The first full business day of the 16th Assembly Reconvened Meeting was filled with listening and discernment with a number of important decisions on continuing witness, climate change, aged care and celebrating deacons in the UCA.
The Day began with worship with a sung Acknowledgment of Country in the language of the Gubbi Gubbi People followed Bible Reflections led by the students of Nungalinya College.
A highlight of the day was the Assembly’s warm reception and adoption of the Continuing Witness proposal which invites the Church to engage with three documents from other churches that will challenge us, encourage us, and offer us wisdom.
The Assembly also agreed to adopt a proposal on climate change which commits the Church to take seriously the voices and wisdom of First Peoples on climate justice and care of creation and to call on the Councils and agencies of the Church to join with the Assembly in committing to net zero emissions by 2040.
Another decision of the Assembly will prioritise advocacy to ensure the dignity and care of older Australians.
In the evening session Assembly members acknowledged with joy and expressed deep gratitude for the ministry of the diaconate within the Uniting Church in Australia, noting the 30th anniversary of the renewal of this ministry.
The proposal emphasised the need for theological colleges to provide specific courses and training for deacons in the Uniting Church within the varied contexts in which they work.
After the decision, the President invited Deacons who were present to stand and the whole Assembly prayed over them. There was an encouragement to take the time to listen to a Deacon and share their good news stories. Watch a video celebrating UCA Deacons.
A proposal was discussed and later passed on a Review of the Regulations of the Uniting Church delegating authority to the Assembly Standing Committee (ASC) to immediately review the regulations relating to complaints and discipline.
Another decision was made that allows the ASC to amend regulations in order to reduce the administrative and financial burden on small congregations in relation to auditing processes.
The Assembly meeting also had its first opportunity to engage with the Act2 report and proposals.
Before Dinner Assembly members were invited to turn to another person next to them and share a concern on their heart and pray for one another.
The Day finished with a quiet moment of reflection using the Examen practice, dwelling with the events of the day and within the love of Christ in one another.
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