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, January 26, 2022
UC National Update 26 January - 1 February 2022 - Survival Day message, Australia Day Honours, Calls for more compassion on refugees and more
A DAY TO HONOUR THE RESILIENCE OF FIRST PEOPLES
We recognise that for many First Nations people in Australia, today is a day of deep sadness, and a reminder of trauma and disempowerment, because of the way this nation was colonised.
In a conversation with UCA President Rev Sharon Hollis, the National Interim Chair for the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress Rev Mark Kickett shares his hopes for a "reawakening" that places First Nations people at the heart of this nation.
In referring to this day as 'Survival Day', Mark says, "For many Aboriginal and Islander people right across the country, it really is a celebration of resilience, of the resilience of our First Nations folk. We have been here for millennia. We've endured the 200 plus years of colonisation, with all the various policies that have impacted that. But here we are, we've come out the other side. There is a sense of emergence among our younger generations that are really going to have an impact in the way Australia moves forward and for the identity of who we are."
Uniting Church members marked a Day of Mourning on Sunday, holding worship services which invited people to reflect on the effects of invasion and colonisation on Australia's First Peoples. More than 60 congregations and communities registered for the Day of Mourning. We share some reflections from UCA members who took part.
The first woman President of the Uniting Church, a leader in community services, and a number of long-serving, dedicated lay people are among Uniting Church members acknowledged in the Australia Day 2022 Honours list. Congratulations to Dr Jill Tabart OAM, Bronwyn Pike AM, Sharon HooglandOAM, and Graham Doherty OAM who were honoured for their service to the church and all other Uniting Church recipients!
The Uniting Church has joined with other churches in expressing disappointment with the Federal Government’s latest announcement in response to the plight of refugees from Afghanistan. UCA President Rev Sharon Hollis and other faith leaders as part of the Christians United for Afghanistancampaign reiterated calls for the Government to provide 20,000 places for Afghan people seeking safety, in addition to Australia's existing humanitarian intake.
Thanks to all those who joined in prayer for Tonga last week at the livestreamed service led by the Being a Multicultural Church Circle. Representatives from the Uniting Church national conferences led prayers alongside UCA President Rev Sharon Hollis and Tongan National Conference Chair Rev Feke Kamitoni. You can watch the service on the Assembly Facebook page. UnitingWorld has launched an appeal to help our partners deliver emergency assistance and supplies to affected communities.
Newly released research undertaken by the Synod of SA's Mission Resourcing team, Mapping Intercultural Neighbourhoods in SA, recommends ways forward for being a multicultural church in a local context. It presents findings from 55 surveys and 30 interviews with CALD leaders. Read the report here
Are you an adult who is a youth leader or involved in youth activities within the Church? Join this free eSafety webinar hosted by the National Safe Church Unit in partnership with Office of eSafety Commissioner, Friday 11 March 2022, 12noon-1pm AEST, to learn more about the online environment and safe online interactions with children and young people.
UnitingWorld are excited for two big events in this half of 2022 to keep you inspired about the work of our international partners and how you can make a difference in the world. Find out more about Lent Event and Seven Days of Solidarity and how you can be involved.
Frontier Services is an agency of the Uniting Church working alongside people in the most rural and remote parts of Australia. There is an exciting opportunity for someone with proven event and project management experience to come on board as National Events Coordinator.
The Synod of Queensland seeks a qualified person with demonstrated experience in marketing, business or similar to develop and execute its marketing activities, campaigns and events.
Join us in prayer for
First Nations people who today will be reminded of experiences of trauma, racism, disconnection and dispossession. We lament the injustices, past and present, and pray for healing.
Emerging generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders to be given a voice and a platform to lead the changes that are needed to move Australia forward as a nation that puts First Nations people at its heart.
Uniting Church members acknowledged in the Australia Day Honours for 2022 and all in the UCA who selflessly give their time and service in our worship and community life.
No comments:
Post a Comment