The Body of Christ is made of many parts, and people experience their understanding of God in many different ways. On this blog, we'll consider the beliefs and activities of congregations, denominations and different religions.
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
UC National News 20 - 26 October - Act2 Report Launch, Escaping Family Violence, Church leaders speak on climate, Apology anniversary and more
Today begins the next phase of the Act2 conversation about where God is calling the Uniting Church into the future.
UCA President Rev Sharon Hollis and Assembly General Secretary Colleen Geyer have launched a new report Act2: Considering Afresh Our Life Together. The report brings together all the feedback and insights collected thus far and points to some conclusions about what we have heard.
In her introduction, the General Secretary writes, "As we look to the future and consider afresh our life together, it is obvious we can’t stay the way we are. We need to be open to what is required to be the Church God is calling us to be, as we focus on growing and nurturing life-giving local communities of faith and hope."
We are now seeking feedback on the report's conclusions and the next steps for the Church to explore. Join the biggest conversation in the Uniting Church right now.
UnitingCare Australia and nine of its service agencies across the country will deliver a pilot program that delivers a direct payment and wrap-around support to people escaping family violence under the Government's $1.1billion Budget commitment to end violence against women and children. National Director Claerwen Little said the payment was a vital step forward in the fight to end violence against women and their children. Support is available now.
This Friday 22 October is the third anniversary of the National Apology to Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse. In a shared statement with UCA Redress Ltd and the National Safe Church Unit, UCA President Rev Sharon Hollis reaffirmed our apology to survivors and a commitment to honour their stories. A worship resource is available for church communities to mark the anniversary.
Uniting Church President Rev Sharon Hollis has jointly signed an open letter from church leaders to Prime Minister Scott Morrison, expressing a shared concern that we must act on climate change before it is too late. The letter comes as Uniting Church members across the country took part in two major events for climate action ahead of COP26 and UCA leaders shared messages of support expressing why care for creation is so important.
The Assembly has been deeply concerned by recent media reports from Lebanon of an economy on the brink of collapse, exacerbated by the Syrian refugee crisis and the enormous explosion that rocked Beirut last year. We pray for Lebanon and the community in Australia. National Consultant Rev Dr Apwee Ting has shared a prayer in Indonesian and English.
UCA President Rev Sharon Hollis has paid tribute to the wise and creative leadership of Rev Prof Andrew Dutney on his resignation as Executive Officer and Principal with Uniting College for Leadership and Theology in the Synod of South Australia. Rev Prof Dutney was the 13th President of the Uniting Church in Australia.
Uniting Vic.Tas seeks a Specialist Family Violence Counsellor to provide therapeutic counselling support and facilitate family violence group work for women and children who are referred to the program.
St Michael’s Uniting Church has an opportunity available for an experienced and enthusiastic person to join its team as the Administration Manager, based in Melbourne CBD.
JOIN US IN PRAYER FOR:
People escaping family violence and for the work of UnitingCare agencies as they roll out a new program that will support women, children and families to leave abusive situations.
For survivors of institutional child sexual abuse and their families, we acknowledge and lament the complicity of the church and pray for healing.
The Act2 Conversation as it enters a new phase - for the leading of the Spirit to guide discernment and discussion about the future of the Uniting Church.
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