Churches, Denominations and Religions: UC National Update 9 - 15 Feb - President's Pastoral Letter on Religious Discrimination, Act2 Gets Creative, partnering with the Philippines and more

Thursday, February 10, 2022

UC National Update 9 - 15 Feb - President's Pastoral Letter on Religious Discrimination, Act2 Gets Creative, partnering with the Philippines and more

DON'T RUSH RELIGIOUS DISCRIMATION

The Uniting Church has urged Federal Parliamentarians not to rush the Religious Discrimination Bill 2021 into law, warning some provisions in the Bill could give implicit permission for discriminatory or demeaning statements and actions.

President of the Uniting Church in Australia Rev Sharon Hollis called for further consideration and reiterated that the Uniting Church does not seek to discriminate as an organisation or an employer, and seeks to be a place of welcome and inclusion for all people.

Today the President issued a pastoral statement offering prayerful support to those who are feeling particularly vulnerable as the Bill is debated and encouraging Uniting Church members to show solidarity and to support LGBTIQA+ members and people with disabilities.

Act2 Gets Creative

If you are under 18, we want to hear from you! You're invited to share your thoughts about the Uniting Church and our future.
Act2 Gets Creative is a specific invitation for younger generations of the church to be a part of the Act2 conversation by sharing their hopes and prayers for the Uniting Church in creative form - whether it's a drawing, a photo, craft, poem, song, video or something else. Please share the invitation with the young people in your community!

New partnership with United Methodist Church in the Philippines

The Uniting Church in Australia has signed a new partnership agreement with the United Methodist Church in the Philippines (UMCP) strengthening the ties between our churches. The agreement formally recognises the unity and oneness we share in Jesus Christ and commits both Churches to mutually support one another in our lives and mission.

There's still time to help us celebrate Uniting Church women

A big thank you to everyone who has responded to our invitation to submit names of the inspiring Uniting Church women they know for our International Women's Day feature. If there's a UCA woman you think we should recognise and celebrate, there's still time to get your names in before submissions close next Friday 18 February. Catch up on Facebook, head to our website for more information and fill out our short submission form.

Join our national network of people who care about Ageing

Join Uniting Friends of Ageing (UFA) for their second national conversation via Zoom at 4 pm (AEDT) tomorrow Thursday 10 February to discuss local concerns as well as national developments in aged care, COVID, and the May Federal election. Email Warren Talbot for details or to share your concerns.

Fond farewell to Bush Chaplain Rev Rowena Harris

Frontier Services has bid farewell to retiring Bush Chaplain Rev Rowena Harris who will be remembered for her unfailing support for the people in and around the High Country Remote Area of Victoria. At the same time, they have welcomed newest Bush Chaplain, Rev Deacon Peter Harvey to the East Gippsland region of Victoria. Read all the latest news from Frontier Services here.

Live simply, so others can simply live.

Lent Event is an invitation to join other Christians in a pledge to give up or take up something in solidarity with those who live with less. Learn about how to be a good global neighbour with UnitingWorld's Bible Study series and donate to help put power in the hands of ordinary people to earn an income, keep their children in school or get access to clean water.

JOBS

Accountant -The Uniting Church in Australia Northern Synod

The Northern Synod of the Uniting Church covers the Northern Territory, the Kimberley region of Western Australia and the APY lands of South Australia. Reporting to the Synod Operations Manager, the Accountant role involves management and oversight of all day-to-day accounting activities.

Pastoral Practitioner - Wesley Gardens Belrose, Uniting NSW.ACT

This is a role within the Mission team and provides meaningful pastoral care services to people in our care across Uniting. The role is located at Wesley Gardens Belrose.

Join us in prayer for

Those who are feeling vulnerable amid the current debate regarding the proposed Religious Discrimination Bill, and for all who seek to make our church safe, welcoming and inclusive.
Our emerging partnership with the United Methodist Church in the Philippines and our ongoing partnership with the United Church of Christ in the Philippines. We give thanks for the contribution and leadership of those from the Philippines who have made their home in the Uniting Church.
First Peoples as we mark the 14th anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations this weekend. For justice and truth, healing from deep trauma, and for strength of connection to culture and country.
Andorra, Italy, Malta, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Vatican City: as part of the World Council of Churches Ecumenical Prayer Cycle.