seeks to be a place where individuals feel valued and important. Each person is a ‘someone’, not ‘someone’s…’

Ms Tonkin quoted Hugh Mackay’s book, What Makes Us Tick?: The Ten Desires That Drive Us (2010). While the author did not list any of the 10 desires in any particular

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.

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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.

order, Ms Tonkin believes that of all 10 there is one desire that stands above all the rest, the desire to be taken seriously.

The women who seek refuge at the St Kilda Gatehouse have been discarded, abused, hurt, betrayed, assaulted, rejected. They are human beings who have been treated like garbage. Ms Tonkin has learned that the most powerful and most humbling service her staff and volunteers can offer these women is a genuine ear; to take each and every one of these women seriously, because they are someone.

Hugh Mackay explains it is not about being serious. “It is all about the desire to be acknowledged as the unique individual each of us knows ourselves to be – the desire to be noticed, appreciated, valued, accepted ... perhaps even remembered.”

Is it little wonder that many asylum seekers

attempt suicide. We are stripping them of their humanity. Our news reports turn people’s pain into snappy headlines. Or Indigenous Australians, who still struggle to ensure their stories are heard. We are also seeing the power of taking someone seriously, as the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sex Abuse has heard story after story of survivors of abuse, each of them detailing the abuse they experienced, sometimes 30-40 years ago, as if it was only yesterday. Their stories are finally acknowledged and remembered.

The challenge for me, each and every day, is to remember that each person is ‘someone’, created in the image of God, and I have a part to play in honouring their story.

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

Staff:

Deadlines: Advertising and editorial.

Executive Editor - Penny Mulvey Managing Editor - Deb Bennett Design and Digital Illustration - Garth Jones Journalist - Ben Grundy Senior Advertising & Print Services Officer - Andrew Juma Communications Manager - Nigel Tapp Online Content Coordinator - Emmet O’Cuana Communications Officer - Tim Lam P.A to Executive Editor - Heather Thomson Senior Media Officer - Ros Marsden

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

Closing date for October– Friday 18th September 2015.

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

ucavictas

ucavictas

News Safety launch ROS MARSDEN NATIONAL Child Protection Week (6-12 September) was chosen by the VicTas Synod as an appropriate time to launch the Keeping Children Safe Policy in Victoria. Planning is currently underway to also hold a launch of the policy in Tasmania.

The policy builds on the good work already being done in church communities to ensure a safe environment for everyone.

It requires a commitment to shared personal responsibility for all children to be protected. The policy requires congregation members, volunteers, staff, boards and councils to actively participate in implementation and continual review of the policy guidelines.

The need to increase the Church’s efforts and focus on the protection of children was reinforced by the findings of the Victorian Government’s 2013 Betrayal of Trust report and the subsequent new legislation which has created three new criminal offences in Victoria. These are: grooming (predatory conduct undertaken to prepare a child for sexual activity at a later time); adults’ failure to report criminal child abuse to the police; and failure by those with responsibility

within an organisation to remove or reduce a substantial risk that a child may be sexually abused. Tasmanian law also has clear legislation for matters relating to child sex abuse.

The ongoing work of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse has highlighted the need for continued focus. The Royal Commission advised that to achieve a child-safe organisation it is critical to have competent and committed leadership and governance which develops and maintains a child-safe culture.

“More than ever before we are aware of the impact and possibility of abuse, issues of safety and the vulnerability of children,” Charles Gibson, executive officer of the Synod’s Royal Commission Task Group, said.

“The standards of care now expected as a matter of law and of community practice are higher than they were in the past, and are rightly being enforced. We have a moral responsibility and duty of care to ensure that children are protected from harm.”

Moderator Dan Wootton stated that the Church is determined to make every effort to put in place procedures that maximise the ability to keep children safe.

“This is a reaffirmation of what was said when I launched the Safe Church

Recognising Safety

Rev Mark Dunn, Moderator Dan Wootton and Bruce Misson

ST JOHN’S Uniting Church in Essendon has recently completed the VicTas synod Safe Church Recognition program.

The program is part of a number of initiatives to continually review how the Church maintains safe and caring environments for everyone.

Chair of St John’s church council, Bruce Missen, said the program was a valuable part of the Church’s response to revelations of child abuse within church institutions.

“My view is that all churches must respond to the issue of child abuse as a direct response to the Victorian Government’s inquiry and with the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses still holding sessions,” Mr Missen said.

“We cannot ignore and say it cannot happen

Recognition program in 2014. We must protect children from abuse and make sure that all child abuse allegations are reported,” Mr Wootton said.

The Keeping Children Safe Policy provides an over-arching framework to facilitate a consistent approach across the Church’s various activities.

Existing policies such as the Working with Children Check Policy; Safe Church policies; camping, agency and school policies now sit within this framework.

The policy focuses on specific areas which include statements of commitment, codes of conduct, recruitment, screening and supervision practices, orientation and training and the reporting of child abuse.

It was developed over a 12-month period in order to undertake adequate research and consultation. Not only does it incorporate the good practices currently defined within the Church, but it also draws upon the Australian Children’s Commissioners and Guardians, who have jointly endorsed principles for child safe organisations.

The policy also referenced the work of the Royal Commission and of Child Wise.

In 2015 the Assembly commenced the development of a UCA National Child Safe Policy Framework 2015-2020. The VicTas Synod has been working closely with the Assembly and other synods on this project.

The Keeping Children Safe Policy is being used as a basis for the National Framework.

Mr Wootton has asked every individual to take the time to become familiar with the policy.

“We all have a responsibility to act on the requirements of this policy. Abuse thrives on secrecy and we are committed to developing and maintaining an open and aware culture.

It is important that we send a strong message to any person with predatory behaviour that we are very alert regarding potential abuse of children.”

here. Victims have paid a heavy price for that sort of thinking. Undertaking the program is another way we can focus on our responsibilities.”

Mr Missen said the church community was pleasantly surprised to learn that they were already a long way to achieving official recognition before they even started the program. While reinforcing the positive practises within the church, the program also enabled them to identify areas where improvements could be made.

“It has made us take stock of who is doing what in the various activities around our church,” Mr Missen said.

“I think it has made us do some things better – things like writing job descriptions for all roles involving contact with children or vulnerable adults, and ensuring that everyone has some support network where they belong.”

Initially, some in the church were a little

suspicious of why such a program was being undertaken, some even wondered whether the church was being investigated.

“I can assure them and the wider Church community that nothing like this is true and that we are using Safe Church Training and Recognition as a proactive response to the findings of the Parliamentary Inquiry and the Royal Commission.

“Sadly, some churches have lost the trust of large parts of the wider community. We all need to do what we can to try to win back that trust. That is where I see Safe Church training fitting in. Uniting Churches should use it to proactively respond to the dreadful consequences we have learnt about through the Royal Commission.

“I hope the community sees that the churches are taking action locally to minimise the risks of things like child abuse occurring into the future.”

In this edition of Crosslight you will find a brochure providing information about the policy and how it can be implemented in your setting. The policy, the brochure and a number of templates and guides are now available on-line at: victas.uca.org.au/keepingchildrensafe

POSITION VACANT

Chaplain Royal Children’s Hospital • Assist patients and families meet religious and spiritual needs • Provide respectful and non-judgmental listening • Parkville location About Us The Commission for Mission works alongside Uniting Church congregations, agencies, schools and communities, to help bring to life Jesus’ radical vision of justice, compassion and life for all.

The role The Uniting Church (UCA) VicTas Synod’s Commission for Mission is seeking a full time Uniting Church Chaplain for the Royal Children’s Hospital. UCA seeks a qualified and experienced Chaplain to minister to the children and families at one of Melbourne’s leading hospitals, the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH).

With the capacity to serve in an inter-faith context, the RCH Chaplain will have excellent pastoral skills and tertiary qualifications in theology.

Essential to the position is a sound knowledge of current best practice as articulated by leading pastoral care organisations such as Spiritual Health Victoria and Spiritual Care Australia.

CROSSLIGHT - SEPTEMBER 15

About you To secure this role you will: • Be a practicing member of the Uniting Church in Australia • Have a minimum 5 years experience within a relevant ministry context • Strong empathy and compassion Our culture We are a vibrant, people-focused team that respects people and recognises the talent and dedication of our people. As an employer, the UCA values justice, inclusion, compassion, shared leadership, respect, integrity and wise stewardship. It’s what we are about and how we live our day to day.

Obtain a position description and apply online today at: https://unitingcaresynod.mhr.com.au/jobdetail.asp?jobid=6548 Applications close: 30th September 2015

For more information call Paula Bradshaw on 9251 5477

The UCA is proud to be an inclusive employer.

A willingness to work within the ethos of the Uniting Church is essential Appointment is subject to a satisfactory criminal history check

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SHARE AD

News Share’s Winter Appeal sets new record SOFI LAWSON

Ready for action THIS month, the synod will launch its Disability Action Plan 2015 – 2018.

Rev Andy Calder, disability inclusion officer, said the plan has been developed over the course of several years as an intentional strategy to ensure people living with a disability are welcomed fully into the Church community.

As Mr Calder explained, the Plan represents one of the central calls to the Christian community – hospitality. He cites Hebrews (13:2) – ‘in welcoming and entertaining strangers, we welcome angels without knowing it’ – as the theological basis for the plan.

“We are invited to consider the ways in which those known to us, or not so well known to us, can access a faith community,” Mr Calder said. “How do we find each other? What attitudes and values will be encountered? Are there physical, attitudinal, emotional and historical roadblocks which affect the ability to be communities of hospitality?”

While physical access is a vital element of any action plan, Mr Calder hopes that congregations and agencies will also use the plan to reflect on attitudes that may hinder full participation.

The values the Plan hopes to promote were reflected in its development process.

CROSSLIGHT - SEPTEMBER 15

Consultations were held throughout the church community in a variety of formats to encourage as many voices as possible.

The step-by-step Plan is designed to enable churches and agencies to build on existing strategies and identify areas where they might improve. He said the initial process of assessing what needs to be done can be informative for those involved.

Some changes may be relatively simple, whilst others may require establishing a working group, auditing properties, engaging external experts and contractors and assessing the value of programs.

Mr Calder hopes the Uniting Church will also use it as a guide to building inclusive communities.

“To optimise credibility, the analysis should involve people with disabilities, carers, family and friends, outlining how they experience obstacles and difficulties,” he said. “Awareness raising and educational opportunities are important throughout the planning process. This ensures greater participation and ownership.

“To have a sense of belonging, we all need to be missed. For people marginalised by disability, faith communities motivated by justice and welcome can provide that sense of belonging.”

The Disability Action Plan will be submitted to the Australian Human Rights Commission as an indication of the commitment of the church to inclusion.

RICHARD was just like any other family man. Happily married with two young daughters, Emma and Hayley, Richard was working five days a week when tragedy struck. His wife died, leaving him widowed and raising his girls alone. Then he suffered a work place injury and had to face a future without any stable income.

To make matters worse, he lost his home and was forced to sleep rough in a shipping container and sometimes in local parks.

Without any family or friends, Richard and his two daughters were close to breaking point.

Homelessness can happen to anyone.

It is something Angela Goodwin – Share’s Director of Operations and Development – knows is rife throughout Victoria.

Ms Goodwin says Share’s annual Winter Appeal provides emergency relief such as food, clothing and accommodation to people who have fallen on hard times.

Over the last two years the number of homeless people seeking help from UnitingCare Harrison has risen by 48 per cent due to the high cost of living and lack

of affordable housing.

“Donations to Share have never mattered more,” Ms Goodwin said.

“Without donor contributions and support, people will miss out on accessing emergency relief programs. Providers will be forced to shut their doors and leave clients without somewhere to turn in times of need.

“The Winter Appeal gives people the opportunity to help ensure this doesn’t happen.”

More than 20 UnitingCare agencies receive funding directly from the appeal in a bid to help clients before they reach crisis point.

“Hundreds of families and single people on limited incomes sometimes are in a position where they have to decide whether to pay their rent and bills or buy food,” Ms Goodwin said.

Agencies requested just under $1 million to continue to provide vital services – double the amount distributed last year.

Thanks to your generous donations, Share raised $420,000.

“Share is always astounded at the amount of good will out there in our communities,” Ms Goodwin said.

“Even the smallest of donations go such a long way to helping those who can’t make ends meet due to their financial circumstances.

“The agencies are always very appreciative of the Share funding, often saying that without it, they couldn’t do what they do every day for vulnerable people in our communities.”

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News Blessing of the animals

What’s it all about, Alfie?

Vision for Australia JUSTICE and International Mission (JIM) unit staff member Denisse Sandoval is working with congregations in a new initiative to empower them to create social change. As part of this initiative, she is inviting congregations to reflect on the question, ‘What kind of Australia do we want to be?’

Ms Sandoval recently collaborated with Habitat Uniting Church’s social justice committee, who ran a worship service inviting congregation members to articulate their core values.

As part of the worship service, congregation members gathered broken plastic toys and gave each toy a placard or

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ST FRANCIS of Assisi is often cited as the inspiration for Christian concern for the environment. The 12th century monk is best known as the patron saint of animals and ecology, his legendary ability to ‘talk’ to birds and tame a wild wolf remind us of our human responsibility to all creatures.

The Feast of St Francis of Assisi, or World Animal Day, is held annually on 4 October.

On this day many churches incorporate a ‘Blessing of the Animals/Pets Service’ into their Sunday liturgies.

Rev Barbara Allen is a spirituality and creation project worker with the Commission for Mission. She said a pet blessing service is a terrific opportunity for churches to invite community members who might not attend church to bring their beloved pets along and celebrate the day.

“Blessing of the Animals services have a long tradition, well entrenched in Catholic circles,” Barbara said.

slogan to hold up. The placards reflected each congregation member’s vision for the kind of Australia they wish to see.

Rev Joan Wright Howie, minister of the Habitat Uniting Church, came up with the idea of using the broken toys from an exhibition at the old Parliament house in Canberra.

“Along one of the passages we discovered a collection of toys holding banners. Their little signs were powerful expressions of the need to change,” she explained.

Ms Howie hopes Australia will become a country where our policies and practices align with our core values.

“For Christians, our values are formed as we wrestle with the scripture that proclaims a law grounded in love, where every creature is part of God’s good creation and calls human beings to attend to the needs of the most vulnerable,” she said.

“We are not isolated individuals, but part

“They provide an opportunity for us to reach out to our four-legged/winged/finned brethren, thank God for their presence, and vow to make their lives better. This is one reason why the broader title ‘Animals’ rather than ‘Pets’ is applied.”

Even those who don’t own a pet can join in the spirit of the day. Barbara encourages people to think of other ways to bless animals, such as donating money or food products to animal shelters.

While the day is all about blessing animals, many would agree that they themselves have been blessed with the pets in their life. Crosslight’s own Ros Marsden recently welcomed a greyhound into her home, and encourages others to think of alternatives when it comes to purchasing a pet.

“Alfie is our daughter’s dog and has become such an integral part of our family it’s hard to imagine what we did without him,” Ros said.

“Greyhounds are often thought of as relentless hunters and excitable – I can assure readers the opposite is true.

The family cat is certainly the boss of Alfie, and he is never happier than when

stretched out on our couch watching TV with us.”

Barbara agrees with Ros’ sentiment that our companion animals enrich our lives and make us better people.

“This is an opportunity to acknowledge the ways that other species bless us,” Barbara said.

“It also encourages us us to re-think what it means to be stewards of creation.”

Barbara hopes that by celebrating the day, people will revisit the words of St Francis of Assisi, as relevant today as they were 900 years ago.

“If you have people who will exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow people.”

Saint Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) For more information on preparing worship go to: http://seasonofcreation.com To find out more about the GAP (Greyhound Adoption Program) go to: gap.grv.org.au/ (for Victoria) or www.gaptas.org.au/ (for Tasmania).

of a body where, if one part suffers, we all suffer.”

Ms Sandoval works with Uniting Church members to help them translate their concerns for social justice into meaningful action.

“I want to work with others towards a society shaped by compassion and love where people have opportunities to reach their full potential, regardless of their background,” she said.

Habitat Uniting Church used broken toys as the first part of their response and Ms Sandoval is looking forward to working with them on the next steps in creating change. She would like to invite other churches to respond in their own way.

If your congregation would like to become involved, contact Denisse Sandoval at denisse.sandoval@victas.uca.org.au

CROSSLIGHT - SEPTEMBER 15

Profile Pacific partners BEN GRUNDY WHEN Cyclone Pam devastated parts of Vanuatu earlier this year, the North Ringwood Uniting Church swung into action. A close relationship developed throughout many years with the Paunangisu community (a small village outside of Port Vila) meant the church was able to act quickly to offer support where it was needed most.

Already engaged in a broader project, the North Ringwood UC also raised significant funds for the recovery effort.

The congregation has a breadth of programs involving youth ministry, community support and international community development.

The partnership between North Ringwood UC and the Paunangisu (Pow-nan-isu) community grew out of the congregation’s Medical Sailing Ministries (MSM) project in Vanuatu.

Church member Rob Latimer cites the support of North Ringwood members as being instrumental in establishing MSM, a program that facilitates volunteer medical professionals to undertake working trips to treat remote communities in and around Vanuatu.

“The congregation has a diverse age spread and wonderful leadership in Ian (Rev Dr Ian Hickingbotham),” Mr Latimer said.

“It’s also got a range of skills and an enthusiastic ‘can do’ approach which welcomes ideas with an external focus.

“With the Vanuatu work, I just put the idea out there and people said they’d like to help – the whole thing has grown from there.”

Established in 2009, as the name suggests, volunteers are transported via yacht throughout remote islands in the region to provide medical treatment.

The project has continued to expand and now includes a range of community development and partnership activities.

The North Ringwood congregation was also instrumental in establishing a permanent dental service in Vanuatu that

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During a supporters’ tour attendees were treated to an authentic Vanuatuan village experience.

employs locals and is supported by visiting healthcare workers from around the world.

“We discovered that they needed a dental program and at North Ringwood we’ve got a range of skills,” Mr Latimer said.

“There’s Dr Barry Stewart, who is a dentist, and also Mike Clarke who has been involved in consulting work in the finance and banking fields.

“Both of them came on board and we were able to start the Vanuatu Dental Care Service. It’s now running alongside an eye care program – The Vanuatu Prevention of Blindness project – started by (Gippsland) Uniting Church members and 2014 Order of Australia recipients, Don and Meg MacRaild, administered through the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu in partnership with UnitingWorld.”

The widespread interest in the work in Vanuatu eventually planted the idea for supporter’s trips to the region in 2013.

Thirty supporters were able to join the 10-day tour and, as part of the program, attended a ‘Village Experience Day’. The Paunangisu community – where Morinda, one of the local dental care workers lives – organised the day where proceeds raised went directly to the village.

The community used the funds to install solar electricity that has enabled the church building to be utilised at night for a wide range of faith and community activities.

These include kids’ homework, health talks, charging phones, connecting to the internet and village film nights.

“When the idea was raised, the Paunangisu church elders were really keen to put on a village experience for supporters involving

the broader community, not just churchfolk,” Mr Latimer said.

“They made island dresses, shirts and woven baskets for everyone.

“There was amazing singing and they had a feast prepared for us. Everyone was so overwhelmed by it all that we wanted to continue the relationship.”

Several follow-up trips have since fostered even closer ties that have been formalised.

“We’ve started a partnership between North Ringwood Uniting Church and the village of Paunangisu through the Presbyterian Church in the village,” Mr Latimer said.

“We’ve got a formal agreement stating that we’ve come together for mutual spiritual development, cultural exchange and to support economic development in the village community.”

As these ties have strengthened over the years, other opportunities to collaborate with the community have come to fruition.

So when Cyclone Pam struck in March this year, North Ringwood was quick to identify opportunities to support the Paunangisu community.

“Since the cyclone, North Ringwood UC has raised more than $10,000 for the recovery effort,” Mr Latimer said.

In recent months the North Ringwood congregation has been busy preparing supplies for the construction of toilet facilities as part of a broader project to improve hygiene and expand tourism opportunities for the village.

Currently, a shipping container on the church grounds is being loaded with building supplies, prebuilt toilets, water

tanks and dozens of computers for a local school.

The container will be shipped this month and a work party will commence construction in October.

“The toilet block in this context is more than just local hygiene,” Mr Latimer said.

“Because the village is about an hour’s drive from Port Vila, they’re strategically placed for tourists.

“The community elders are hoping to work towards catering for tourists and expanding cultural exchanges and village experiences.”

Discussing the success of the MSM, Mr Latimer is quick to point out the hard work and support of many in his church community.

He says the North Ringwood Uniting Church approach of supporting congregation members to take the first step in missional work is invaluable.

“You’ve got to be prepared to get started and look at what your current skills and experiences are,” he said.

“Don’t worry if it’s not a big project. Once you get started, you’re in a position to be led to other ideas and opportunities.

“It’s like that idea of a boat being tied to a wharf – it’s not made to be tied up, it’s made to go places, to be useful.

Likewise, we are not made to be sitting idle, we are made to seek God’s purpose for our life.

“We’ve got to get underway and do something. Once you’re underway you can be led to support and do great things.”

For more information visit: www.msm.org.au and www.nruc.org.au

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News Interest in funds

That’s entertainment THIRTEEN may be a number that scares some people, but for David Hamley (pictured) it’s a number that promises new opportunity. David has been managing the Ministers Home Endowment Fund (HEF) for UCA Funds Management as well as working across many other areas of funds management for 13 years. He decided this year was the moment to launch full time into a performance career.

Those who have experienced David’s work as MC at the synod staff Christmas gatherings each December won’t be surprised to learn that he is leaving to pursue work in the world of entertainment as well as embarking on some performance related charity work.

David started at the Beneficiary Fund in 2002 as administration manager and

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subsequently took on the management of the HEF. In 2010 he transferred to UCA Funds Management retaining responsibility for the HEF whilst also broadening his contribution across other funds management functions.

“We wish David well as he moves into this exciting phase of his career,” James Davidson, UCA Funds Management’s operations manager, said. “He has provided so many of our members with support and we look forward to continuing the good work and processes he has helped establish.”

Responsibility for administering the Ministers Home Endowment Fund will remain within the UCA Funds Management team. Membership of the Fund is a benefit available to all Synod Ministers. For further information you can call UCA Funds Management on 1800 996 888 or email HEF@ucafunds.com.au.

THIS year UCA Funds Management celebrates 30 years as an ethical Fund Manager.

With the increasing focus on ethical investing the Funds Management team is increasingly reaching out to UCA members interested in investing ethically.

More than 200 people recently attended the annual UCA Funds Management investor briefing sessions.

As well as addressing the matter of the capital guarantee, the briefing enabled investors to hear directly from investment decision makers responsible for stewardship of the Church’s financial investments.

This year’s event was also expanded to three sessions and was the first to include personal and charity investor attendees.

UCA Funds Management CEO Michael Walsh (pictured) said the team of financial experts is leading the way in the ethical

investment space.

“The commitment to invest your funds ethically is deeply rooted in the organisation’s DNA,” he said.

“Our investment team is clearly making good decisions because Morningstar, the global independent investment research and investment management firm, consistently rates UCA Funds Management as a high performer across our different funds.”

UCA Funds Management team members also presented an overview of recent events in the financial market.

Questions during question time predominantly focused on investment opportunities available to charity clients.

“Not surprisingly, in this changing financial market along with the anxieties many are feeling in the wake of UCA Funds Management’s announcement relating to the capital guarantee last month, there was considerable interest in this briefing.

“Overall, attendees were very positive about the event and the presentation,” he said.

CROSSLIGHT - SEPTEMBER 15

Profile Partnering with Palestinians DEB BENNETT FOR many people, the thought of retirement conjures images of time spent with the grandchildren, cruising the oceans or joining a band of grey nomads chasing the sun.

Few would imagine opting to live in one of the world’s most volatile regions, acting as an eyewitness to abuses of military and political power.

But for Rev Joan Fisher, the end of fulltime work as a Uniting Church minister in the Albury Wodonga area presented the opportunity to do just that.

Joan has recently returned from three months living as a volunteer with the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine - Israel (EAPPI). During that time she lived in East Jerusalem and saw first-hand the conditions endured by those in occupied Palestinian territories.

Joan explained that her interest in the Middle East began when she was training for ministry in the mid-1990s.

“My New Testament lecturer spoke about Christians in Palestine.

“That was a bit of a wake-up for me. I’d presumed that it was Jews and Muslims, but she alerted us to the fact that the Christians have been there since the church began and they’re really suffering under the occupation.”

After reading more information about the Middle East in the annual Act for Peace newsletter, Joan decided to learn more and joined a three-week tour to Palestine and Israel. While there she was inspired by a talk given by Rev Alex Awad at the Bethlehem Bible College.

“He spoke about the tremendous impact that the occupation was having on Palestinian people and discussed the numbers of Christians who are actually leaving Palestine altogether.

“He said 60 years ago the proportion of Christians was about 20 per cent, it’s now 2 per cent or less. In a couple of generations there may be no Palestinian Christians left in the Holy Land.

“Palestinian Christians can trace our history back to the day of Pentecost. Rev Awad asked our group why Christian brothers and sisters across the world were not concerned about

what’s happening to them. He asked whether we were OK with having no Christians in the Holy Land.”

Joan decided she wanted to do something practical to help, so enquired about EAPPI. Coordinated by the World Council of Churches, the program was founded in 2002, following a request from Heads of Palestinian Christian Churches. Since that time, more than 1500 international volunteers have become Ecumenical Accompaniers (EAs).

Part of the role of an EA is to act as a witness to life under occupation and, upon returning home, to report back to others the reality of the conflict. EAs also offer a protective presence to vulnerable communities, as well as monitoring and reporting human-rights abuses.

Before heading off, applicants are interviewed and undertake training in non-violent actions, international humanitarian law, human rights laws and general safety. EAs also have to raise enough money to fund the trip.

“I was very blessed to have lots of church groups and friends and family who were interested and who offered to help pay, which was fantastic,” Joan said.

“I had to raise $14,000 dollars which covered travel expenses and all living costs while I was there. The money also supports the head office in Jerusalem which coordinates all that is happening in the area.”

Teams of four to six people live in houses rented by the EAPPI program, throughout six known ‘hotspots’ on the West Bank, three in cities and three in rural areas.

“Most of the time we were working with communities in East Jerusalem and Bedouin tribes in nearby communities,” Joan explained.

“We accompany Palestinians in their daily lives to bear witness to what it is they have to actually deal with because of the occupation.

“This military occupation has gone on for 48 years. The Israelis seem to be treating the Palestinians worse and worse, and there is no punishment. The UN just passes another resolution that says settlements are illegal, and Israel goes on building settlements. There are absolutely no repercussions for Israel. The Palestinians are saying unless other countries put pressure on Israel, this is going to go on and just get worse.

“You can read about these things but it’s nothing like actually walking and talking with the people and seeing what life is really like.

It was absolutely fascinating and very eyeopening.”

While the EAPPI program aims to offer practical support in the form of advocacy and

Protesting against the occupation.

Visiting a family.

Joan Fisher overlooking the Old City.

protection, it is the relationships established – knowing others care – that seems just as important.

“They are starting to lose hope,” Joan said.

“It’s very sad but when you are there you can understand why because the violation of their rights is just relentless, it goes on all the time and it affects every aspect of life.

“There are children we met in the refugee camps whose parents and grandparents have lived in the same camp and they have basically not been outside that town or that district.

They are not allowed to move anywhere because they are stateless people.

“It’s really hard for people in that situation to have a hope that things are going to get better.”

Joan said she was inspired by those she lived

with during her time in the Middle East, and encourages others to consider helping in any way they can.

“The Palestinian people are absolutely amazing. Their resilience, their steadfastness in the face of all this harassment is phenomenal.

They are wonderfully welcoming, their hospitality is brilliant, their enthusiasm about having people come and see what’s happening to them. And they’re very keen to tell their story.

“It’s an amazing experience.”

For more information about the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel go to: https://www.eappi.org/en

Assembly support for Palestine The 14th Assembly of the Uniting Church accepted a proposal from former president, Rev Professor Andrew Dutney, to “establish an awareness-raising campaign throughout the Church on the plight of the Palestinian Christians and the Palestinian people, including promotion of the boycott of goods from the illegal settlements in the West Bank”.

The proposal was a response to requests – both official and unofficial – by Palestinians for an expression of solidarity. Prof Dutney led a group of Uniting Church ministers to a conference in Jerusalem in September 2014.

Following the conference the group met with Palestinian Christians. Prof Dutney said it was during this time “our Palestinian brothers and sisters in Christ asked us in person to join the international, peaceful movement to support them in their struggle for justice…”

Prof Dutney said those on the trip were inspired by the words of Bishop Munib Younan, head of the World Lutheran Federation and the leader of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land.

“He said to us ‘The world church owes us something, we Palestinian Christians. We’re your mother church and you owe us something. What you have to do is to go home and teach everyone to love their neighbour as they love themselves’.”

The proposal will encourage members throughout the Church to stand in solidarity with Palestinian Christians and includes the promotion of the boycott of goods from illegal settlements in the West Bank.

Prof Dutney stressed that the boycott of goods produced in the illegal Israeli settlements in no way compromises the UCA’s “commitment to the existence, in peace and security, of the state of Israel, or our conviction that anti-Semitism in all its expressions is an affront to the gospel of Jesus Christ”.

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People Blooming marvellous ROS MARSDEN IF you thought Mary Poppins and her finger-snapping solutions were just the fantasy of PL Travers and Walt Disney, think again. Our churches enjoy their own Poppins magic in the form of volunteers who create ‘flower ministries’ every week.

Crosslight discovered that the artistic vase arrangements we see on Sundays are the work of dedicated church members and that it takes more than the snap of a finger to come up with the ideas.

Of course, the first thing our church flower arrangers will tell you is that “it’s nothing really, just a thing we love doing”.

The modesty of this group of dedicated volunteers was a common theme for these interviews.

Another common theme was a concern about who to pass the secateurs to in the decades ahead. Helen Gilmour from Echuca Moama Uniting Church expressed the view of many when she said they would love younger volunteers as “it’s getting harder to carry vases down the stairs, for example”.

At High Street Uniting Church Frankston, Chris Johnson and Beryl Fithall try to encourage the enjoyment of flower ministry.

“One of the best things we did was organising a mini workshop to give hints on simple arrangements and flower preservation at our Evening Fellowship group. It did encourage others to join the roster,” Chris said.

Alison McNab, who organises eight volunteers at St John’s Essendon, explained they now use a local florist to do arrangements for weddings and funerals, and at various times of the year the group choose artificial flowers or pot plants. “This takes pressure off our volunteers, while still providing floral arrangements to enhance our worship space each week.”

There is a lot to consider when you arrange flowers in a public building. Some of the churches, like Pilgrim Uniting Church in Launceston, are very large so it’s important to consider proportion. Helen McLaughlin,

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coordinator of Pilgrim’s six-volunteer roster, advised to “focus on tall stems like gladioli.

And because we also have dark walls, we choose light coloured flowers like whites, pinks, yellows and creams.” Warragul Uniting Church is another that needs “big arrangements because the church is big”, Merle Smith explained.

“I also keep in mind other aspects when I select flowers, like people who have allergies with wattle and pine being among the sneezing culprits,” Merle said.

Beth Stewart, a volunteer at Shepparton’s Wesley Uniting Church likes pedestal arrangements of suitable size which “look best in a traditional church”.

Sourcing flowers takes time, though the volunteers all seem blessed with generous friends and family, as well as using flowers from their own gardens.

Helen Gilmour is able to select beautiful greenery from local Echuca farmers and June Beckham, another volunteer from Shepparton’s Wesley Church, enthused about the generosity of neighbours telling her to “Come in and get whatever you want”. June’s own garden boasts roses, azaleas and camellias. Beth Stewart grows only foliage and flowers that cope with picking, arranging and lasting several days.

Australian flora is a popular choice for Beryl Fithall, and she has used native flowers to match theological themes like the wreath she created for Frankston’s Advent season.

Artificial flowers (which Peggy Arnett from St Andrews in Alexandra calls the “back-up of emergency artificial flowers”) are cleverly used when time is pressed or fresh cuttings are sparse. Some churches keep permanent displays in cupboards that can be sourced at a moment’s notice. This has also helped when there are gaps in the roster.

Organisation is key for Helen McLaughlin if there are special requests, as flower orders to Tasmania from the mainland can take two weeks to arrive.

“It’s rare, but occasionally a bride will want a flower I can’t find in a Launceston garden,” Helen said.

Tools of the trade are important too.

Shepparton’s Beth Stewart recommends keeping a variety of containers, ‘oasis’ foam, wire, adhesives, good secateurs and a spray bottle, as well as a helper to assist cleaning up snippings. “My (late) husband used to

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1. Echuca Moama UC’s colourful display 2. Floral inspiration, Wesley UC Shepparton 3. Benalla’s Jenny Monger, Liz Harrison, Nancy Burgess 4. Good Friday arrangement, High Street UC Frankston 5. Cheery colour in Benalla UC 6. Echuca Moama’s Julie Morphett, Shirley Durrant, Janene McIntyre, Shirley Thompson,

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Helen Gilmour and Ruth Turpin 7. Alison McNab, St John’s Essendon 8. Shepparton’s Beth Stewart 9. Helen McLaughlin from Pilgrim UC Launceston 10. Merle Smith in Warragul 11. Beryl Fithal (R) offers hints to Marg Scarlett decorating High St Frankston 12. Glorious display from St Andrews, Alexandra

CROSSLIGHT - SEPTEMBER 15

People come and help and I was most grateful,” Beth said.

The volunteers feel they were born with a love of flowers. People who know Peggy Arnett say she was born with an artistic gift and that her vases are always “breathtaking and filled with colourful beauty”.

Warragul’s Merle Smith says she has loved flowers since she was a child and Alison McNab learnt from her mother-in-law who was a beautiful florist.

“There is a certain amount of satisfaction when you stand back and look at your work,” Alison said.

For June Beckham it was her own daughter’s wedding in 1974 that catapulted her into the Shepparton flower roster because she created such an impressive display that she was asked to join the church roster.

A number of volunteers have studied flower arranging. Beth Stewart, from Shepparton Uniting Church, has judged flower shows and Leon Jay, the only man on the Echuca Moama church roster, brought his knowledge from running a gift shop to the role. At the Uniting Church in Benalla, the group are keen gardeners and see the arranging of church displays as an extension of their gardening talent.

Frankston’s Chris Johnson enjoys the quiet space and preparation time spent working inside the church, She believes flowers can be a visual aid to worship as well as a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the many varieties. Her fellow volunteer Beryl Fithall likes the experience of working alongside others doing something that brings pleasure to all as well as providing a welcoming atmosphere.

Of course it’s not all plain sailing.

June Beckham recounted the moment when a large vase of flowers, perched on a pedestal near the communion table, toppled over and water and flowers spread everywhere.

At Benalla, one volunteer was sitting in church on Sunday wondering why the emergency artificial arrangements weren’t on display. She suddenly realised that it was her turn on the roster! Merle Smith recalls arriving at church for Sunday service only to discover the cleaner had thrown the newly arranged flowers out the day before.

“We opened the doors and couldn’t believe it,” Merle laughed.

In 2014, disaster struck Frankston when a large brush-tail possum found his way through the roof on a Saturday night, falling from a height and knocking over the flower pedestal to quench his hunger and thirst.

There were hilarious scenes half an hour before Sunday worship as minister Robert Johnston flew around the church in pursuit and headed the possum out the door.

It immediately ran to shelter in the Anglican Church across the street.

Everyone has their favourite flowers.

Val Stafford, at Benalla, loves native arrangements while Helen McLaughlin enjoys using hydrangeas, leucadendrons and roses (but watch out – our volunteers tell us roses can wilt easily).

Merle Smith favours New Zealand flax, proteas, goddess lily and strelitzia, and Alison McNab enjoys working with chrysanthemums, lilies, stocks and gypsophila. The Frankston congregation remembers fondly the dedication of the late Fred Renouf, who grew dahlias for the church, even after he moved into a retirement village at the age of 96.

Liz Harrison, from Benalla Uniting Church, reiterated the sentiments of all volunteers when she talked about the special meaning of creating flowers for weddings and funerals of people she knew well. There is nothing the volunteers won’t do to ensure their church looks beautiful as Lorraine Wittingslow demonstrated when she brought exquisite roses from her own birthday bouquet as part of the arrangement for Benalla church the following Sunday.

As we researched this story, we received some information about Peggy Arnett from St Andrews Alexandra. It was headed “Peg of our hearts, we love you dearly”. This description of Peggy reflected what all the churches said about the people performing flower ministry.

To the flower volunteers across our synod, you are special though we know you will remonstrate, “Oh no, it’s just something we do”. Mary Poppins might add that you do it “in a most delightful way”.

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Feature

aGillian Triggs Exclusive

conversation with PENNY MULVEY

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CROSSLIGHT - SEPTEMBER 15

Feature The Attacks IN her role as President of the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), Professor Gillian Triggs has become a prominent public figure, the topic of heated dinner party conversations.

Prof Triggs granted the Uniting Church an interview because she recognised the Church’s commitment to asylum seeker issues and knew that her views would be expressed without distortion or reduced to an attention-grabbing headline.

We met in her corner office at the AHRC in Pitt Street Sydney.

Throughout the last seven months, Prof Triggs has endured attacks by no less than four senior members of the Federal Government. All have strongly, and publicly, suggested Prof Triggs resign her position.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott told Federal Parliament in February that the Government had lost confidence in Prof Triggs. He described The Forgotten Children report as ‘a political stitch up’.

Attorney General George Brandis was censured by the Parliament in early March, after he accused the AHRC president of a “catastrophic error of judgement” in favouring Labor with the timing of her inquiry into children in detention.

The Attorney General is the minister responsible for the Human Rights Commission.

In June, Immigration Minister Peter Dutton openly lambasted Prof Triggs after the Commission President commented on Australia’s relationship with Indonesia. The Attorney General supported Mr Dutton, and they issued a joint media release declaring their displeasure.

Also in June, (before the controversial and highly-discussed media reports relating to a $5000 helicopter flight from Melbourne to Geelong) the then-Parliamentary Speaker of the House, Bronwyn Bishop, suggested live on national TV that Prof Triggs should resign her statutory position.

The former barrister and academic had been flung into the path of a vicious storm because of the nature and perceived timing of the report by the AHRC into asylum seeker children held in Australianmanaged detention centres.

Gillian Triggs has both a considered manner and a warm and engaging smile.

Her compassion for others is evident throughout the conversation. While she acknowledges the asylum seeker issue is fraught, she is strongly of the opinion that it is because the Australian public have been fed the same demonising political response – such as labelling asylum seekers ‘queue jumpers’.

“We all know now there never has been a queue and less than 1 per cent are settled by the so-called orderly or UN process,” Prof Triggs said.

“Overwhelmingly, the majority of people seeking asylum don’t come that way and cannot come that way.

“Frankly it is a combination of fear that, since 9/11, politicians have taken advantage of. They have given into an extreme right-wing group, which is I think a minority in Australia, but it has tended to dominate the political agenda. So we have got a conflation of issues in asylum seeker matters where, in the public mind, they have become somewhat intertwined.

So people from Somalia, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq could also be terrorist threats to Australia.

CROSSLIGHT - SEPTEMBER 15

“It is an illogical position but, from the children overboard in the Tampa crisis through to 9/11 and now, 14 years later, we have had pretty much the same political response. Demonising asylum seekers, calling them illegals and linking them at least by implication to threats to Australia.”

The Law For Prof Triggs, it is not a political issue, it is a matter of the law.

“In the legal [realm] it is fairly clear that we have an obligation to people who seek our protection.

“Stopping boats, and failing to rescue and assess those who claim our protection, is contrary to international law. That is pretty clear.

“One could say that by stopping the boats and taking them to a safe haven you might be saving lives, stopping people from drowning and stopping the people smugglers. These have got to be good policies.

“But the sadness of our policy is that we have pushed people back into already overcrowded developing countries, such as Indonesia.”

Prof Triggs acknowledges that the Human Rights Commission’s vehement opposition to the current policies relating to asylum seekers creates a challenge for the government because of its indisputable success in stopping the boats. “…that (stopping the boats) is what the Government sees as one of its greatest achievements. For the Australian Human

their mandate under the Human Rights Commission statute. As a result, they find themselves on a different playing field to journalists and even politicians, who do not usually couch their arguments in law, “and can make political judgements and policy judgements that are beyond what we are authorised to do.”

However, there is power in sticking to the law, as was evidenced in the special Q&A program in June, filmed in Parliament House to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta. A question from formerly-detained asylum seeker child Mohammad Ali Baqiri led to an icy debate between Gillian Triggs and the then-Parliamentary Speaker of the House, Bronwyn Bishop. Ms Bishop took exception to Prof Triggs comments relating to The Forgotten Children report, reiterating the Government’s line that the timing of the report made the president ‘a very political figure’.

“As I said before, you have to make the decision – are you a statutory officer carrying out an obligation with the protection of that office or are you a political participant? If you do, you have to no longer be a statutory officer,” Ms Bishop said.

Prof Triggs calmly but decisively responded to this renewed call for her to resign by reminding the panel, and the audience, that the work of the Human Rights Commission is according to the law and, as such, operates in ‘a very neutral way’.

“I am a statutory officer and that is a position of independence which allows me to speak, based on evidence and based on

...since 9/11, politicians have... given into an extreme right-wing group, which is I think a minority in Australia, but it has tended to dominate the political agenda.

Rights Commission, and me, to be challenging those policies, that cuts to a raw nerve for the Government. I think that is why it has attracted so much vitriol.”

The AHRC is a national independent statutory body established under the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986. Within its remit are matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social justice; age discrimination; children; disability discrimination; human rights; race discrimination and sex discrimination.

Each of these areas is headed by a commissioner exercising functions relating to specific Acts of Parliament.

According to the 2013-2014 Annual Report, the Human Rights Commission received nearly 20,000 enquiries, relating to disability discrimination; general employment matters including harassment and bullying; discrimination on grounds covered by the Sex Discrimination Act; racial discrimination including racial hatred and human rights-related issues, including immigration and immigration detention.

Prof Triggs stresses that staff of the Commission can only operate on the basis of the legal provisions, which provide

the law as truthfully as I can…and that is what I believe I have been doing.”

The Response Reflecting on this interaction as we sat in her sunlit office, bookshelves stacked with heavy tomes, folders and the occasional personal item, she again referred to the law.

“Instead of responding to the Bronwyn Bishop attacks, I concentrated on the audience and the questions that they were asking of me. Tony Jones allowed that to happen. It meant that I didn’t have to criticise her or even respond to what she had said. I just kept making the message about asylum seeker rights and how this worked globally.”

Prof Triggs is not the first AHRC president to find themselves under personal attack in response to their work. She named the former High Court judge and President of the Uniting Church (1988-1991), Sir Ronald Wilson, as another president who was on the receiving end of sustained criticism in the wake of the 1997 Bringing Them Home report into the Stolen Generations.

“He would be one of the most highly regarded people ever to hold this position as president,” Prof Triggs explained.

“He took a very strong view in relation to stolen children and argued, in fact, that it constituted genocide. This got him in an enormous amount of trouble.

“Part of the criticism of him was that the Uniting Church had been responsible for taking children, so it was hypocritical for him to argue against this. Now, of course, it is a ridiculous position to take. It may very well be that the Church played a role in the earlier decades, but certainly it was nothing to do with him, and nothing to do with contemporary views of the Church.”

While speaking out on human rights issues does seem to shine the spotlight on those who inhabit the role of president of the AHRC, the degree of personal attack directed at the current president is unprecedented. Her private life has been trawled through, and right-wing commentators have been quite toxic in the vehemence of their commentary. How does one prepare for that?

“The truth is, it has never happened to me before. I have been a practising lawyer for 47 years. I have never, ever, ever had any criticism of my work or my good faith so this is sort of unprecedented.

“It is the last thing you expect to happen as you move into the later years of your life. I will be 70 this year. How could I ever have prepared myself for this?”

However, in the midst of an avalanche of public shaming, Prof Triggs has felt the affirmation of the Australian public. People she meets as she walks to her office stop to encourage her. People in the supermarket, on public transport, her colleagues at work and her family and friends have provided great reassurance and confidence to remain on message.

“I think the government underestimated the power of people to see through the attacks. As well as the fact that I am so certain the law and the obligations that we are talking about are accurate. They are obligations of Australia and we cannot ignore them.

“Also, Australia is so out of tune with the rest of the world.

“It is an extraordinary phenomenon; we like to think we are so progressive, but the truth is we are decades behind much of Europe and North America and sadly we are rather smug in our views of ourselves.

“We can only do that because we are such an isolated island and we are isolated also within our own region because we have such a different cultural, religious, racial and legal background to most of the rest of Asia that we can get away with that behaviour in our region.”

Gender Politics Prof Triggs found herself catapulted into the public eye as a result of The Forgotten Children report. Prior to that she was well known within legal and political circles, both in Australia and overseas, for her work as an academic and barrister.

However her previous career would not have prepared her for the polarity of views the mere mention of her name now arouses.

A Google search generates a range of opinion pieces from both sides of the political spectrum. Some roundly condemn her; others denounce those who have used a public forum to speak against her.

What Gillian Triggs has experienced is a

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Feature case study in the changing nature of public dialogue since the advent of social media.

No longer do politicians, commentators or the general public remain focused on the issue, they move quickly to personal attack.

Prof Triggs’ private life has become fodder without any space for nuance, context or privacy considerations. Her personal rights seem to have been trampled on, which further accentuates the need for such a body as the AHRC. Because if someone as accomplished and as senior as Prof Triggs can be so poorly treated, what hope is there for minority groups?

It doesn’t take much effort to think of women in the public forum who, for various reasons, have found themselves on the receiving end of personal and sustained attack. Former Victoria Police Chief Commissioner, Christine Nixon; former Prime Minister, Julia Gillard; Australian of the Year, Rosie Batty; Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s chief of staff, Peta Credlin; and Gillian Triggs.

Crosslight asked Prof Triggs why a woman would bother seeking public office when we witness what happens to individual women.

“That is what a lot of people have said to me – ‘why would a woman expose herself to this world of such vicious attack?’

We have seen it in recent years and it is consistent.

“The gender bias – the stereotypical view of women and, for some men, just out and out misogyny – is probably one of the biggest problems Australia faces. I think we have managed multiculturalism and racism quite well but the position in relation to women is what is so disturbing.

“According to the global gender gap index statistics, Australia is actually declining significantly [for women] in terms of salary, appointments, roles in the political environment and so on. Yet we are number one on that global index for an educated female population.”

The AHRC’s Sex Discrimination Commission, under the leadership of Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick, has been working at both ends of this issue over the last few years. The Sex Discrimination Commission concluded an extensive report on workplace discrimination related to pregnancy, parental leave and return to work after parental leave.

The report – released last year – showed that discrimination relating to pregnancy and return to work is pervasive and has a cost for everyone.

Also last year, Commissioner Broderick launched Know Where the Line Is, a national campaign on sexual harassment in the workplace. She has also been working with the Male Champions of Change, to improve gender equity and lift female participation in the leadership of the Australian work force.

Looking at the experience of women such as Nixon, Gillard, Batty, Credlin and Triggs, one could argue that each of these women has demonstrated tenacity and toughness. Does Prof Triggs believe that is an important characteristic for a female in leadership?

“I think toughness is important. I am rather intrigued by the fact that some young women do not want to be described as feminists. They don’t like political confrontation. They want to be liked by people.

“I thought being a feminist in the 60s was a badge of pride, you sort of rose to it and there you were! But I think this generation

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will not play that political game. I think they are not very tough actually.”

Leadership However, judging by two public events at which Prof Triggs has recently appeared, a Law Institute luncheon held in Melbourne in July and the Q&A program in June, the audience responded extremely positively to her statements and her leadership.

At the luncheon, fellow lawyers gave her a sustained standing ovation following her speech on the importance of judicial discretion. And following comments from

Rights Commission.

“My own view is that Australians are not really racist, but there are groups of people who are,” Prof Triggs responded.

“We really don’t see racism apart from the types of complaints we get, the incidents on public transport. We sometimes see racism in employment and sometimes in the sporting codes.

“I don’t often agree with Andrew Bolt (Herald Sun columnist and blogger), but I think he is right in saying that we are not a racist country. We have come a very long way.

“Overwhelmingly I think Australians do aspire to the values of a multicultural

The gender bias – the stereotypical view of women and, for some men, just out and out misogyny – is probably one of the biggest problems Australia faces.

processes.”

However, Prof Triggs is quick to acknowledge that such covert racism is very difficult to prove and therefore address.

“You can demonstrate the aggressive racism on public transport or in a football match, because when people see it they now get out their iPhones and send us the videos. So we have got much more documentary evidence of that aggressive form of racism.

“But it is difficult to show that somebody was not selected on the grounds of race where the employer will say there was somebody better qualified.

“It is almost impossible to challenge. But what you can do is question why, in an employment body of a thousand employees you don’t have a single person of the Aboriginal race or a single person from Asia.

“That’s got to tell you something about your workforce and you can start to talk about the lack of diversity in their workplace and try to do something about that.”

Balance panel member Prof Triggs, Tony Jones had to call an end to the clapping to enable the ABC program to continue. This generation might not be considered tough, but clearly they admire and yearn for strong leadership.

For Prof Triggs, the recipe for leadership is not overly complicated. She believes you need courage, to have put the work in, to get it right and be prepared for long hours.

“The more accurate and evidence-based your work is the more experiences you have and the more disciplined you are, the more likely you are to be successful and to stay the course.

“Women are making some gains in some areas. But women need to get experience, and to take risks to leap to more challenging opportunities. Young women these days are extremely well educated, they are professional, good administrators,

society.”

Adam Goodes launched the Racism, It Stops With Me campaign on behalf of the Human Rights Commission last year. The campaign reminds us that we each play a significant role in either propagating or calling out racist behaviour.

Prof Triggs says the aggressive racism on display at these football games is not particularly common in Australia.

“The kind of racism that we are fighting at the Commission is the more casual or subterranean racism. That arises where somebody doesn’t get a job because the company has never employed a Korean in the workforce, or the business has a stereotypical view of South Pacific Islanders or Indigenous Australians and they don’t employ them.

“That kind of racism we do want to fight through the Commission’s complaints

My own view is that Australians are not really racist, but there are groups of people who are.

Our allotted time was nearly running out and there were so many questions to ask this strong, energetic woman. There was opportunity for two last questions.

One: What does Gillian do for fun?

“The last few years I have let a lot of that side of my life go down.”

What? No time for fun?

“I love gardening. The theatre, music, but we were constantly missing the concerts.

Something I really love, and I guess everybody does, I love shopping on a Saturday morning and having a nice dinner at the house and talking with friends.”

And the last question before Prof Triggs’ personal assistant, Kellie, obligingly took a photograph of us together.

“How do you feed your soul, your spirit?”

“I think the garden has always been that for me. Within 10 seconds of walking into the garden I am in a completely different space. But that’s down at Merrijig, in rural Victoria, and I only get there three or four times a year.

“I really get a huge amount of pleasure out of my family. I have just become a grandmother. My husband and I enjoy doing things together. These are the things that feed my soul I think. But my working life at present is not really sustainable. I probably cannot do it for much longer.”

Professor Triggs’ term as President of the AHRC concludes on July 30 2017. Like everything in life, it is for a season.

and they manage their lives well.

“They do need to be a little more upfront about wanting the promotions and wanting the opportunities.”

Racism Crosslight met Professor Triggs the week following the Sydney Swans-West Coast Eagles clash at which former Australian of the Year, Adam Goodes, was booed.

As public debate raged as to whether the booing was racist, and then moved into discussion about whether Australia was a racist nation, it seemed timely to put such questions to the President of the Human

Crosslight Executive Editor Penny Mulvey with Professor Triggs.

CROSSLIGHT - SEPTEMBER 15

People Green thumbs for Shepparton’s newest residents SHEPPARTON’S newest arrivals are taking a step towards a healthier future with the creation of a community garden on the Kildonan UnitingCare site.

Clients from Kildonan’s Settlement Services programs are helping develop the garden as part of the Establishing Roots project, which was constructed following a Community Matching Grant from the Greater Shepparton City Council.

Local company Lenne Orchards donated a number of large fruit boxes which have been used as planter boxes and clients from the Asylum Seeker Support Program cleared the site in preparation for the soil and plants.

Kildonan UnitingCare chief executive officer Stella Avramopoulos said the project would have long term benefits.

“Our Settlement Services clients will help maintain the garden, and the children from our multicultural playgroup will develop their own special vegie patch so their families can cook and eat the produce they grow,” she said.

“Participants will also be given seedlings to establish their own vegie patches at home.”

Kildonan’s Settlement Services aims to help new arrivals settle in and gain independence in their new communities.

It fosters social participation, economic and personal wellbeing and connectedness with the community.

The program not only offers support, such as information and referral to key support services, but access to groups and social connections including homework clubs and a sewing group.

The activities are also supported by generous volunteers.

The church book

Reluctant organists MANY people associate churches with the music that emanates from the church organ. Hymns create the mood for prayerful worship and foster a communal spirit as congregation members join together in song.

However, playing the organ every Sunday is no mean feat.

It demands flexibility, poise and technique.

An organist may accompany multiple singers or play alongside instrumental soloists.

Playing a pipe or electronic organ is different to playing a piano. Many church organists are pianists who valiantly play hymn music every week without the training needed to improve their skills.

Associate Professor Bruce Steele is organist for the North Balwyn Uniting Church and has been the congregation’s music director for the past 30 years. He said playing hymns on an organ is not only about matching notes on a keyboard.

“There’s more to playing hymns than just getting by with the tune and a bit of harmony,” Prof Steele said.

“Players should be leaders of congregational singing. This requires technique, confidence and experience.”

Prof Steele hopes he can demystify some of the mystery surrounding organ music and equip players with the confidence to play a variety of hymns at church services.

He will be leading a workshop on hymnplaying at North Balwyn Uniting Church on Saturday 26 September at 10.30am.

The event is free and open to players of all ages and competence levels.

The workshop will play hymns from Together in Song, one of most widely used hymn collections. Participants will explore traditional hymns alongside more contemporary songs that are better suited to piano, guitar or group performances.

Prof Steele hopes the workshop will inspire the next generation of church organists and keep alive a much cherished and respected tradition.

Contact Bruce Steele at mail@nbuc.org.au to express your interest in the workshop.

“I think that’s enough” BRUCE WOOD RON MASON finally said, ‘I think that’s enough’. And with that statement came the end of an era – the end of 64 continuous years as an elder. In 1951, 22- year-old Ron Mason was commissioned as an elder in the West Footscray Presbyterian Church.

In 1952 Ron moved to Warragul and again took up the role of elder in the Warragul Presbyterian Church. He continued that role at the establishment of the Uniting Church in Australia.

Ron began his church ‘career’ at the age of 10 when he was persuaded to go along to Sunday school operated by the Gospel Hall in West Footscray. He was later influenced

CROSSLIGHT - SEPTEMBER 15

Working at the garden are (from left) Ghulam Hussini, Imtaiaz Hussain, Mahdi Hussain, Shehzad Qasemi and Javed Hussain.

Picture courtesy Shepparton Adviser.

ENGAGING small children in church services has been an issue for generations.

While churches attempt to attract families to their services, the question remains how to appeal to children.

Rev Peter Gador-Whyte is the minister at the Geelong City Parish. He said he has been struggling for some time with the important issue of nurturing children in faith.

“When I was young, the latest practice was having crying rooms where parents could take their children out of worship and not disturb the rest of the congregation,” Mr Gador-Whyte said.

“Also, children often attended the early part of worship before being sent off into Sunday school, and in those days Sunday schools were huge. But where are all those people now? How many have remained engaged and committed to practicing the faith and participating in the gathered community of faith on a regular basis?”

Some churches include a table for children to colour-in the weekly worship sheet and hope they pick up some of what is going on in the service. But Mr Gador-Whyte questions how effective this is.

“My observation is that mostly they are in a little world of their own and do not attend to what is happening in worship,” he said.

“I began to wonder – how do we help by some of his scouting mates to go to the Presbyterian Church in West Footscray and subsequently became a PBA leader and was confirmed as a member in 1950.

Since moving to Warragul, Ron has held the role of session clerk (for those who still remember the Presbyterian days) and the holder of the church rolls (originally using a card index system until computers came along), official welcomer, holder of all the ‘people’ knowledge, presbytery representative, accredited lay preacher and elder in the Uniting Church.

Ron feels very strongly about living out his Christian beliefs amongst his community.

He is a founding member of the Mawarra Centre, which provides disability support services for more than 70 people and operates three disability enterprises providing supported employment opportunities. Ron also serves on the management committee of the E W

children to attend to what is happening and so learn to worship?”

Early in July, his church launched The Church Book. Designed by Peter and his wife Sarah, it has been created by quilter Jenny Harris.

“It is a cloth book that allows toddlers to explore the different key moments in the service of worship, from the time the doors of the church open and gather as God’s people, to the time when we go out of those doors to share God’s love in the wider community.”

Mr Gador-Whyte said he hopes The Church Book will be useful as parents learn to guide their children to a deeper understanding of worship.

“We encourage parents to use it to engage their children to attend to what is happening as we give voice to our praise of God and listen for God’s voice to us,” he said.

Chipping Foundation, which has provided accommodation and support for young people, and disability support services, for over 40 years. He is a long-term member of the Warragul Bowling Club where he has won numerous championships and was their secretary for many years. He was also awarded the Baw Baw Shire Citizen of the Year in 2000.

Ron is one of those very friendly people who will always make you feel welcome and has a great memory for names. He will be seen most Sundays standing near the worship entrance enthusiastically saying hello to regulars, warmly welcoming anyone who may be new, and making sure no-one is left isolated.

Ron finished his term as an elder in the Uniting Church in Australia in March 2015, after 64 years continuous service – and we give thanks.

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Reviews

The other Will and Kate REVIEW BY DEB BENNETT

Do your own theology REVIEW BY DAVID MERRITT BOOK | TESTING TRADITION AND LIBERATING THEOLOGY. FINDING YOUR OWN VOICE | VAL WEBB THIS is a rare book that makes the story of how Christianity has developed over 20 centuries accessible in language most can readily understand. The author’s purpose is not primarily to help us understand history but to encourage us to do what people have done in every period of history – make sense of our heritage under the new circumstances in which we live.

Val Webb interweaves scholarly descriptions of significant figures in the story of Christianity with very personal and, at times, painful memories of her own journey. From her childhood in a conservative protestant tradition in Queensland to becoming a widely travelled speaker on contemporary religion, Ms Webb writes in the language of everyday life rather than the specialised jargon of academic theologians.

A glance through the detailed and very helpful index illustrates the extraordinary scope of the discussion: creeds, Karl Barth, creation, Martin Luther, prayer, Trinity, Reformation, the Basis of Union, salvation, spirituality, feminist theology. The index alone will make this a valuable resource for people with inquiring minds.

At times the cavalcade of people with different theologies through the ages becomes a bit overwhelming. But the main insight is reinforced throughout – there has never been only one way to think about God. And some chapters stand out as examples both of how new perspectives require new wisdom and of the results of “doing theology”. All make interesting reading as we live in a period of dramatic change.

The book ends with a quote from Asian theologian C S Song: “Theology done with imagination and passion in the midst of a human community, inspired by a vision of a better tomorrow, will have to be done over and over. It has to start again – a new journey, a new adventure, a new pilgrimage, in short, a new beginning.”

With this book Val Webb has added to her reputation as one of the most helpful Australian voices about how to find a faith that works rather than walk away from what is unbelievable.

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BOOK | WILL AND KATE – THE STORY OF WILLIAM AND CATHERINE BOOTH | DAWN VOLZ, ILLUSTRATIONS BY CHRIS GREEN AIMED at young children, this picture book tells the inspiring story of William and Catherine Booth, founders of The Salvation Army.

From their early life in 19th-century England to leaders of a worldwide organisation, author Dawn Volz cleverly weaves a story of love, hope and compassion as compelling as any traditional bedtime story.

Adults, too, might be surprised to learn of the radical beginnings of the church affectionately known as the Salvos.

While contemporary society may consider the uniforms and traditional music a little old-fashioned, the Booths were considered radical in their day, with hundreds of their followers arrested for disturbing the peace.

Trombones and timbrels were particularly loud and designed to command an audience. If the Salvos were established today, perhaps their instrument of choice would be an electric guitar, the amp turned to 11.

The central message of the story is one of hope. The lesson for children that, no matter how humble your life, you can make a difference in the world. Working in a pawn shop, a young William Booth saw evidence of poverty and injustice, and set out to help those society had shunned.

This is also a love story. Ms Volz writes of the young William and Catherine’s devotion to one another. Throughout their three-year engagement, they wrote long love letters to each other every day. This love endured throughout their family life.

With eight children, Catherine was busy raising her family while William travelled, but she was far from a traditional wife. As Ms Volz writes “She thought it was nonsense that men were bosses of everything. Kate knew God made men and women equal.” Catherine amazed her church when she decided one Sunday to stand up and preach, becoming one of the world’s first women preachers.

With illustrations by Chris Green, this book is easy-to-read for primary aged children, and fun-to-read for parents. The drawings and words combine successfully to impart a lot of information with a positive message.

Most children’s authors state that writing for children is deceptively difficult. Ms Volz agrees, telling Crosslight: “Never has so much effort been put into 1200 words.” The effort has certainly paid off.

To order a copy, email: salvopublishing@aus.salvationarmy.org

Picturing memories

Reclaiming Jihad

REVIEW BY TIM LAM

REVIEW BY STEFANIE PEARCE

BOOK | CELIA AND NONNA | VICTORIA LANE AND KAYLEEN WEST

BOOK | THE JIHAD OF JESUS: THE SACRED NONVIOLENT STRUGGLE FOR JUSTICE | DAVE ANDREWS

TAKING place every September, World Dementia Day is a timely opportunity to reflect on the impact that ageing and illness can have on families.

For many children, watching their grandparents grow old can be a confusing experience. Illnesses such as dementia are particularly difficult for parents to explain to their children.

Celia and Nonna, a picture book written by Victoria Lane and illustrated by Kayleen West, tackles dementia in a heartwarming and accessible manner. It invites young readers to reflect on their relationship with their grandparents and offers practical ways to navigate through the challenges of memory loss.

Dementia can be an uncomfortable topic to discuss, but Lane and West treat it with gentleness and compassion, crafting a beautiful story that affirms the importance of love.

The story takes place through the eyes of Celia, a resourceful and creative girl. At the start of the book, Celia enjoys spending time at her Nonna’s house. They bake biscotti together, solve jigsaw puzzles and have sleepovers.

However, their idyllic routine begins to change as Nonna starts to forget things. Her condition deteriorates and she is moved to a nursing home. Nonna’s new room is plain and bare, and Celia can no longer have sleepovers.

As Celia comes to terms with her grandmother’s new environment, she realises that she can help Nonna in practical ways. She starts to draw happy memories of her time with Nonna. These illustrations are used to decorate the walls of Nonna’s room, transforming it into a beautiful gallery of memories.

Celia and Nonna is humorous, poignant and heartfelt. This uplifting story of a young girl and her grandmother will encourage children and families to cope with the challenges of dementia with positivity and creativity. Most of all, it is a reminder that even as our minds and bodies age, the love we have for our family will never change.

Celia and Nonna can be purchased from Fort Street Publishing at www.fordstreetpublishing.com.

SEE the word jihad in the title of a book and you guess that it’s likely to be a confronting read. After all, we think of jihad as an Islamic term for ‘holy war’, synonymous with terrorism, abhorrent acts of violence and genocide.

Dave Andrew’s book dispels that Western simplification of the meaning of jihad on page 1 (it means ‘struggle’, referring to the believer’s inner spiritual struggle and an outer physical struggle against oppression).

Nevertheless this is not a book for the fainthearted.

Mr Andrews begins with a fast-paced account of the evils done in the name of Christianity and in the name of Islam.

It’s a nightmare list of horrific cruelties.

He concludes that “overall in the conflicts between Christians and Muslims, there have been more devastating wars among Christian states fighting each other than between Christian and Muslim states; and predominantly Christian states have killed more Jews and Muslims than predominantly Muslim states have killed Christians or Jews”.

The truth is uncomfortable; the slaughter continues.

The central question, which Andrews seeks to answer, is Why? Is violence a true indicator of the nature of religion? Have we constructed our religions so that violence is the inevitable consequence? And if so, then what can we do?

Mr Andrews considers why people of faith might be persuaded to act violently towards others, and then proposes new ways of reclaiming both the Muslim concept of jihad/struggle, and the Christian model of non-violence personified by Jesus. He proposes that the example of Jesus, known as Isa to Muslims, can help Muslims rightly pursue jihad, and likewise asks whether Christians can rightly follow Jesus without a real understanding of jihad?

Is his vision of Christians and Muslims practicing “the radical, alternative, participatory, empowering, non-violent jihad of Jesus” an impossible dream?

“Improbable”, Andrews admitted in an interview, but surely worth the attempt.

CROSSLIGHT - SEPTEMBER 15

Reviews Life lessons in a pub REVIEW BY PENNY MULVEY PLAY | THE WEIR | MELBOURNE THEATRE COMPANY

Seeking sanity REVIEW BY LARRY MARSHALL BOOK | TOWARDS A SANE SOCIETY | PROFESSOR SIRI HETTIGE UNITING THROUGH FAITHS was proud to launch this important book at the synod offices in Melbourne last month. It was officially launched by Lionel Bopage and Prof Paul Komesaroff, who gave excellent summaries of the breadth and depth of these essays on public policy.

The author, Prof Siri Hettige, is an inspirational public intellectual writing weekly in the Daily Mirror newspaper in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The collection of essays frames his constructive ideas for a more inclusive, just, sustainable and ‘sane’ society in Sri Lanka. There are lessons here for Australia too. The professor charts the pathology of modernity by re-asking philosopher Eric Fromm’s question about the sanity of our collective actions on major issues and the twisted ‘logic’ of neoliberalism.

According to postcolonial theorist Edward Said, an intellectual’s mission in life is to advance human freedom and knowledge.

This mission often means standing outside of society and its institutions and actively disturbing the status quo. At the same time, Said’s intellectual is a part of society and should address his concerns to as wide a public as possible.

This is precisely what Prof Hettige has achieved with his weekly analysis presented to a wide public audience. This book appears in all three languages in Sri Lanka – Sinhalese, Tamil and English.

The 67 essays cover a wide range of issues: from failed education and transport policies to the global threat of climate change; from good governance to the exodus of professional youth; from the march of neo-liberalism to religious fundamentalism and ethno-religious tensions.

Here is a sociologist using his vast research experience to support a clinical dissection of his own society. This is an academic willing to disturb the status quo by speaking his truths without fear or favour in a language that resonates with the public. One would only wish for more voices such as his in Australia.

THREE Irishmen in a pub, and in walks a younger woman. No, this is not a joke, it is the premise for the latest offering from the Melbourne Theatre Company – the 1997 play The Weir, by Conor McPherson.

And like a good joke, it is a beautifully crafted story.

The pub setting is both familiar and dated, immediately making the audience feel both comfortable and attentive to what lies ahead. As audience members find their seats, the pub owner is preparing for opening – vacuuming, sweeping, cleaning – the mundane but necessary tasks of life.

Brendan, the publican, played by Ian Meadows, has lived in this remote part of Ireland his entire life. He owns the pub and the surrounding land, and like all good bartenders, he knows all the gossip and the orders, listens well, and speaks when necessary.

The first customer, Jack (Peter Kowitz), a regular who pours his own Guinness and pays direct into the till, brings big news.

Finbar (Greg Stone), a former friend turned businessman who has clearly taken over much of the town, is bringing a female visitor to the pub.

The conversation between bartender and regular is of mundane small-town gossip.

An observer of human nature and his own peccadillos, the playwright crafts a riveting piece of theatre that begins with small talk, and, as tongues are loosened by alcohol and bravado, moves into wonderful storytelling of fairies, ghosts, and death.

Standout cast members are Robert Menzies as Jim and Nadine Garner as Valerie, the stranger who has moved into their midst.

Jim is almost an Eeyore-type character – prime carer for his ageing mother, single; his life and dreams seem to have passed him by. Menzies brings humanity and humour to Jim, as he sits hunched over his ‘pint and a small one’ in the corner.

While the leprechaun is not mentioned, there is much talk of fairies, shadows and knocking at doors and windows. These urban myths have become legendary within this small Irish community. They represent the stories that fill the memories and can sometimes define the present in all of us.

The Weir reminds us that behind our masks lie individual stories of great magnitude – of loss; rejection; failure; love and hope.

The pub yarns invite us to reflect on missed connections; friendships that have come and gone and of the hope that presents itself in each new day.

Continue the conversation at Crosslight Online Crosslight Online features stories of upcoming Church events and good news stories from around the world. You can also read Crosslight from your iPad and tablet device.

Some of the stories on Crosslight Online include: •Young Australians tackling poverty overseas •President Stuart McMillan calls for an end to boat turn-backs •Artwork and poetry

by Uniting Church members

crosslight.org.au

Nadine Garner and Greg Stone. Image courtesy of the Melbourne Theatre Company

CROSSLIGHT - SEPTEMBER 15

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Reflection Living on the margins DR LIN MANHONG THE Cato Lecture is an important feature of the triennial Assembly in the Uniting Church in Australia.

In 1932, successful Victorian businessman Fred Cato established the Cato Lectureship to promote the enhancement of religion and education. The presentation of material of interest to the general body of church members was designed to extend the goodwill and friendly relations between Methodist or related churches in Australia and other countries.

Mr Cato stipulated that the lecturer was to come from overseas, and the lecture to be given within the proceedings of the triennial Methodist General Conference.

Following this tradition, this year’s lecture was presented by Dr Lin Manhong, the Associate General Secretary of the China Christian Council and the acting Dean of Nanjing Union Theological Seminary.

Dr Manhong spoke on the topic: To be a marginal people of God: A Chinese Christian understanding.

Below is an edited transcript of her lecture.

My first visit to Australia was last summer attending the conference on the ‘Basis of Union: Catalyst for Renewal’ held in Sydney. At the keynote address, Rev Prof Andrew Dutney gave data on the comparison between the Methodist Church of South Australia in 1972 and the South Australia Synod of the Uniting Church in Australia in 2013.

In 1972, 77 per cent of Methodist circuits in South Australia were larger than 100 people in membership. In 2013, only 8 per cent of Uniting Church in Australia congregations in South Australia had attendances of more than 100 people.

In 1972, 4 per cent of Methodist circuits in South Australia were smaller than 50 people in membership. In 2013, 72 per cent of Uniting Church in Australia congregations in South Australia had attendances of fewer than 50 people.

In the 1976 Australian Census, 14 per cent of Australians identified as Congregational, Methodist or Presbyterian. In the 2011 Australian Census, only 5 per cent of Australians identified as Uniting Church in Australia.

At the Basis of Union conference, Rev Prof Dutney noted that “the church today is as small as the church of the 1970s was large, and we are as marginal to the dominant culture today as we were central to the Australian society a century ago.”

The words ‘small’ and ‘marginal’ sound very familiar to me, for this has been the situation of the Chinese Church, in spite of the fact that it has been growing fast in recent decades.

Here I will just point out a few layers of significance of being a small and marginal church.

When it is at the margin instead of the central place in society, the church is more likely to read the Gospel from a different perspective. Jung Young Lee, a Korean American theologian who advocated a theology of marginality argued that when the church seeks to be at the central place, it tends to put more emphasis on Christ as the King of kings and Lord of lords.

The church then is interested in the power and majesty of Christ, and is more interested in his lordship than his servant-hood, and more interested in his resurrection than his death. Christians from this kind of church forgot that it was

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his weakness that made him powerful, and his humility that raised him to be the Lord of lords.

Even in present times, the success of a church is always measured by the size of its membership and its budget.

However, if we read the gospel from the perspective of a theology of marginality, we will realise that the stories of incarnation witness to us that Jesus Christ was the marginal person par excellence.

Jesus was conceived by an unwed woman, born far from his hometown, sheltered in a manger, visited by Eastern wise men instead of the elite of his nation and fled into Egypt, which made his childhood doubly marginalised: politically from Roman authority, and culturally and ethnically by living in a foreign land. His life in Nazareth was certainly to be humble.

“Can anything good come out of Nazareth” implied that Jesus’ life as a Nazarene marginalised him in the eyes of the larger community.

Being outside the camp, Jesus became a friend of marginalised people, including tax collectors, Gentiles, women, the poor, and the oppressed, by teaching them, healing them and comforting them. Jesus was rejected by the Pharisees, Sadducees, and the Romans, but accepted by the marginalised people, because he was one of them, a marginalised person and even a homeless person.

If Jesus Christ, the incarnated God, was a marginal person, we Christians are definitely called to be the marginal people of God. A second layer of significance for the church being small and marginal is to help it better understand the Christian mission from a new perspective, from the perspective of mission from the margins.

The early church was a marginal church, oppressed by Romans and rejected by various religious and cultic groups. But only after Constantine, did the church gradually become a dominant group, imitating the practice and structure of the empire, and became a pyramidal, hierarchical, and male-dominant institution.

Church historians often judge the greatness of a church by the power, wealth and glory it wields over state and various sociopolitical orders. But if we read the gospels from the perspective of the theology of marginality, we shall realise that Jesus Christ is not the fulfilment of David but the fulfilment of the Suffering Servant, who is the true symbol of God’s marginal people.

When the church is in a position of being at the margin, it will be more likely to be like Jesus Christ to relate to and embrace those who are marginalised, because the church itself is one of them, as Jesus Christ was; it will be more likely for the church to join the voices from the margins and not just to listen to and speak for them from a distant, central and privileged position; it will be more likely for the church to be a more active agent of missionary activities to counteract injustice, inequality, and exclusivity that have kept people at the margins; it will be more likely for the church to remember its original nature and what it ought to be.

Being more willing to seek change and renewal of the church is a third layer of significance for being a small and marginal church.

In sum, the significance of a church being small and marginal is that it helps the church re-read the gospels from a perspective of marginality instead of a centralist point of view, and to do so with a strong reminder that we are called to be the marginal people of God because Jesus Christ was the pioneer of the marginal

people of God. Furthermore, mission from the margins and innovative changes are more likely to be generated in a small and marginal church.

The experiences of the Chinese Church also witness such significance.

The Chinese Protestant Church has always been small and marginal since its beginning. Protestant Christianity was first introduced to China in 1807, and it was not well received among Chinese people for a long time.

For the three decades after 1949, the understanding of and attitude toward religion among the Chinese people and of the government, were influenced by Leninism. Religion was considered a tool

still in a small minority when compared with the total population in China, and the church still locates at a marginal place in society as it has always been.

The goal of the church is not to develop into a powerful or influential force at the centre of society or to grow into a social majority, but to witness to Jesus Christ by following Christ’s example on a land whose major population remains nonChristian. In the process of reaching this goal, being willing to suffer and eager to love are important virtues of the Chinese Christians.

Christianity usually has two important social roles to play. One is the prophetic role and the other is the role of servanthood. In the current Chinese context, Prof

If Jesus Christ, the incarnated God, was a marginal person, we Christians are definitely called to be the marginal people of God. used in modern capitalist countries to confuse the working class. It was viewed as an opiate for the people, not simply an opiate of the people.

Since the reform and opening in 1979, China has gone through tremendous change in all aspects of people’s life. The understanding of and attitude to religion of the Chinese government, and among the common Chinese people, have gradually changed from antagonism to allowing religion to exist and now to encouraging religion to participate in society.

The Christian population has grown rapidly. However, even though the Christian population in China has increased greatly, Chinese Christians are

Zhuo Xinping suggests that if Christianity wants to play the prophetic role in society, it must start with serving people around them.

Personally I totally agree with Zhuo’s suggestion. In fact, by doing social service, it will definitely change the attitude of common Chinese people towards Christians from “one more Christian, one less Chinese” prevalent during the semi-colonial time to “one more Christian, one more good citizen,” and “one more Christian, one less criminal.”

To read the Cato lecture in its entirety go to assembly2015.uca.org.au/tag/cato-lecture/

Dr Lin Manhong addresses Assembly

CROSSLIGHT - SEPTEMBER 15

Letters Wrong decision on ACCESS I WOULD like to express my disappointment at the decision of the Standing Committee to withdraw the Synod’s membership of ACCESS Ministries.

True, the insistence by ACCESS Ministries that volunteer Student Religious Instruction teachers raise their own funds through prayer partners to be able to teach is not fair.

However, I find the other reasons given for withdrawing support for ACCESS Ministries quite tenuous.

Are we as a Church going to withdraw our support for other ecumenical commitments whenever we don’t like the theology within the group?

What would happen if all the different churches who make up ACCESS Ministries demanded special consideration for their theological colleges to be a part of the training of SRI teachers or chaplains as our Synod appears to want to – especially when ACCESS has their own capable training facilitators?

I suggest that if people in our church really value ministry in government schools that they offer to serve on a local chaplaincy support group or become a genuine prayer partner for a volunteer SRI teacher. I think that they would find the experience most rewarding; Rev Frank Tuppin Minister Sunraysia Chaplain Red Cliffs Secondary College

Alcohol advertising AS a grandparent and the son of an alcoholic parent, I become more and more concerned about the pressure teenagers – especially of my granddaughter’s generation – are exposed to encouraging them to consume alcohol in its various forms. This includes peer pressure and excessive alcohol advertising.

With the stroke of a pen, the government can legislate to restrict advertising as it has done for tobacco. You do not need to be a genius to realise how effective this has been in saving lives and improving the wellbeing of so many.

I am yet to be convinced that excessive alcohol consumption is not a greater health risk than tobacco.

One stroke of a pen or the press of a button the Government can delete the word tobacco and substitute alcohol.

Can you imagine what benefit this would bring? The only ones affected by this would be the alcohol and advertising industry.

Let us hope there is a federal politician out there who can implement a private members bill in an endeavour to restrict alcohol advertising and thereby save lives and improve the wellbeing of others, especially of our teenagers.

We can do it if we have the will and the concern for our children.

Ron Roberts Cranbourne VIC

Reaching out to the Muslim Community A MATTER of concern within our congregation (Congregation of Mark the Evangelist, North Melbourne) is the increase

CROSSLIGHT - SEPTEMBER 15

in anti-Muslim sentiment being reported in the news media and expressed in occasional (mercifully) public protests by radical groups.

Contact was made with the Islamic Council of Victoria, followed by an invitation to the Imam at the Melbourne Mosque to address one of our monthly after-worship conversations.

The address by the Imam, Shaikh Moustapha Sarakibi, was well received.

In response to a question that was posed as to what practical step towards reconciliation we as a congregation might make, the Shaikh warmly invited us to visit for Friday Prayers at the Melbourne Mosque.

The Melbourne Mosque is atypical in that attendees comprise workers, students and travellers, thus it does not have a fixed congregation in the sense to which we are accustomed in our worship.

Also, the mosque facility is incorporated within the office building that houses the Islamic Council of Victoria. There are two Friday prayer sessions in order to accommodate the number of worshippers (around 1000 people, the vast majority being male).

Two small groups have now visited and attended the Friday prayer service, and found it a worthwhile experience.

For those not familiar with the general order of service, at the Melbourne Mosque the call to worship is given in Arabic, the sermon is delivered in English, followed by prayer, again in Arabic.

At the conclusion of the prayers, we were offered a Q&A session with the Imam, and were told how much our visit was appreciated, and that we are most welcome to return.

This has been a small act, however it seems important to share it with the wider Uniting Church community.

Others might wish to consider whether they might be able to reach out to a local Muslim community.

Heather R Mathew North Melbourne, VIC

Rethinking Church structure OUR church is currently exploring the possibility of moving to establish a faith community within a nearby UC school.

This offers a unique opportunity for mission with students, their families and the wider community.

Despite its many laudable efforts the church has little impact in today’s world where institutionalised religion is largely ignored. In consultation with presbytery and synod we have been told, quite rightly, that we must use ‘outside’ or professional consultants to ensure the viability of such a restructure.

In the light of synod’s poor decision-making with Acacia College, and then its even worse management of the divestment process, why does synod not exact the same process on itself?

I have seen no mention in the terms of the Major Strategic Review to examine the actual structure of the UC, which is basically a system of non-hierarchical, interrelated committees where no-one is ultimately responsible, and where decisions are often lost or delayed between committees.

I’m no organisational theorist but, just as one example, I would abolish the large and unwieldy presbytery system which we can no longer afford and replace it with small clusters of churches with a designated senior minister in each cluster.

Now that might or might not be a good idea, but having been a member of Synod Standing

Committee and presbytery and having seen how they operate, I believe it is essentially the structure of the UC which has failed.

If our viability as a local church is to be subjected to professional consultants, so should the viability of the wider Church also rest on such requirements.

Bryan Long, Balwyn VIC

entertainment reviews. It seems breathtaking that such priority is given to one person’s opinion about a particular book/ film /or TV show.

Somehow we have created an imbalance in the space used for opinionated infotainment – that some may read – and wandered away from human-interest stories of our people – the faithful and true servants to our church. Again I say, where is the balance?

Building inspiration

Rev Bruce Wood, Minister, Warragul Uniting Church

THANK YOU for your beautiful description of your visit to La Sagrada Familia. My husband and I visited it a few weeks ago as part of a tour of Barcelona, the interior is stunning and I will always remember it. Your description put into words what I could not and I can only wonder at Gaudi’s design and inspiration.

Thank you again for bringing back those memories to treasure.

Liberation theology

Jo Mitchell-Lewis Via email

Unbalanced content I WRITE with concern about the July edition of Crosslight. The editorial waxed lyrical about the cathedrals, basilicas, and churches of Europe, with one described as ‘a place of unerring beauty’.

As Australians, many have become obsessed with soaking up the European culture and heritage and its perceived magnificent structures. However, these buildings are mere hundreds of years old and often stand as monuments to a bygone era and the excesses that created them.

We can all appreciate the fine architecture and history of any culture, but when we spend so much time standing in awe of European culture – at best we pass over, and at worst we disrespect, the heritage and culture of our Indigenous people.

Where is our awe, our desire for learning, and our longing for understanding, when it comes to our own Aboriginal heritage – a heritage that is incredibly diverse, amazingly intricate, and for many years has been quietly waiting for the people of this country to recognise it as legitimate, valuable, and vital to our understanding of what it means to be Australian.

Our Indigenous Australians may not have built superb structures with magnificent stain glass windows – but any willing observer who listens to their stories or stands at the base of Uluru, or Cathedral Gorge in Pernululu National Park, or many other sites of significance in our magnificent country – will surely be moved by their timeless beauty and their sense of the sacred. Where is the balance?

My other concern is that the last issue of Crosslight contained two full pages of

THE REV PROFESSOR ANDREW DUTNEY, in his valedictory address as president of the Uniting Church Assembly, indicated that we should attend more to theology of the Southern Hemisphere than the North, because the Northern Hemisphere (North America and Europe) was fatally weakened by secularisation.

By theology of the Southern Hemisphere he meant the theologies of Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands.

He might also have mentioned the Liberation Theology of South America. This was originated by Gustavo Gutierrez in his A Theology of Liberation (1971).

Further theory was supplied by Clodovis Boff in Theology and Praxis. Other leading figures were Leonardo Boff and Pablo Richard.

What was Liberation Theology opposed to?

Imperialism of every kind.

What was Liberation Theology in favour of? Social and political justice. Liberation Theology has been hugely influential.

Many Uniting Church ministers would call themselves Liberationists.

The following are Japanese theologians: Kosuke Koyama has been influential throughout Asia. His books are Waterbuffalo Theology, Three Miles an Hour God , Mount Fuji and Mount Sinai (the last is the most important). He went to teach in New York.

Kazoh Kitamori has troubled many Western theologians with his Theology of the Pain of God written in the shadow of Hiroshima.

African American theology in the United States (black theology) is liberationist, whose leader James Cone recently retired from a prestigious position in New York City.

He wrote the enthralling book Martin and Malcolm on Martin Luther King Jnr and Malcolm X. Where is Australia in this? We have always been part of the north and have been very secular. My belief is that we will continue to take our theology from the 1950-years of theology in the Northern Hemisphere, but we ought to be very attentive to the world on our door step and seek to dialogue with emerging theologies in our region so that they will be theology for their localities. Theology in the Republic of South Africa would be a start.

Rev Rowan Gill Altona, VIC

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Placements CURRENT AND PENDING PLACEMENT VACANCIES AS AT 14 AUGUST 2015 PRESBYTERY OF GIPPSLAND Koo Wee Rup-Lang Lang-Corinella Presbytery Minister – Mission and Education PRESBYTERY OF LODDON MALLEE Cohuna (0.5)** Dunolly (0.5) (P) Eastern Mallee Rural (Lake Boga, Manangatang, Meatian, Nyah West) (0.5)-Kerang (0.5) (P) Nardoo Loddon (Boort, Charlton, Powlett Plains, Wedderburn)** North Central Living Waters (Birchip, Donald, St Arnaud, Wycheproof) (P) Presbytery Minister – Mission PRESBYTERY OF NORTH EAST VICTORIA Rutherglen (Rutherglen/Chiltern-Corowa) (0.5) Wodonga (St Stephens) Wodonga West, North Albury, Kergunyah PRESBYTERY OF PORT PHILLIP EAST Brighton (Trinity) Frankston (High St) Koornang** Monash Mount Waverley (St Johns)** Ormond PRESBYTERY OF PORT PHILLIP WEST Macedon Ranges Partnership (2 placements) (P) Melton (P) Pascoe Vale-Glenroy ReGen (P) Pascoe Vale-Glenroy (Pastoral) (0.5) PRESBYTERY OF TASMANIA Kings Meadows-Aldersgate Uniting AgeWell Chaplaincy Presbytery Minister – Leadership Formation (P) PRESBYTERY OF WESTERN VIC Corangamite-Otways Region – Middle (Camperdown, Derrinallum, Apollo Bay) Creswick-Clunes (0.5) (P) Yarriambiack Creek (Warracknabeal, Beulah, Brim) (P) PRESBYTERY OF YARRA YARRA Croydon North (with Harrison) (0.5)** Diamond Valley (0.8)** Strathdon Uniting AgeWell Chaplain Tecoma (part-time)** SYNOD Royal Childrens Hospital Chaplaincy ** 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 non-ordained minister 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.

Email: placements.secretary@victas.uca.org.au.

Formal expressions of interest should be put in writing to Isabel.

MINISTRY MOVES CALLS AND APPOINTMENTS FINALISED Lauren Mosso called to Epworth Hospital Pastoral Care Coordinator-Senior Chaplain commenced 20 July 2015 (0.4) becoming full-time 14 September 2015 Wendy Elson (Deacon) called to Macedon Ranges Partnership: B Regeneration Fresh Expressions, commenced 1 August 2015 Eun-Deok (David) Kim called to Montrose (0.6)-Lilydale(0.4) to commence 1 November 2015 Graham Sturdy (UK) called to Hobart Scots Memorial to commence 1 February 2016 CONCLUSION OF PLACEMENT (Retirement) Sherryl Smith retired 30 June 2015 Ken Rookes retired 31 July 2015 Alex Rodgers retired 6 August 2015 Marion Latham retired from Drysdale, Portarlington, St Leonards, 31 August 2015 Andrew Vigus to retire from Brunswick West (0.5) 30 November 2015 John Evans to retire from Carlton (Church of All Nations) 29 February 2016 INTER-SYNOD TRANSFER Tracy Spencer transferred from the Synod of South Australia effective 16 June 2015 Awaiting Placement.

Samuel (Bubsy) Arulampalam transferred from the Synod of NSW/ACT effective 4 August 2015 Permanent Retirement.

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CROSSLIGHT - SEPTEMBER 15

Notices and Advertisements UPCOMING THEOLOGICAL CONFERENCES, SEMINARS AND FORUMS “A Thoughtful Faith” is a new service to the church, collating information about opportunities for deep reflection about faith and world via theological conferences and seminars taking place locally and broadly. For more information, see www.marktheevangelist.unitingchurch.org.au VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Uniting AgeWell Strathdon, Forest Hill We need volunteers to support the congregation of more than 50 elderly people with reading the Bible or being a steward during the 10.30 am Sunday worship service. Contact, Deborah Hildebrand, M: 0488 033 996, P: 8822 3636 or E: dadelladah@gmail.com THE HUB – A WELCOMING AND FRIENDLY PLACE FOR ALL TUESDAYS AND THURSDAY (10.00 AM – 2.00 PM), WEDNESDAYS (10.00 AM – 12.00 PM) SCHOOL TERMS Glen Waverley Uniting Church, corner Bogong Avenue and Kingsway You are welcome to come in for a hot drink, some company or to practice speaking English in an informal way.

Information, P: 9560 3580 175TH ANNIVERSARY SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER Evandale Uniting Church, Tasmania Come along and celebrate the long presence of the church with a fete and display organised by the local history society.

Information, M: 0420 500 996 or E: dana_steve@bigpond.com ‘CONCHORD’ MUSICAL CONCERT SATURDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER 6PM Haileybury College, 855 Springvale Road, Keysborough.

A choir established last year as part of the Commission for Mission’s Uniting through Faiths project, will perform at a special concert on 12 September. The concert will feature Broadway, pop and classical numbers. Tickets : $20 each or $40 for a family of three. Information: Maheshini Perera, M: 0435175898 “THE CHURCH OF LATTER-DAY GEEKS” SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 2.30 PM Glen Waverley Uniting Church, corner Brunswick Uniting Church, 212 Sydney Road Come join us for the fifth annual science fiction and fantasy-friendly service. Please dress-up for the service but, as always, lightsabers, stakes, blasters and swords must be left at the church door. (Wands and sonic screwdrivers are permitted.)

Information, E: avrilhj111@bigpond.com CENTENARY CELEBRATION SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 10.30 AM Deepdene Uniting Church.

Come and re-unite for old times’ sake.

We are also having a local talent concert on 6 September at 2.00 pm. All are warmly invited.

Enquiries and suggestions of forgotten names to invite, Alison Head, P: 9816 9962 or E: kandahead@gmail.com REFUGEE DETAINEE SCREENING BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA Glen Waverley Uniting Church Sunday 13 September at 2pm.

Light refreshments and discussion will be served.

Enquiries to Andrew at: office@gwuc.org.au WORSHIP ANGELICA SERVICES THIRD SUNDAYS OF SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 9.15 AM St Leonard’s Uniting Church, corner New Street and Wolseley Grove, Brighton.

The 20 September service features guest artist Jasmine Evenden, a 12-year-old skilled flute and harp player. She will perform the music of Pachelbel, Handel and Rutter.

Cellist Kate Green is the guest artist on 18 October, playing Rachmaninoff, Bach and the hauntingly emotional Jewish prayer ‘Kol Nidrei’ of Max Bruch.

Information, P: 9592 9333, E: contact@stleonards.org.au or W: stleonards.org.au

CROSSLIGHT - SEPTEMBER 15

DISABILITY ACTION PLAN 2015-2018 LAUNCH FRIDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 3.30 PM UCA Synod Office, 130 Little Collins Street, Melbourne The DAP outlines ideas of how the church can improve things for people with disabilities. Ms. Colleen Pearce from the Office of the Public Advocate, is the special guest. RSVP for catering

by Friday 18 September, Ann Byrne, P: 9251 5404 or E: ann.byrne@victas.uca.org.au HYMN PLAYING WORKSHOP NORTH BALWYN U C, DUGGAN ST (MELWAY 46F3) SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER AT 10.30 AM For organists and keyboardists who are beginners or reluctant Church service players.

See Main Article in this Crosslight edition.

Contact (9857 8412 or 9817 2151) NATIONAL YOUTH MINISTRY TRAINING 2015 TUESDAY 6 TO SUNDAY 11 OCTOBER Tweed Heads, Gold Coast This year, the first two days will focus on the Uniting Church while the remaining time incorporates the ecumenical NYMC2015 (National Youth Ministry Convention). The training prepares Uniting Church youth, young adult ministry volunteers and ministry agents, so they feel better equipped, inspired and motivated to carry out effective youth ministry; better connected with their UCA and ecumenical peers; feel supported in their service.

Information, Tom Kerr, E: tomk@nat.uca.org.au, W: assembly.uca.org.au/nymt2015 or nymc.org.au/ WERE YOU ORDAINED OR COMMISSIONED IN 1975?

FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER 10.00 AM – 3.00 PM Glenroy Uniting Church, Wheatsheaf Road This is a reunion, sharing-time and luncheon for ministers, pastors, deacons and their partners.

RSVP for catering, Valerie Johnson, P: 5367 3074, M: 0412 240 056 or E: vbeanland@bigpond.com AUSTRALIAN CHURCH LIBRARY ASSOCIATION MEETING SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER 10.00 AM – 3.00 PM Warragul Community Church, corner King and Well Streets This meeting of the Victorian chapter includes a presentation by Rosemary Abbey who has volunteered in libraries across India for several years, a sharing time (please bring in the books) and a swap table. Please bring a share plate for lunch.

Information, Rachel, P: 9850 4828, E: alanrachelh1@bigpond.com or W: acla.asn.au IRRESISTIBLE RICHMOND ART EXHIBITION SUNDAY 11 TO FRIDAY 30 OCTOBER Gallery 314, Church Street Uniting Church This watercolour display by Bruce Hargrave features 50 framed originals of Richmond landmarks and scenes. Renowned Melbourne organist David Johnston OAM opens the exhibition at 2.00 pm on the Sunday. The display is then open nearly every day, typically from midday to 6.00 pm. 20 per cent of all sales support to the Richmond Hill Churches Food Relief Centre.

Further details at ‘Arts’crosslight.org.au/category/arts/ INTERCULTURAL CONFERENCE THEME: ‘ON BECOMING AN INTERCULTURAL CHURCH’ OCTOBER 16 & 17 Koornang Uniting Church, 117 Murrumbeena Road, Murrumbeena Key Note Speaker: Dr. Rosemary Dewerse This conference is for Ministers, Pastors and lay people who are in leadership to help them explore and to build on their intercultural skills. All sessions will be interactive.

GRAND FETE SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER, 2015 8.30AM - 2.00PM Glen Waverley Uniting Church cnr Kingsway and Bogong Ave, Glen Waverley Lots of stalls, food, entertainment. Huge Trash ‘n Treasure stall.

Pre-loved books, Pre-loved clothes, Craft, Cakes, Plants, Silent Auction.

Your donations of goods for the stalls are most welcome.

(Please do not bring to the church until the week of the fete)

All proceeds from the Fete support our Church’s Outreach Projects.

For further information, please contact the Church Office on 9560 3580 FREEDOM SUNDAY SUNDAY 18 OCTOBER This is a global day of worship, prayer and action to stop human trafficking.

Churches all over the world will join together to raise awareness of the crime of human trafficking and show the world our compassion for men, women and children who are trafficked and exploited emotionally, physically and sexually.

Get involved; sign up to receive the resource pack; plan your service; take action against human trafficking and modern slavery.

Visit freedomsundayglobal.org and stopthetraffik.org RICHMOND CHURCHES HISTORIC ORGAN RECITALS SUNDAY 18 OCTOBER 3.00 PM Running in conjunction with Irresistible Richmond, the recital commences at St Stephen’s, proceeding to St Ignatius and then to the Uniting Church. It concludes with a reception and afternoon tea at Gallery 314.

175TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION SUNDAY 25 OCTOBER 2.00 PM Wesley Chapel, Melville Street, Hobart The church will mark this occasion with a hymn fest featuring the Hobart Orpheus Choir, Tasmanian Chorale and Tasmanian Song Company followed by an afternoon tea. Artefacts pertaining to Wesley’s 195 years of worship and witness in Hobart will also be on display.

Please register your interest, P: 6231 4034 150TH ANNIVERSARY SUNDAY 25 OCTOBER 11.00 AM St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Gisborne Road, Bacchus Marsh This event begins with a special worship service, followed by lunch, a memorabilia display and a historical presentation. Past members and clergy are invited to attend and share their memories.

Historical items are welcomed for the memorabilia display.

Information, Barry Wilkins OAM, M: 0408 823 413 or E: barrybegonia@gmail.com SENIORS MORNING TEA THURSDAY 29 OCTOBER 10.00 AM – 12.00 PM SENIORS’ MORNING TEA at THE HUB Glen Waverley Uniting Church, corner Bogong Avenue and Kingsway Come and celebrate with our seniors at this special morning tea at The Hub. All ages welcome, please bring your family and friends.

Reservations, P: 9560 3580 OPEN GARDEN DAY SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER 10.00 AM – 4.00 PM Maps are available from the church in Williams Street, Inverloch.

Cost: $10, including morning/afternoon tea Information, Liz Catt, P: 5674 1969 METHODIST BABIES’ HOME SOUTH YARRA REUNION SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER 12.00 – 4.00 PM The Terrace restaurant, Melbourne Botanical Gardens (entry via gate A).

Former mothercraft trainee nurses, staff, children and anyone with a connection to this home are invited to this reunion.

Information, Anne Bremner, M: 0473 161 826 160TH ANNIVERSARY SUNDAY 15 NOVEMBER 10.00 AM Brown Hill Uniting Church, corner Humffray and Thompson Streets, Brown Hill.

Featuring Moderator Dan Wootton as a special guest, this service is followed by a luncheon. Past members and clergy are invited to share their memories and reunite with each other.

Information, M: 0411 121 134

150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION SUNDAY 17 JANUARY 2016 10.30 AM Penguin Uniting Church, Main Street, North-West Tasmania Moderator Dan Wootton, will be the guest preacher at the thanksgiving service. Other commemorative events include a historical display, luncheon and concert. All former members and associates of the Penguin Methodist and now Uniting Church, are warmly invited to attend this day.

To register your interest, Lynn Templar, P: 6435 4644 or W: penguin.unitingchurch.org.au ADVANCE NOTICE OF CELEBRATIONS SATURDAY 5 TO SUNDAY 6 MARCH The Forest Hill Uniting Church at 333a Canterbury Road (formerly known as Mt. Pleasant Uniting Church, Forest Hill), will be celebrating the 150th anniversary of the first worship service on this site and the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the current Church building during this weekend. The celebrations will include a social event on Saturday evening and a special service at 10.00 am on Sunday, followed by refreshments.

Bookings are essential for catering, Marion Goldsmith, P: 9878 3847 or Glenys Coates, P: 9801 4653

CLASSIFIEDS CAPE WOOLAMAI Summerhays Cottage. Sleeps 3. Tranquil garden.

Stroll to beach. Discount for UCA members. Ring Doug or Ina 0403 133 710. www.summerhayscottage.com.au 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. (03) 5628 5319.

CALOUNDRA, Sunshine Coast, Queensland: Beachside units, from $300/week, for details, M: 0427 990 161 or E: rayandjean@hotmail.com LORNE: Spacious apartment, breathtaking ocean view, open fire, peaceful, secluded, affordable.

P. (03) 5289 2698.

GOLDFIELDS HOLIDAY RENTAL: Fully equipped modern architecturally designed house. Situated in the Forest Resort Creswick, double storey house, four bedrooms, sleeps up to 11 people. Contact Adam on 0414 725 887.

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 GRAMPIANS WORSHIP When visiting The Grampians, join the Pomonal Community Uniting Church congregation for worship each Sunday at 10.00 am VIVALDI SPRING CONCERT The Lilydale Uniting Church Property Featuring classical guitarist Matthew Fagan, performing Vivaldi, Celtic Harp and Baroque music. Sunday 11 October, 2.00 pm, Trinity Uniting Church, Brighton. Book now: 0438 881 985 PASTORAL CARE OUTREACH WORKER 8 hours per week.

The Corner Inlet Uniting Church is seeking a pastoral care worker to support and resource lay volunteers working between Welshpool and Fish Creek.

CONTACT: Margaret Haycroft fostersnailmail@dcsi.net.au or M: 0409 338 352

150TH ANNIVERSARY SATURDAY 28 TO SUNDAY 29 NOVEMBER St Andrews Uniting Church, Kirkland Avenue, Euroa The celebrations commence with a fellowship meal at 6.30 pm on Saturday, followed by a worship service at 9.30 am on Sunday and morning tea. Past members and clergy are invited to share their memories and reunite with each other.

Information, P: 5795 2118

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Reflection Eureka moments and transformation WHAT are your Eureka moments?

‘Eureka’ was the theme of the recent Wisdom’s Feast in Ballarat, picking up an important moment in Australian history, and the notion of sudden creative discovery. There were times to tell stories of ‘eureka moments’ in our own lives and to think of ways that our faith and lives had been transformed. Taking time to hear others’ stories, and remember our own transformative moments, leads to a special thankfulness of the hand of God on our lives.

Sometimes we choose a transformative path. At other times transformation is thrust upon us and how we respond is the measure of the transformation we make.

I suspect, however, that there are many more possible eureka moments in our lives that never come to fruition, because we don’t grasp the opportunity for transformation that is proffered. We stand at the brink and turn away: maybe because the known is safe, or we don’t want to take on the hard work of re-thinking and re-understanding ways of being and doing, or for a myriad other reasons. Do you ever consider moments of possible transformation from which you walked away?

When I use the word ‘transformation’ here I am talking about the kind of transformation that is deep and lasting.

Three common characteristics observed about transformative change are that it is radical, discontinuous and generally permanent.

Radical change refers to change in underlying structures: how various parts of a system are organised and relate to each other will undergo rearrangement in transformation. These structures might be individual belief systems, ways of knowing, or even organisational structures.

Discontinuity is based on the limits to incremental change. Sometimes changing little by little gets to a place where no more change is possible and the old has to be replaced or left behind in order for a new way to come into being. For instance adding or removing members to a group may lead to a place where the group realises it needs to function in a different way.

Permanent as a characteristic of transformation is less clear: there is some circularity in the argument, in that if transformation is not permanent then was it transformation anyway?

Conversations about apostasy are an example of the controversy regarding permanence in change.

Beyond these three basic characteristics are variables that show differences in how transformation occurs: some of these variables are the time frame, the locus of the change, the active or passive response, and how much of the change is driven by heart (emotion) and head (rationality).

Transformations can be individual or corporate. Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus is an example of radical, discontinuous, permanent individual transformation: his belief structure changed, his orientation to Christ and

what that meant in his understanding of his own heritage changed, and his faith transformation continued in the face of struggle and persecution. A brief reading of the Damascus event could lead to saying Paul’s transformation was sudden, in response to an external locus, leading to an active response, and passionate – but also rational with Paul interrogating his belief structures.

The founding of the Uniting Church could be seen as a case study in corporate transformation.

I can recall my mother going to meetings about Church union in the ’70s: in New Zealand the Churches ultimately did not take on the challenge. The Presbyterian, Methodist, and Congregational churches in Australia did. That is something very special now in the DNA of the UCA. Thinking through the characteristics and variables of the Uniting Church coming into being might help us in our own ongoing transformational challenges.

The three basic characteristics are seen in the radical structural change from three denominations into one, discontinuity as the old structures finished and a new entity came into being, and permanent (at least for 40 years).

The variables are quite different to Paul’s sudden individual change.

The Uniting Church did not come about suddenly but it was carefully thought through over many years, with reports and revisions of what became the Basis of Union. It was a very active change, well debated across all sections of the participating groups and ultimately deliberately chosen.

It was an internally mediated change; people wanted it and worked for it.

Yet at the same time, Church union was a response to external global changes in the ways people started to think through faith and Church in mid-20th century society. Reading through the reports and the careful thinking and debate around the foundation documents shows that, while there was much rational debate, attention was also paid to the emotions, to the heart that people brought to their denominational traditions.

When thinking of transformation in this way it is clearly something more than superficial change – more than a new sign out the front, different services and programs. As we face opportunities for transformation, for permanent radical discontinuity, it might sound exciting to one, needful to another, and downright scary to everyone.

Managing the time frame, the wrangle of head and heart, internal ownership or externally forced upon us will make a big difference. If you go back to your eureka moments of the past, can you see how your own transformations might have picked up some of these characteristics and variables?

What about the opportunities that you didn’t pick up: what variables might have put you off?

I hope that as we come to possible eureka moments we can face them and move into positive transformation in our individual lives and as a church facing an unknown future.

Christine Sorensen Formation Coordinator Centre for Theology & Ministry

Opinion Strong leadership ANDREW GADOR-WHYTE MEMBER, MARK THE EVANGELIST NORTH MELBOURNE IN discussing leadership in the Uniting Church, the Major Strategic Review has made much of the language of sustainability, strength and effectiveness.

But I think a corrective is needed so as not to make weakness in the Christian life something to be avoided. Where the Church in a range of ways seems to be finding itself in a weak position, Christians will increasingly be in need of the kind of leadership that is a face and a voice of their weakness. That is, so that their weakness can be more fully given over to God and placed at the service of a deeper solidarity with a suffering world.

How does Church leadership become capable of bearing our weakness, of being an example of an honesty about ourselves made possible by the recognition of our utter dependency on one who loves us without reserve? I think this is a question both of intentional formation of leaders, as well as of structures that lay the groundwork for a pastoral, authoritative presence of the wider Church to local ministers and congregations.

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We have many presbytery ministers and lay leaders exercising clear pastoral gifts. But I believe we also need structures that bring together pastoral oversight with teaching authority and, crucially, the sacramental ministry of the Church, in order that the Church may be visible to its own members as a pastoral institution (with its liturgy and teachings being at the heart of its pastoral nature). And that is in the hope that the truth the Church proclaims about Jesus Christ might be seen fleshed out very personally in making Jesus Christ present to the world.

I believe that the pursuit of the good of a pastoral ordering and a pastoral, consensual unity makes persuasive the logic of an intentional formation of Church leaders who hold together ministry at the Lord’s table with personal institutional oversight (and all the interaction with the wider society, for example in schools, that goes along with it). It is difficult for this pastoral presence to be carried by a council, notwithstanding the importance of lay ministry and of corporate decisionmaking to many aspects of the Church’s life.

Leadership carries a good deal of ambiguity for Christians. Since we first gathered at the foot of the cross on Good Friday, the Church has had to keep beginning to learn what it is to live faithfully with humans in authority who are all still spending part of their lives trying to become Caesar.

But Christian hope makes it possible to claim boldly, that in spite of this tendency, pastoral leadership is possible in the lives of real and ordinary people. God is capable of making out of human leadership a human life lived evangelically.

When God gives a relatively humdrum gift, such as pastoral oversight, it is his offer to a human community to share very concretely in his work of making people human. For the gift of pastoral oversight to be fleshed out more fully in what is, at least in one sense, a human institution, we need structures that lay the groundwork for the formation of people in pastoral and personal leadership over many years.

We need our ordinary structures to place people in a theoretical pastoral relationship (as groundwork of a real pastoral relationship). We need structures that make our organisational leaders liturgically bearers of our weakness.

In a sense, we need organisational leaders who are at least acting Christ (under God’s gracious command) though they are not yet the thing they are learning – not yet in a truly all-encompassing manner in Christ.

We need some to be visibly entrusted with pastoral authority as individuals, so that its unavoidably personal dimension cannot be missed. Both the recognisably communal and the recognisably personal dimensions to the Church demand nurturing, if the Church is to be a visible community.

I do not mean to minimise the importance

of laypeople’s ministry nor of democratic processes. Nonetheless, I do think it is inevitable we will need to rethink our traditions’ historical opposition to episcopacy. We need to risk giving personal authority to teach and care for the Church on an organisational level to particular women and men steeped in the daily realities of giving out Holy Communion to a group of people they are learning to love.

Clearly our future is likely going to mean increasingly facing our weakness.

In various ways we will probably be confronted with being small, less active, less unanimous, less able to make our message heard against a nihilism that increasingly stakes a claim to the high moral ground.

But weakness is nothing new to Christian life. Our baptism itself is an indelible mark of our utter dependency on God, the true God whose power, as Jesus shatteringly reveals in the utter dereliction of the cross, is made perfect in weakness.

So, in the years ahead, the Church may recognise more sharply our need of our leaders to be a recognisable pastoral presence gathering up honestly our weakness before God. We will increasingly need them to make us audible to one another.

And we will need them above all to continue teaching us that Christians have no need to fear, because God can be trusted not to abandon his Church.

CROSSLIGHT - SEPTEMBER 15

Moderator’s column This month, the moderator has given his column to Rev Professor Andrew Dutney, who steps down from the role as UCA president at this month’s national Assembly meeting.

Conversations with Congress ONE of my tasks as moderator has been to act as convenor of the Renewing the Covenant Task Group. The task group is attended by representatives of the Victorian and Tasmanian Regional committees of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (Congress) as well as representatives of the synod.

The report of the National Congress to the 2015 Assembly in Perth made clear that there is a need for the Church to build on and deepen the work begun with the Preamble to the UCA Constitution – and consider what it means that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who belong to Congress are actually sovereign peoples who have never given up their claim on the land – including land on which the church exists.

“The issue is not simply real estate but relationship,” the report states. “How we deal with land speaks of our sense of relationship with each other and the earth.”

The Uniting Church is being challenged to enter into a serious conversation with Congress about issues of land and property.

An important next step in Covenant may

The Crown seal on property documents.

be to set up a period of listening and truthtelling about the past and the present.

Last month I attended a service of worship at Romsey, celebrating 150 years since the laying of the bluestone foundation stone.

We were told that in 1863 the Romsey congregation applied for a grant of land for the purpose of building a church.

In the mid-1800s, in a typical Victorian town such as Romsey, ‘Crown’ land was reserved for religious denominations – just as it was for town halls and court-houses.

Land was granted, promised, or reserved for church purposes, pre- and post- 1 July, 1851, which was the date of separation of the District of Port Phillip from the Colony of New South Wales.

Old parish plans show that land was not only set aside for the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church, it was also set aside for the Presbyterian Church, the Free Presbyterians, Gaelic Free Presbyterians and Reformed Presbyterians; the Wesleyan Church, the Methodists New Connexion, Primitive Methodists, United Free Methodists and Welsh Calvinist Methodists; as well as the Baptists, Bible Christians, Catholic Apostolic, Evangelical Lutherans, Free Church of England, Independents, Jews, Lutherans, Swedenborgians, Unitarians, United Welsh Protestants, and the Victorian Free Church.

All this came to an end in 1871, when the

Congress at Assembly.

Victorian Parliament passed Act Number 391 – the State Aid to Religion Abolition Act. There were to be no more handouts.

However, the Act provided that Crown land already reserved for church purposes could be disposed of by the relevant church, which could keep the proceeds.

The Act is still on the statute books, and is still in use.

The report of the Congress to the Assembly asserts that one of the more ugly aspects of the Church’s history is the way it has offered stories that have justified and/ or excused invasion, dispossession, and the destruction of Indigenous peoples.

Arguably, the churches were much too closely aligned to the governments of the day.

The report goes on to say that one of the most significant ways the church cooperated with colonial empires was in the development of the Doctrine of Discovery, a principle of international law that dates back to the 15th century and which provided the justification for the invasion of Australia.

“In 1095, at the beginning of the Crusades, Pope Urban II issued an edict – the Papal Bull Terra Nullius (meaning empty land). It gave kings and princes of Europe the right to “discover” or claim land in non-Christian areas. This policy was extended in 1452 when Pope

Nicholas V issued the bull Romanus Pontifex, declaring war against all nonChristians throughout the world and authorising the conquest of their nations and territories.

“By 1492, this Doctrine of Discovery was a well-established idea in the Christian world. What is particularly significant for Australia is that King Henry VII adopted the Doctrine of Discovery granting his explorers the right to assert dominion and title over all non-Christian lands with the Church’s blessing”.

The report asserts that the Uniting Church undoubtedly occupies land that was stolen from Aboriginal people as a consequence of the Doctrine of Discovery. In assuming and claiming that the Church has a right to this land it implicitly lives within the theological justification of the invasion of Australia and the taking of the land.

As a former synod property officer, knowing some of the history of church land acquisition, I read the report with considerable interest. I believe that it warrants some serious consideration and would encourage the Synod to enter into some probing conversation about this – particularly in our theological college – which sits alongside Act 391 land.

Dan Wootton Moderator

Giving is living

NextGen camp TIM LAM

Participants Mira Olivia, Helen Kinna and Love Nafatali at last year’s camp.

CROSSLIGHT - SEPTEMBER 15

APPROXIMATELY 80 young people travelled to Merricks Lodge on the Mornington Peninsula in July this year for the annual NextGen camp. The camp first took place in 2012 and has grown in size every year.

For many of this year’s participants, this was was their first NextGen camp.

Ice-breaker exercises helped introduce the young people to one another and friendships quickly formed as they engaged in interactive teamwork activities.

The theme of this year’s camp was ‘What does the Lord require of us?’ based on a passage from Micah 6:8.

Staff from the synod’s Justice and International Mission (JIM) unit guided the participants as they explored different pathways to fulfil God’s call to serve the marginalised.

Dr Mark Zirnsak, director of the JIM unit, was the keynote speaker. He led a discussion on biblical references to charity, community service and social justice and offered examples of how the Church is

responding to injustice.

Participants took part in four different workshops, where they reflected on how they can create positive change in the world.

Each workshop was hosted by a synod staff member. Jill Ruzbacky explored the meaning of ‘welcoming the stranger’, Josh Woollett explained the importance of child safety and Cath James shared practical advice for protecting God’s creation.

Rev Ken Sumner, state director of Victorian Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress, discussed the challenges faced by the First Peoples.

Plenty of time was set aside for reflection and worship. Prayer groups and campfire chats gave a space for the young people to share their spiritual journey together.

The weekend was a festive and eye-opening experience for many of the participants.

The young people left the camp motivated by the challenge to “do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

If you would like to see more photos from this year’s NextGen camp, follow Next Gen on Instagram at @ucanextgen or visit https://instagram.com/ucanextgen/

23

Synod Snaps

“A good snapshot keeps a moment from running away..”

- Eudora Welty

Delegates from the Presbyterian Church of Korea visit the Korean Church of Melbourne. They joined in a special service to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II and to pray for peace and reconciliation between North and South Korea.

Baby Tyson is baptised by Rev Dr Jong Soo Park. This is Dr Park’s first baptism at the Ocean Grove Uniting Church congregation. From left to right: David Reidy, Shona Reidy, Tyson Reidy and Dr Jong Soo Park.

Fijian Pastor Isireli Cama, Rev Dr Apwee Ting and retired Fijian Pastor Jim Smith at Dr Ting’s farewell luncheon.

Dr Ting concluded his ministry at the Trinity Dandenong Uniting Church and will take up a new role as the National Director for Multicultural and Cross Cultural Ministry.

Vanessa Fuller is the ‘ambassador’ for the Cranbourne Regional Uniting Church Food Truck.

The Mulgrave Uniting Church Indonesian congregation visited Box Hill Central and provided hot soup as part of their outreach program.

Tom and Joyce Hurle, members of the Trinity Dandenong Uniting Church.

Each month Crosslight will showcase images from throughout the Church. Send your images to crosslight@victas.uca.org.au