Wednesday, November 20, 2024

RNS Morning Report: Q&A: 'Wicked' author Gregory Maguire on souls, saints and religion in Oz

RNS Morning Report




Top Stories

Q&A: ‘Wicked’ author Gregory Maguire on souls, saints and religion in Oz

(RNS) — In the 1995 novel that inspired the musical and film, the Wicked Witch of the West is a green-skinned child of a minister exploited for his missionary endeavors.
 

Tony Campolo, sociologist and famed Red Letter Christian, has died

(RNS) — Known as a powerful evangelist and social justice preacher, Campolo had long advocated that Christian faith can transform the world — and people’s everyday lives.
 

Chair of US bishops’ ‘pro-life’ commitee wants Catholics to see abortion’s impact on families

BALTIMORE (RNS) — Toledo, Ohio, Bishop Daniel Thomas took the reins from Arlington, Virginia, Bishop Michael Burbidge on Wednesday (Nov. 13).
 

Africa’s Anglican prelates say Archbishop Welby’s resignation is warning on abuse

NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — African Anglican leaders' response to Welby's resignation has been complicated by conflicts with the archbishop over LGBTQ inclusion.

RNS Opinion

The laity should have a greater voice in choosing bishops

(RNS) — There is no perfect way of selecting bishops. Even Jesus got it wrong one out of 12 times.
 

7 ways Americans who leave religion are basically pretty boring

(RNS) — Here are some facts you may not know about the nonreligious.

 

ICYMI

Rabbinical group calls for stopping offensive military aid to Israel

(RNS) — Israel continues to block the flow of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. A group of American rabbis says the U.S. should refuse sending Israel more offensive munitions.
 

With sudden death of Sharath Jois, practitioners of Ashtanga yoga look to his legacy

(RNS) — Sharath Jois, heir to the Ashtanga yoga practice, passed away at age 53 last Monday (Nov. 11).

In Other News

 

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WCC News: WCC general secretary shares message with Global Network for Religions for Children Sixth Forum

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay shared a special message with the Global Network for Religions for Children Sixth Forum, taking place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from 19-21 November under the theme “Interfaith Cooperation to Build a Hopeful World for Children.”
WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay shares a special message with the participants of the Global Network for Religions for Children Sixth Forum, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 20 November 2024. Photo: WCC
20 November 2024

Each day of the forum is featuring special messages of hope and commitment from religious leaders, offering inspiration to the children of the world. Pillay’s message focused on how the WCC initiative “Churches’ Commitments to Children” reflects the inherent dignity of children as well as the responsibilities held by all of humanity to protect and nurture them.

Pillay noted that, as Christians, we believe children are created in the image of God.

“We are guided by strong understanding of the deeply precious yet vulnerable place that children hold within our families, households, churches, and societies,” he said. “Let us model ecological stewardship as faith leaders by ensuring that we do not contribute to the root causes of global warming,” he said. 

Our faith, Pillay added, compels us to be eco-friendly and adaptive to the impacts of climate change. 

“As faith leaders, we have a unique role in building a hopeful world for children that is safe, secure, and sustainable,” he said. “We know that there are amazing examples of companies that converted entirely to renewable energies while keeping all employees.”

Pillay invited all those of good will to join the Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity. 

“Through God’s forgiveness and grace, we are continually being renewed and empowered to heal the wounds and reach positive transformation with and for children,” he said. 

On 21 November. WCC Children and Climate programme executive Frederique Seidel will lead a panel discussion on responsible lifestyles, intended to reach a shared understanding of the key challenges facing children today and coming up with practical recommendations on how families, communities, and faith-based groups can build a hopeful world for children.

Speakers and panelists of the Global Network for Religions for Children Sixth Forum included also the Right Revd. Julio Murray, Archbishop and Primate of the Anglican Church of Central America, H.E. Emmanuel Adamakis, Elder Metropolitan of Chalcedon, Ecumenical Patriarchate and Rev. Dr. Fidon Mwombeki, general secretary of All Africa Conference of Churches.

Video message of the WCC general secretary for the Global Network for Religions for Children Sixth Forum

Learn more about the Global Network for Religions for Children Sixth Forum

WCC message for the Global Network for Religions for Children Sixth Forum
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The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa.

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Uniting Church in Australia - Assembly Advent series ⭐ Sign up for 2025 #DayofMourning, Net Zero roundtable, Advent resources & more in UC National News 20 - 26 November

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20-26 November 2024

National Update

Your weekly snapshot of the Uniting Church in Australia 

Our Featured Story

ADVENT

Expanding our language, hearts and minds this Advent season

This Advent, the Uniting Church Assembly will be sharing a series of reflections under the theme, Expanding Advent. The series has been prepared in recognition that we are living in a time of acute crisis in the Holy Land, the very lands of Jesus' birth. Some communities and worship leaders may be wrestling with the language, themes and ideas of the Advent season in light of the present war in Palestine, Israel and the Middle East.

Over the next five weeks the Assembly will offer a range of resources including reflections, art and vigil to enrich our journey through this season of the church.

In his introduction to the series, a reflection on Advent waiting, Transforming Worship Circle Advocate Matt Julius writes:

"Advent invites us into a season of deep waiting, of yearning for Jesus the Prince of Peace to come near to us."

"The invitation to Advent, in a time of personal and global crisis, is to sit in the waiting. The invitation is to name the hard truths we carry. The invitation is to move slowly through the prayers and songs at this time which call for ransom, release, and freedom."

The offerings will be available here each week and you can read the first one now, Expanding our Language, which explores some of the biblical context and offers a range of resources to consider the language we use in this season.

Read now

DAY OF MOURNING

Sign up for the 2025 Day of Mourning resource

In the spirit of truth-telling, covenant and walking together as First and Second Peoples, your community is invited to mark the Uniting Church Day of Mourning on Sunday 19 January 2025. The UCA has marked a Day of Mourning since 2019, and we are delighted that the 2025 Day of Mourning resource is being developed by Muth arrak, the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress in Queensland. It will be available to download in mid-December and you can sign up now to receive it to your inbox.

EVENTS

Save the date! You're invited to the Assembly's second national Net Zero roundtable

Calling all climate champions across the Uniting Church! You're invited to be part of the Assembly's second online national Net-Zero roundtable on 26 February 2025. This exciting national gathering will bring together and catalyse climate champions in all parts of the Church as we move toward climate justice and Net Zero Emissions by 2040. 

ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS

Advent and Christmas resources

It's hard to believe that Advent is less than two weeks away. Whether your preparation is just beginning or already well underway, we’ve gathered a range of links to resource your worship planning and help you mark this season with your community and family. We've got resources from the Assembly, the Synod of Queensland, With Love to the World, Intergen, Common Grace and more.

POSITION

Calling compelling communicators

The Uniting Church Assembly is recruiting for a new role, Communications and Content Coordinator. In this position you'll find creative and engaging ways to share the national story of the faith, mission and ministry of one of Australia's largest churches. You'll be curating and writing stories, delivering a national newsletter and working across social platforms. With hybrid/remote working arrangements on offer, this is a great opportunity.

ECUMENISM

Opportunities at the World Communion of Reformed Churches General Council 2025

The 27th General Council of the World Communion of Reformed Churches, of which the UCA is a member, will take place in Thailand in October 2025. The WCRC is calling for applications from people aged 18-30 for the role of Steward, with applications closing on 31 January 2025. Applications are also open for people under the age of 35 to join the Global Institute of Theology which takes place immediately prior to the General Council. These applications close on 1 December 2024.

EVENTS

General Secretary Commissioning

Here is your final opportunity to RSVP for the Commissioning of Andrew Johnson as Assembly General Secretary, which will take place this Saturday 23 November at Gungahlin Uniting Church in Canberra. It will also be live-streamed. All are invited to celebrate and support Andrew whether in person or online as he takes up this significant senior leadership role.

Watch

Rev Dr Michelle Cook funeral

The Service of Thanksgiving for the late Rev Dr Michelle Cook was held at Nightcliff Uniting Church last Thursday 14 November and was watched by hundreds around the country. You can watch the recording of the service now.

Frontier Services

Noah's bright spirit

Seven-year-old Noah lives with a degenerative disorder, and it had looked like he would miss out on an opportunity that comes as a matter of course for his city peers. Thanks to supporters like you, Noah and his school of seven children were able to go on their very first school camp. Read about your support that makes stories like Noah's possible.

Holy Land

Prayer Vigil for the Holy Land

The Assembly's Working for Justice Circle will host an online prayer vigil on Thursday 28 November, inviting the church to song, silence, love and lament as we move into another Advent. Register for the Zoom here.

With Love to the World

New Advent edition

The newest edition of Uniting Church devotional With Love to the World is now available on the app, covering the seasons of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. Head to the website to download the app or order hard copies. The cover for this new issue is an icon written by Rev Dr Peter Blackwood who teaches in Melbourne's UCA Icon School.

In case you missed it...
News and story highlights from the last couple of weeks

Positions

Library Officer (Data and Communications) - Dalton McCaughey Library

Provide frontline library information services including circulation, general reference assistance, and academic support.

Children's Ministry Worker - Newtown Mission

Resource Newtown Mission in renewing a children’s ministry with a focus on relationship and play, and often with families facing financial and social stress.

Upcoming Dates

24 November: Reign of Christ Sunday
25 November: 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
28 November: Assembly Prayer Vigil for Peace
1 December: beginning of Advent

Check out the 2024 Assembly Calendar more dates across the year

Join us in prayer for

  • The Assembly Standing Committee, meeting in Canberra this weekend.
  • Uniting Church leaders and communities preparing for Advent and to re-tell our ancient story of faith in new contexts.
  • Those marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence which begins on Monday, as we advocate for a world beyond violence.
  • East Timor (Timor Leste), Indonesia, Philippines as part of the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.

Do you or your community have a great story to share as you live out God's mission where you are? Let us know!

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