EDITORIAL NO ECUMENICAL WINTER IN 2007

Transcription

1 ECUMENICAL INTERFAITH NEWS ARCHDIOCESE OF BRISBANE Issue # EDITORIAL NO ECUMENICAL WINTER IN 2007 If the amount of activity taking place in the areas of Ecumenism and Interfaith Relations is an indicator of development and progress then we may all take heart in the health and vitality of this important ministry. In the past twelve months there has been so much happening that it has not been possible to produce a newsletter and for this I apologise. However, I hope this bumper issue will give you much encouragement for a brand new year. The plan, in the early part of 2008, is to survey a sample of our subscribers to ensure that we are meeting your needs in terms of content, presentation and frequency of publication. I trust you will not mind receiving a telephone call or an with a few questions about the newsletter. If you are extra keen to give your feedback then you are more than welcome to contact me via one of the means listed below. In the meantime I invite you to sit back and enjoy reading about the many and varied events of The Brisbane Commission has had another busy year with a number of projects on the go. These included the third consecutive conference of Queensland Commissions. This Conference seems to be getting bigger and better each year and is a valuable way of sharing ideas and supporting the work in regional areas. It is also an excellent foundation for the National Conference of Diocesan Commissions which is scheduled to take place in Brisbane in There are several stories about local initiatives. These always provide encouragement and ideas and we would love to publish many more. Feel free to send in your news, as people are keen to hear about a good idea that worked, no matter how simple the concept. It has been a big year for Ecumenical bodies with the triennial National Council of Churches in Australia Forum held in Alexandra Headlands in July. Reports of both Queensland Churches Together Council meetings are also included. Is your local community looking for a study program to be used by small ecumenical groups? The new Christians in Dialogue program may be just the thing. A report on the program and a flyer / order form is enclosed. Alternatively, you may wish to use the Church as Communion program. While this is based on an Agreed Statement from the Anglican Roman Catholic International Commission, the study was written for a much broader ecumenical audience and is a topic that Christians from many backgrounds would find interesting and informative. A flyer / order form for Church as Communion is also enclosed. Some of the biggest developments of the year have been in the area of Interfaith dialogue. The Queensland Government took the initiative and hosted the Abrahamic Faiths Forum at Parliament House. This was a wonderful opportunity for members of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities to meet for some very open and constructive conversation. On the international front the BIG news is the Open Letter from 138 Muslim scholars to all the major Christian leaders in the world. Entitled A Common Word Between Us and You, it is an invitation to dialogue between Christians and Muslims for the purposes of greater understanding and ultimately peace in our world. A summary of the letter is provided in this edition with a website for those who wish to read the whole document. Responses have been provided by many Christian leaders and these have also been provided in summary. All this and more! Happy reading! CHRISTMAS BLESSING We wish all our readers and d supporters every joy and blessing of this Christmas season, and peace and happiness in 2008 Subscriptions $10 per year, post free. Bulletin of the Commission for Ecumenism and Interfaith Relations. Feedback and articles for publication are welcome. Editor Margaret Naylon Layout Christine Symons Contact GPO Box 282, Brisbane Qld 4001 T: / F: E: ecum@bne.catholic.net.au W: BRISBANE ROMAN CATHOLIC COMMISSION FOR ECUMENISM AND INTERFAITH RELATIONS 1

2 COMMISSION NEWS The Commission continued its four meeting per year format this year. The February, May and October gatherings comprised a business session, formation and a shared meal, while the August meeting was once again on a Saturday morning with invitations sent to Subcommittee members and parish contacts. The 2007 August gathering provided an opportunity to share local initiatives, updates on the National Council of Churches in Australia Forum and other ecumenical developments, as well as a talk by Fr David Pascoe on Imagining the Reign of God: weaving together Ecumenical and Interfaith Imaginings. The Roman Catholic Commission hosted the Annual Joint Committees gathering with the Anglican and Uniting Church Ecumenical Committees. The venue was the Greek Orthodox Church of St George in South Brisbane, where Fr Anastasios Bozikis explained the art and architecture of the Church in the context of Greek Orthodox theology. We then adjourned to the Greek Club next door for dinner. MEMBERSHIP At the end of 2006 we welcomed Jenny Simpson to the Commission. Jenny was born in Darwin, grew up in Brisbane and for more than twenty years lived in Gladstone. She is a teacher, with experience at all levels from pre-school to tertiary and has a keen interest in both ecumenism and interfaith relations. Jenny holds a Masters in Religious Education and is currently teaching at All Hallows School. She is also Chairperson of the Parish Pastoral Council at Corinda Graceville. Natalie L Huillier returned to the Commission at the beginning of Natalie had just completed 15 months study at the Irish School of Ecumenics in Dublin where she gained an M Phil in Ecumenics. She is using her new skills in various roles on the Commission and also as Chaplain at a Catholic Girls Secondary College. During 2007, the Commission farewelled Luke Plant, Trish Stapleton and Michael Chambers. We thank them most sincerely for their contributions over the years and wish them happiness and fulfilment in whatever roads they take. SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS Much of the Commission s work is done through its Subcommittees and once again they have been active this year. Catholic-Jewish The intention of this group is to provide each Deanery with the opportunity to experience a Demonstration Passover or Model Seder, and in 2007 the focus was on Brisbane North East. While it is not appropriate for Christians to hold Passover Meals independently, the Jewish Community is happy to offer hospitality at their own Passover celebrations or at Model Seders such as this. This year s successful event was held at St Paschal s Parish Hall, Wavell Heights on 22 April. Seminary staff and students attended as well as parishioners and members of the Jewish community. The Subcommittee was very grateful to Jeanette Smyth, Pastoral Associate at Wavell Heights, who was extremely helpful and did a great deal of the organising. Another annual project is the Synagogue Open Day held at Beit Knesset Shalom at Camp Hill. This took place on Sunday afternoon, 21 October with Mr Gary Fysh from the Interfaith Committee, Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies, giving the presentation. Participants appreciated the opportunity to ask questions and learn something of Jewish beliefs and practices. Enjoying the Model Seder: Fr Gerard Kalinowski (Parish Administrator), Dawn Kluck, (Parishioner, Wavell Heights) Luke Watts (Seminarian), Jeanette Smyth (Pastoral Associate) and Hilary Scarce (Catholic Jewish Subcommittee) with Mr Gary Fysh (Interfaith Committee, Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies). Catholic-Muslim Dr Nasir Butrous, chairperson of the Subcommittee, gave an excellent presentation on Islam at the Aspinall Centre, Upper Mount Gravatt on 28 May. Over eighty people from St Bernard s and surrounding parishes were provided with demographic information on Muslims in Australia as well as an introduction to the major beliefs and customs. The community of Masjid Al Farooq at Kuraby welcomed a group of Catholics to their Mosque on Sunday, 18 November. The visit was organised by the Catholic Muslim Subcommittee and attracted people from across the Archdiocese including Samford, Ipswich, Bulimba and Upper Mount Gravatt. Dr Mohamad Abdalla, Director of Griffith University s Islamic Research Unit and member of the Kuraby community, addressed the group. He spoke about the major beliefs of Islam, including prayer five times a day, and explained how the design of the Mosque reflected those beliefs. He also discussed issues such as the role of women in Islam, terrorism and the importance of interfaith dialogue. The opportunity to ask questions enabled some fruitful dialogue to begin and this continued when Muslims and Catholics mingled over tea and biscuits in the courtyard later. 2

3 COMMISSION NEWS The purpose of this group has been to revise the Document for the Catholic Perspective in Ecumenical Schools. This document was last reviewed in 1997 and since then considerable experience has been gained by the three ecumenical schools under the auspices of Brisbane Catholic Education. These schools are Jubilee Primary at Gaven, Emmaus College at Jimboomba and Unity College at Caloundra. The aim of this review is to learn from that experience and produce a resource that will provide guidance for both those in the planning stages of a new ecumenical venture and those involved in operating an existing ecumenical school. Work has continued through 2007 and is now in its final stages. It is hoped that the revision will receive the approval of the Archbishop in early 2008 and be made available shortly afterwards. Mosque Visit: Michael and Carmel Birgan from Upper Mt Gravatt Parish, Dr Nasir Butrous, Chair of the Catholic Muslim Subcommittee, Dr Mohamad Abdalla, Margaret Naylon, Executive Officer, Commission for Ecumenism and Interfaith Relations. Ecumenical Schools Working Party Towards the end of 2006, the Catholic Education Commission and the Commission for Ecumenism and Interfaith Relations established a Joint Working Group. Education Subcommittee Four members of the Commission, each with considerable experience in both ecumenism and education, are in the process of preparing a study unit on the subject. It is intended that this will be an elective subject in a Certificate IV course in Christian Ministry soon to be offered by the Institute of Faith Education, Brisbane. Margaret Naylon Queensland Conference of Commissions for Ecumenism and Interfaith Relations 2007 Mending the Torn Net On Thursday, 23 August, twenty-eight delegates from the five Queensland Roman Catholic Dioceses gathered at the Duhig Centre, Rockhampton for the 2007 CEIR Conference. Special guest throughout the Conference was Edward Idris Cardinal Cassidy. Thursday 23 August: Opening Session After a shared lunch, the opening session took the form of introductions and a welcome liturgy prepared by the Rockhampton CEIR. All liturgies at the Conference focused on the theme of the Torn Net and encouraged each Commission to reflect on the areas requiring mending in our particular situation. This was followed by the sharing of stories associated with the Diocesan Ecumenical reports. The Public Lecture at Cathedral College Auditorium was preceded by dinner at the Duhig Centre, hosted by Bishop Brian Heenan. Public Lecture Bishop Michael Putney of Townsville was the keynote speaker for this event and spoke on the topic Being Ecumenical is a necessary part of the Christian Life. Bishop Michael refuted claims that we are experiencing an Ecumenical Winter and highlighted developments on the international scene in particular to support his assertion. He highlighted three documents which have been published in the past twelve months and clearly illustrate the current state of ecumenical relationships and the direction these are taking. A Handbook of Spiritual Ecumenism by Cardinal Walter Kasper focuses on the need for Christians to pray, study the scriptures and witness together. There is a clear recognition of how much and what we have in common and the need to live in accord with this new relationship. Repentance for the limitations which still exist should lead to greater commitment to work for healing. The Handbook offers many practical suggestions which could be implemented. The second document is the latest report from the International Catholic Methodist Dialogue entitled The Grace Given You in Christ. Beginning with a mutual reassessment, it looks at the many things shared by the two traditions. As a means of deepening the relationship, each tradition names the aspects of church it sees in the other and offers gifts from its own treasure that it would like to share with the other. Again many practical proposals are offered. Growing Together in Unity and Mission, the Agreed Statement of the International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission, was the third illustration provided. Once again it speaks of the many things shared by the Anglican and Roman Catholic traditions but also notes the matters still to be resolved. However, it too provides encouragement and many practical suggestions. Underpinning all this is the need for people at all levels of church life to keep praying and working for the restoration of the unity of the Body of Christ. BRISBANE ROMAN CATHOLIC COMMISSION FOR ECUMENISM AND INTERFAITH RELATIONS 3

4 COMMISSION NEWS Mending the Torn Net (continued) Friday, 24 August: Being Church in Rural Queensland Fr Brian Sparksman (Toowoomba) gave a brief overview of the history of the document which was compiled by the Heads of the Anglican, Lutheran, Roman Catholic and Uniting Churches in Toowoomba in A review was authorized by State Church Leaders in 2006 and responses sort from all parties involved. In the light of the responses, the document was amended at Heads of Churches meetings in Toowoomba and Roma in 2006 and presented to the State Church Leaders Meeting in March A major focus of the review was to make it a much more inclusive document: much less clerical and far more a people s document. The intention is to empower local communities to take action to address their own unique needs. A working format of a Lay BCIRQ was produced in May 2007 and conference participants were asked to circulate this among their rural communities and return responses by the end of January Miriam Project Josephite Sisters Annette Arnold (Leadership Team) and Di Phillips (Project Worker) provided an update on what was formerly called the Miriam Project and what will in future be known as On the Track: Supporting Ministry to Rural Families. The project was a response to initial research and a symposium held in Rockhampton in It is supported by the Leadership Teams of the Sisters of St Joseph and the Christian Brothers and reports to the Queensland Catholic Bishops, CLRIQ and Diocesan Directors of Catholic Education. In the past twelve months the Project Team has clarified the scope and focus of the project. As decided at a meeting in Toowoomba in July 2007, its aim is to identify unmet needs and support the people in the ministry of faith development for families in remote and isolated areas of Qld. The underlying principles of the project are: be locally driven/directed be ecumenical be family oriented establish a profile of all practitioners understand the local community context of local practitioners promote the recognition of the responsibility of all leaders of churches who already serve families in these areas utilise all available technology be value adding to what is already happening share resources be accountable that it is not hands on work of the Church of England which enabled such a diversity of views to exist under one roof. In the context of the present tensions within the Anglican Communion, Bishop Godfrey discussed the Windsor Report and a proposal to establish a covenant based on the preamble of the Constitution of the Anglican Church in Australia. His openness and honesty were sincerely appreciated and his contribution to the conference highly valued. Cardinal Edward Cassidy with Bishop Godfrey Fryar and Mrs Fryar Christian Fundamentalists: our dialogue with them and their impact on interfaith relations Bishop Michael Putney addressed this topic and spoke specifically of his experiences of dialogue with Evangelicals and Pentecostals. The last report of the Roman Catholic Evangelical dialogue, on the topic of Mission, was presented in However, there is hope for its restoration. There is much respect from Evangelicals for John Paul II, significant developments have been taking place in the US and ethical issues would be a place to begin and find common ground. The last report of the Roman Catholic Pentecostal dialogue appeared in While Catholics talk easily of the Spirit and therefore, in a sense, speak the same language as Pentecostals, there are other points of difficulty. It has been noted that eighty per cent of Assembly of God Churches in Australia are using the Hillsong model and not the gifts of the Spirit in their worship. At an international level, over ten thousand Catholics per week become Pentecostals in Latin America, which creates tensions. While dialogue and co-operation exist (e.g. QCT and Scripture Union) it must be very clear that this should be truly ecumenical, that Churches are taken seriously and people are directed to their Church of origin (e.g. as agreed during the Franklin Graham visit). The issue of inter-religious dialogue also raises difficulties. Guest Speaker Bishop Godfrey Fryar, Anglican Bishop of Rockhampton, was the ecumenical guest speaker of the Conference. In his talk, he looked at the concept of koinonia within the context of the Anglican Communion. Bishop Godfrey spoke of the scriptural use of koinonia and also the history 4

5 COMMISSION NEWS Interfaith Relations: Diocesan Reports Sr Beryl Amedee (Rockhampton) led this session. Nasir Butrous (Brisbane) provided data from the 2006 Australian Census on Religious Affiliation at national, state and regional level. Much useful sharing took place. Evaluation Following this, participants gathered in Diocesan groups and provided an evaluation of the conference. Once again the response was very positive and it was recommended that another gathering should be held in 2008 either in Cairns or Toowoomba. Closing Mass In the early evening, participants gathered at the Cathedral of St Joseph, where Bishop Brian Heenan presided at a concelebrated Mass. The Conference Dinner was held at a nearby restaurant. Cardinal Cassidy entertained the gathering with stories of his experiences at the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and in particular his appointment to that body. A very enjoyable evening was had by all. Conference participants: Kate Simpson (Rockhampton), Jenny Simpson (Brisbane), Hugh O Brien (Cairns), Bishop Brian Heenan (Rockhampton) and Gerald Hore (Townsville). LOCAL NEWS Uniting Church Oxley Youth Ministries There is an air of excitement which enters our home after the Easter season. It signals that Day Camp is just around the corner. For the past 30 years the Oxley Uniting Church has been a leader in running a 4-day Christian day camp for children aged between 5 and 13 in the June school holidays. During this camp, craft, rock climbing and more recently canoeing; together with basic camping skills, have all been successfully joined with gospel singing and bringing forth the word of what Jesus and Spirituality are in a child s life. Word of mouth has been the only form of advertising. There seems to be a generational excitement that carries this event from year to year, with 185 children attending in Those who started at the first day camp 30 years ago are now the driving force. Their children are not only attending but are also youth leaders. The number of adults who freely give up their holidays and the previous 6 months of planning is always growing. University students and high school students are coming back to mentor the children in the way that they were mentored years before. What makes this so popular? It s the simplicity it s held on the grounds of the Corinda Pony Club under tarpaulins and tents; activities which include lots of craft gluing, painting, creating; running around and biblical story telling, role playing and most importantly the music parents and students alike maintain the live band the guitars and drums which seem to incite the spirit to grow in the children who don t seem to realise it s great to be praising Jesus they re having so much fun! And they have the security of sleeping in their own homes at night. Which comes to the source Jesus is fun for children Adults can sometimes complicate this. The Oxley Uniting Church is right on the ball in realising this. I m sure their Youth Ministries will be around for at least another 30 years because of their great recipe. BRISBANE ROMAN CATHOLIC COMMISSION FOR ECUMENISM AND INTERFAITH RELATIONS 5

6 LOCAL NEWS Nambour Wellsprings Ecumenical Community Annual Report 2007 February 2007 The new year gathering of Wellsprings attracted a positive response to the traditional breakfast for the launch of the 2007 Lenten studies on this occasion, hosted by our Nambour Uniting friends. Convenor Joan Pobjoy presented an outline of the studies entitled Everyday With Jesus and spoke of our regular study groups as a vital link in the ecumenical life and mission of the church. Overall fifty-four participants registered for the twelve-week course covering the Lent to Pentecost Journey. As an ecumenical venture, the general consensus was one of an Emmaus Experience in faith sharing enriching our Fellowship in Christ. 2 March 2007 The World Day of Prayer service was held at the Nambour Baptist Church with strong representation from local Christian traditions. The host group of women entered the church carrying a length of blue cloth, which they fashioned into a tent Sheltering God s People. In Pastor Joel s absence, his wife Virginia took the lead adopting traditional hymns to inspire great singing. In his address, retired Pastor Barry Brown asked all present to look beyond our differences and to celebrate who we are as Christians Gathered Together Under God s Tent (Theme for 2007). The service was followed by a sumptuous morning tea served from Echo s Café in the new extensions now open to the general public March 2007 The National Interfaith Festival held for the first time in the Maleny hinterland proved a great experience, given the feedback from some of our members in attendance. Congratulations to Festival Director, Helen Zeckendorf and her team of tireless workers for bringing their vision of hope and reconciliation to our beautiful Sunshine Coast. 7 April 2007 At dusk, St Joseph s Catholic Community was joined by Anglican friends from St John the Baptist for the combined Blessing of the Easter fire and Service of Light, followed by candlelit procession leading to our respective churches for the Easter Vigil celebrations. 1 June 2007 Prayer for Reconciliation and Christian Unity He makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak (Mark 7:37) Indigenous themes were included in the prayer for Reconciliation and Christian Unity at the Ecumenical Service hosted by St Joseph s Catholic Community on Friday, 1 June During the opening hymn (Diverse In Culture, Nation, Race), Year Seven students, bearing symbols of Light, Word and Healing accompanied a large wooden cross to a central point in the worship space and with heads bowed engaged the assembly to join with them in silence for all the suffering people of the world. In her powerful address, guest speaker Helen Zeckendorf demonstrated that it is only when we stay focused on the broken body of Christ on the cross that we truly come to understand the one true source of unconditional love, acceptance and forgiveness for all. And it all starts in the playground! Helen reminded the students present. The hymn Who will Speak? challenged our response. Fellowship continued over morning tea served in the portico of the church. 8 June 2007 Spirit of Taize Ecumenical Hour of Prayer continues on the first Friday of each month from 1:30pm to 2:30pm at the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, St Joseph s Nambour. All are welcome to join. October 2007 The annual Christians in Dialogue study took place over the four weeks in October. This year s program was A Rainbow People. It followed through on our Week of Prayer theme beautifully as it focused on reconciliation in families, with the Aboriginal and Multicultural heritage of this land and with creation. Once again about 50 people enjoyed the opportunity of sharing their faith together. 3 November 2007 Our final event for the year was a Retreat Day. Theresa and Nev Hunt generously offered their hospitality and participants were able to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and spend quiet time in reflection in a rainforest environment. Once again the theme was Reconciliation. The chance to step out from busy lives and spend time with God is always welcome. The day also offered the opportunity to come together for communal prayer. Looking to 2008 After almost five years as Coordinator of Wellsprings Ecumenical Community Joan Pobjoy has decided to step down. In 2008 the role will be shared by Theresa and Nev Hunt, ably assisted by members of the Anglican, Lutheran and Uniting Church communities in Nambour. Joan Pobjoy Nambour Wellsprings Ecumenical Community Editor s Note: I want to take this opportunity to thank Joan most sincerely for the wonderful work she has done over the past five years. I have been fortunate to have had several visits to Nambour in that time and to have experienced the warmth of hospitality and the enthusiasm, and commitment to building the unity that Christ desires for His Church, which was so evident in the community. Joan has always seen it as a ministry and she carried it out with great joy and love. May God continue to bless Joan and also this very special part of God s creation on the Sunshine Coast. Group 61 Group 61 is an ecumenical response to people who are emotionally disturbed and living in the community on the north side of Brisbane. Support is given through committed friendships and aims to empower people to achieve their potential personal growth. Included are people diagnosed with a mental illness and those experiencing excessive stress, anxiety or depression. Volunteers provide support through friendship bringing understanding, empowerment and fullness of life. continued next page > 6

7 LOCAL NEWS < from previous page Support generally takes the form of: a cuppa and a chat with people each week at a coffee shop, in a park, by the sea or in their own home. encouraging good nutrition, exercise, meaningful activity, cultural interests and spiritual growth. encouraging a number of regular personal friendships in addition to the Group 61 volunteer and holding regular group BBQs. Members of Group 61 are volunteers and their service is free. Volunteers are provided with relevant information and training. Once a month volunteers meet to support and share in confidence with one another. The Management Committee meets monthly to ensure Group 61 operates in line with government standards of service and the latest developments in mental health. 61 refers to Isaiah 61 which says: The Spirit of the Lord God has taken control of me! to tell the oppressed the good news, The Lord has sent me to comfort those who mourn, He sent me to give them flowers in place of sorrow, olive oil in place of tears and joyous praise in place of broken hearts. (CEV selected verses) Group 61 is a Branch of Neighbourhood Gospel Sharing Inc., which is an ecumenical group promoting Christian values in the local community. Further information: Currently we have 41 people on our books, but 3 of these are on a waiting list. We have 42 volunteer support persons. Volunteers are recruited mainly through appeals at church services. Rev Ron Wilson is Spiritual Adviser to the group. Website: Anglican Roman Catholic Clergy Day Dr Pascoe highlighted the many Agreed Statements between Anglicans and Roman Catholics as evidence of the achievements of theological dialogue, while also noting the real friendships that had developed at all levels. Although other issues, especially in the moral and ethical sphere, had put strain on the relationship, it was these friendships that would ensure that dialogue would continue. An excellent example of this was the invitation from the Archbishop of Canterbury to Cardinal Kasper to respond to the Windsor Report. Dr David Pascoe, Dr Don Saines and Canon Susan Robertson from St John s Cathedral, who gave the Vote of Thanks. The Annual Gathering of Anglican and Roman Catholic Clergy took place on Friday 2 February at Marymac Community Centre, Ipswich Road, Annerley. Archbishops Philip Aspinall and John Bathersby joined some seventy other clergy from across south-east Queensland, including Toowoomba and Warwick, for this important ecumenical event. Guest speakers were Rev. Dr David Pascoe, President of St Paul s Roman Catholic Theological College, and Rev. Dr Don Saines, President of St Francis Anglican Theological College. Each presented a response to the document from the 2006 World Council of Churches Assembly entitled Called to be the One Church. This document was an invitation to the Churches to renew their commitment to the search for Unity and to deepen their dialogue. Basically, it asked the Churches to review the progress that has been made and to commit themselves to even greater efforts in the future. Dr Saines spoke of the many gifts which each tradition had shared with the other over the past forty years and the wonderful examples of ecumenical cooperation, Brisbane College of Theology being a local highlight. He noted the importance of valuing diversity and ensuring that members of each tradition are aware of the particular identity of their own traditions. Formation is vitally important, as members learn the history and theology which makes each tradition unique and which forms something of the gift that each offers the other. A delicious three course lunch was then shared and some very productive informal ecumenical dialogue took place. Archbishops Philip Aspinall and John Bathersby enjoy lunch with other clergy. BRISBANE ROMAN CATHOLIC COMMISSION FOR ECUMENISM AND INTERFAITH RELATIONS 7

8 QUEENSLAND CHURCHES TOGETHER ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: 24th March, 2007, St Francis Theological College, Milton Worship: The liturgy was conducted by Fr Anastasios Bozikis of the Greek Orthodox Church splendidly supported by the church choir, with the Homily delivered by Major Wayne Maxwell of the Salvation Army. Welcome: President, Lt Col. Ed Dawkins welcomed everyone to the meeting, especially those attending for the first time. The General Secretary pronounced the acknowledgement of country in the absence of Paula Coghill (former CTIPP Project worker) who has recently resigned to take up a full-time position. Panel: The main input of the day was a response to the World Council of Churches 2006 document, Called to be One Church by Rev. Dr Don Saines (Anglican), Fr Anastasios Bozikis (Greek Orthodox) and Don Wiltshire (Society of Friends). Rev. Dr Saines: The challenge for the Anglican Church in moving towards one church is how this might be achieved. The Lambeth Quadrilateral, or the four elements of Scripture, Creeds, Sacraments (Baptism & Eucharist) and Episcopate, is the basis of Anglican self-understanding. Today there is a feeling of openness to the position of other churches with regard to the apostolic succession of the Episcopate. Any movement towards unity must be shaped by the gospel. There must be recognition of differences between churches. The Anglican Church would wish to retain some form of oversight which does not invalidate other church ministries. Conversation must go on, keeping in mind the art of the possible. Fr Anastasios: In the Greek Orthodox Church, Faith & Order has reassumed importance. The WCC document reaffirms the Holy Trinity. There is a need for visible unity: one faith, one eucharist, common baptism and recognition of each other. The Nicene Creed expresses the challenge of one holy catholic church and thus the need to acknowledge each other (see paragraphs 3, 5 and 6 of the document). This needs to be seen in the light of the Harare WCC report which crystallizes concerns of the Orthodox Church (visible unity, no administrative unity). Unity is sometimes seen as people returning to one church. There can be unity but also plurality is possible. Ordination is part of the life of the church: without a bishop there is no community and vice versa. Don Wiltshire: He began with the disclaimer: The Society of Friends believe no individual can speak for all There is God in everyone. The majority of Society of Friends (Quakers) are in Africa. Refugees, particularly from Burundi, have changed local Quakers. All would wish to become more Christ-like. Worldwide there is a call to be one church, but as with individuals there is much diversity. For Quakers Jesus and the Holy Spirit are central. There are no sacraments (all life is holy); no eucharist but individuals can join in meals of other churches; the episcopate is not acceptable. Co-operation in some activities, especially concerning Social Justice, is one way of relating and working with other churches. It is important to look to see Christ in each individual. Points raised in discussion: Growth of commercial religion is a problem. Gospel values must be maintained in any critical observance. Ecumenism has produced much progress but not enough dialogue at local level re visible unity. Need for leadership to educate and inspire lay people. Often lay people are too busy to investigate their own faith. Often courses are based on building personal relationships. Christians in Dialogue is an excellent resource for local interchurch dialogue. Another recommended document which focuses on mutual accountability is the NCCA Covenant document signed in Adelaide in General Secretary s Report: Discussion as follows: A new part-time CTIPP position was to be advertised on 28 March. It has been difficult to find a part-time worker as most applicants are interested in a full-time position. A similar situation exists with the CWS position, though there is great interest. Faith & Unity report shows a resurgence of interest in Christians in Dialogue and a new discussion is about to be published. There is a re-scheduled meeting for the Ecumenical Projects Team with town planners. E.P.T. wishes to raise consciousness that churches should be part of town and regional planning because they supply a community service. e.g. Adelaide model. The General Secretary sees QCT s role as a catalyst for interfaith relations. It refers people to interfaith bodies. It needs to be seen as the main body for interfaith contact by the government. It is desirable that the Gen. Secretary s regional trip is an annual event but it is difficult. It was asked if the Chairs of Commissions get together for discussion. There is an allowance in the budget for the maintenance of the website. Commission Reports: Liturgy It was again noted that there is already the Australian Consultation on the Liturgy which could assist QCT. Application for Membership: An application for membership to QCT has been received from the Coptic Orthodox Church. The President invited Fr David Mahrous to put this proposal to the meeting. Members discussed and voted on the application, which was passed unanimously. Fr David was welcomed to the assembly as the representative of his church. Elections of Office bearers: President: Rev. Dr David Pitman (UCA) Vice President 1: Fr Anastasios (Greek Orthodox) Vice President 2: Bishop Brian Finnigan (RC) Treasurer: Executive to appoint Auditor: Mr Derek Miller (RC) Veronica Ross (March 2007) 8

9 QUEENSLAND CHURCHES TOGETHER GENERAL MEETING: 27 October 2007, Uniting Church Centre, Auchenflower Worship: The opening worship was prepared by the Roman Catholic delegation and included a Welcome into Membership of the Coptic Orthodox Church. Fr David Mahrous of the Coptic Orthodox Church preached the homily and brought a message from Bishop Daniel in Sydney. Welcome: As Rev. Dr David Pitman was attending a special meeting of the Uniting Church Queensland Synod, Fr Anastasios chaired the morning session and welcomed all to the meeting. Input: Presentations were made by Rev. Dr David Rankin (UCA), Principal of Trinity Theological College, and Rev. Dr David Stolz (Lutheran) on the topic of Ecumenical Dialogue. Both related their personal experiences of dialogue at both the formal and informal level. Dr Rankin spoke of his ten years ministering in rural Victoria where ecumenical cooperation across a wide range of Christian Churches was common. His role at Trinity means his involvement in that very special ecumenical venture known as the Brisbane College of Theology and he is also co-chair, with Archbishop Bathersby, of the National Roman Catholic Uniting Church Dialogue. All this experience has taught him that Soft Ecumenism is not an option. For dialogue to be meaningful we have to be prepared to ask the hard questions and to be clear about who we are in our own beliefs. It should not be assumed that all dialogue will end in an agreed statement. It is also important to recognise that when we make changes in our own churches we need to ask what impact these will have on our ecumenical relationships. Dr Stolz, who for seven years was co-chair of the National Uniting Church Lutheran Dialogue, also stressed that it was crucial to know your own tradition. To be involved in dialogue meant learning a new language, as the same words have different meanings in each tradition. Learning to really listen was also vital. He believed that there was little energy in the ecumenical movement for organic unity but still plenty for partnerships. QCT Website: The General Secretary demonstrated the features of the new website which has had significant development since the last meeting. It can be found at: General Secretary s Report: As delegates had been given the opportunity to read the report before the meeting, time was spent discussing it in small groups. Issues raised in plenary were: Interfaith matters, especially the Qld Forum for Christians, Jews and Muslims, and the recommendation of the General Secretary that someone should be employed by QCT to work in this area as it was so significant and time-consuming. The difficulty of finding a CTIPP Project Worker The heavy workload of the General Secretary and the need for strategic planning. Financial Report: The new Treasurer, Mr Benny Lam Sam, from the Uniting Church, presented the report and the draft budget for Christian World Service Project Officer Tanya Richards reported on: the visit of Sylvia Haddad from the Middle East Council of Churches during the NCCA Forum Refugee and Migrant Sunday Simply Sharing Week Tanya s attendance at an ecumenical leadership course in Sri Lanka. Churches Together Indigenous Peoples Partnership: In the absence of a Project Worker Glenine reported on the work of the Commission. The Make Indigenous Poverty History Forum had been a successful event. There was still concern over the lack of a Coordinator and the Commission was seeking guidance from QCT on this issue. QCT Membership in Association Guidelines: These guidelines have been amended to provide greater clarity and to allow for a stronger and more committed relationship with Associate Members. The amendments were endorsed by the General Council. Draft Proposal for a QCT Working Group on Climate Change: This document had been available to delegates before the meeting. It was discussed in some detail and the following matters noted: Many initiatives are already happening but a lack of connection and communication exists Public statements need to be handled in the light of the QCT constitution Due to the General Secretary s lack of capacity, a group needs to be established to carry this forward The initiative had budgeting implications. Closure: The meeting closed with the hymn God gives us a Future. See photos of this meeting on the next page > BRISBANE ROMAN CATHOLIC COMMISSION FOR ECUMENISM AND INTERFAITH RELATIONS 9

10 QUEENSLAND CHURCHES TOGETHER GENERAL MEETING photos Animated discussion among QCT delegates Fr Anastasios Bozikis, Vice President of QCT, welcomes Fr David Mahrous and the Coptic Orthodox Church into membership Guest speakers Rev. Dr David Rankin and Rev. Dr David Stolz Building on 40 years of Anglican Roman Catholic Dialogue Another exciting development in Anglican Roman Catholic relations was the publication in early 2007 of Growing Together in Unity and Mission, an Agreed Statement of the International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission (IARCCUM). In May 2000, Dr George Carey, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Cardinal Edward Cassidy, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, called a meeting of bishops from both Communions at Mississauga, Canada to discuss ways to build on and advance what was already a close relationship. Over the time since the Second Vatican Council, there have been a significant number of agreed statements on theological issues between the two Communions. It was now time to explore ways that these agreements could be translated in joint witness and mission in the world. The International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission (IARCCUM) was born, and its first task was to provide a summary of what had, in fact, been achieved, accompanied by a call to action. While primarily addressed to bishops, it is hoped that the report will also encourage clergy and laity to respond in ways appropriate to their local circumstances. Growing Together in Unity and Mission is written in two parts. The first outlines the achievements in theological dialogue, emphasising both the commitment of the two Communions to unity and mission, and highlighting the faith we hold in common. Themes discussed are: 1. Belief in God as Trinity 2. Church as Communion in Mission 3. The Living Word of God 4. Baptism 5. Eucharist 6. Ministry 7. Authority in the Church 8. Discipleship and Holiness 9. The Blessed Virgin Mary. While significant agreement has been reached on these matters, the document is also careful to point out where divergence still exists. In Part Two, Towards Unity and Common Mission, the document goes on to suggest ways of working together under the headings: 1. Visible expressions of our shared faith 2. Joint study of our faith 3. Co-operation in ministry 4. Shared witness in our world. The document is full of hope, encouragement and practical suggestions. IARCCUM s co-chairs, Archbishop John Bathersby of Brisbane, Australia (Roman Catholic) and Bishop David Beetge of The Highveld, South Africa (Anglican) invite all those working ecumenically in local communities to discuss and reflect on its contents with a view to finding new ways for Anglicans and Roman Catholics to work and witness together. For the full text of this document go to: pontifical_councils/chrstuni/angl-comm-docs/ rc_pc_chrstuni_doc_ _growing-together_en.html 10

11 Regular readers of this newsletter will be familiar with the Christians in Dialogue study program. It began as an initiative of the Anglican Diocese and Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane in Very soon, members of the Lutheran Church of Australia (Qld District) and the Uniting Church in Australia (Qld Synod) joined the planning team. Christians in Dialogue The first studies were based on Baptism, Eucharist, Ministry (The Lima Statement) of the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches. Since then a wide range of topics relevant to Christian Unity has been covered. These discussion programs are designed for use by small ecumenical groups in local communities. All Christians are welcome to participate. Bishop Rob Nolan at the Toowoomba launch. The Christians in Dialogue program for 2007 was prepared by a group from Toowoomba Churches Together: Ms Ruth Hogg (UCA), Pastor Gabor Szabo (Lutheran) and Rev. Brian Sparksman (Roman Catholic), with the very able assistance of Rev. Geoff Hoyte (Anglican) of Warwick. Entitled Hope for a New Pentecost, it provides a comprehensive update on the ecumenical journey, including quotes from Scripture and official documents, a history of division and developments since the nineteenth century, a look at the most significant dialogue themes, covenants and Spiritual Ecumenism. Owing to the amount of material to be covered, the study has been extended to five weeks instead of the usual four. Members of Toowoomba Churches Together at the Christians in Dialogue launch. Bishop Rob Nolan (Anglican Diocese of Brisbane, Western Region) officially launched the program at a lunch organised by Toowoomba Churches Together at Settlers Coffee House, Hodgson Vale (just out of Toowoomba) on Saturday, 11 August. The first use of the program was by the ecumenical group in the Mount Gravatt area which began the study with an Opening Service at Broadwater Road Uniting Church on Tuesday, 10 July. Bishop Michael Putney was the preacher and some 65 people took part in the study. A Flyer / Order Form for the 2007 program is enclosed as an insert. Details of previous programs can be located at: php Bishop Michael Putney with members of the Mount Gravatt Christians in Dialogue group. BRISBANE ROMAN CATHOLIC COMMISSION FOR ECUMENISM AND INTERFAITH RELATIONS 11

12 Abrahamic Faiths Forum 7 February 2007 Don t let this be a one-day wonder was the opening statement by Lindy Nelson-Carr MP to the Abrahamic Faiths Forum at Queensland s Parliament House on 7 th February As Minister for Multiculturalism, she was launching what became a day of powerful interchange and dialogue among Jews, Muslims and Christians. The event was hosted by Multicultural Affairs Queensland as the Queensland Government's participation in a nationwide program encouraged by the Australian Government. Organisation, planning and promotion were a shared participation by the Islamic Council of Queensland, Queensland Churches Together and the Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies. The Forum was facilitated by Sandy McCutcheon, a Buddhist, and well-known presenter of such ABC programs as Australia Talks Back. Over 200 people from the Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities were present. The objective was to support our multicultural society by promoting education of, and dialogue amongst, faith groups to encourage mutual respect and positive community relations. Opening Prayers were led by Rabbi Jaffe, Bishop Jonathan Holland (Anglican) and Imam Uzair Akkbar, leading in to presentations by Keynote Speakers: Ms Franceska Jordan AM: who has conducted research into the needs of the Jewish community in South East Queensland. She works to promote harmony within individuals, families and teams through her counselling practice, academic and community work. Rev. Professor James Haire AM: Currently Director of the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture at Charles Sturt University, Canberra. Having served as an academic theologian in Indonesia from , and being a visiting Professor to Indonesia for the past 20 years, he was involved in the peace process in the Moluccas Islands, Indonesia from Dr Mohamad Abdalla: in 2004, Dr Abdalla established the Griffith University Islamic Research Unit to encourage research on issues that relate to Islam and the Muslims in an Australian context. He is actively involved in inter-faith dialogue focussing on building practical and sustainable bridges and seeking conciliation between ethnic and religious groups in Australia. Some excerpts from their presentations will give a feel for their input: Franceska Jordan: That which is painful to you do not do to your neighbour. There is serious conflict in the world today. Yet as serious as it is, the trouble is in local communities where the need is greatest for building bridges of interpersonal relationships and peace among people of faith. Peace in the Judaic sense will come when, under God s sacred canopy, the value of peace will flow from that of difference and that is more than tolerance: it is acceptance. If we get to know the people who live around us in the same street, we reduce the threat is suspicion that is fuelled by the media s value of confrontation and conflict. For peace in the Judaic sense will come not when all nations are converted [as in tribalism and universalism] but when, under God s sacred canopy, different nations and faiths will make space for one another in mutual respect and acceptance. Freedom is fundamental to a shared future. It begins in the home with the priority being promotion of harmony. In Judaism, the mother is the key figure in this walking in the tradition of Sarah. The 613 precepts of Jewish faith govern every aspect of daily life, and in turn, govern community life. Evil exists and prospers when we allow it. We cannot wait for our leaders to show the way to peace we must accept person-to person responsibility as families, communities and as a nation. James Haire: James presentation opened with a powerful story of his participation in a peace-building process after the violence in Ambon in In a village where the violence was particularly horrific, the peace negotiators from both sides went to a village where the corpses were still rotting on the ground. In the presence of the stench of violence and death, they affirmed that Only here can we know the consequences of our negotiations. The perpetrators met together at the same table. Only in that context of consequence of violence between Christians and Muslims could real talk about real reconciliation begin. The Indonesian Government gave money to build a new mosque to replace the one which had been destroyed. The Christians came to the opening ceremony on their knees. The Muslims responded by the doing the same at the re-built Christian church. Both communities affirmed that the violence must never happen again. Inter-religious dialogue in every country is vitally important. It is very well advanced in Australia, where Reconciliation is a major theme, looking for understanding that does not deny each others integrity. There are diverse ways towards common ethical standards in communities, families and human existence. If we can get it right, we will show the way for the world. There is an enormous groundswell of goodwill in Australia. By and large, the media creates a culture of fear for its own ends. The priority must be to go out, meet, speak with, and get to personally know the neighbour who is different. Panelists Ms Franceska Jordan, Rev Prof. James Haire, and Dr Mohamad Abdalla 12

13 Abrahamic Faiths Forum (continued) Mohamad Abdalla: Today is a historically significant day for our three faiths. Yes, we have much in common but there are differences. The peaceful co-existence in Spain on the 5 th Century is not with us now. Yet our three traditions do still have much in common. But we had to wait for a tragedy 9/11 to go out and work for answers for the sake of the world and its peoples. The Kuraby mosque was razed. All that the perpetrators knew was what was in the media. But now we are at a point where we can choose reconciliation, harmony and forgiveness which are essential in Islam. As the Prophet Mohamad said: Justice demands an eye for and eye, a tooth for a tooth. No! I choose justice and mercy. This is also a rich element in the Jewish and Christian faiths. If we don t speak out for justice, reconciliation, mercy and forgiveness, the extremists, the fundamentalists, will have the day. And God will ask: Why did you not speak out? Dialogue should enable us to see through to the faith of the other person and not stop at defining him or her on the basis of appearances. The need is for personal engagement not theorising about what their beliefs may or may not be. It means getting to know each other. This can by done through mutual invitations to each others homes for things like barbecues, going on shared picnics, visiting each other s mosque, synagogue or church. Yes, we all have many things in common but how can we make them realities? A barbecue would be a great place to start! The Afternoon Session was in workshops on the themes: The role of education in promoting interfaith dialogue [Dr John Roulston] The role of community, political and faith leaders in promoting interfaith dialogue [Prof Toh Swee-Hin] Media presentation of religions, responding to international incidents and community development [Ms Mitra Khabaz] Reconciliation between faiths [Rev Ray Richmond]. Key points and possibilities that emerged from the workshops highlighted the need for: Integration of multi-faith activities/perspectives into the formal school content and co-curricular activities. Teaching respect for religions e.g. sharing together their key faith celebrations. The possibility of an inter-faith youth convention that includes formal and informal education, sports etc. Forming a committee from this forum to monitor media representation and facilitate positive responses Faith groups to facilitate this. Social action / strategy. Treat media personnel with respect before dramatic action invite them to a dialogue All Abrahamic faiths and MAQ organizing media workshop to kick off a strategy. Giving positive feedback to journalists who cover faith issues well - All relevant parties are important! Multicultural Affairs Queensland to fund more multi-faith and social justice projects in schools. Teaching non-violent communication in schools to build a culture of peace. Politicians and prominent Australians to model respectful behaviour and set an example for the wider community. At the personal level to take opportunities to get to know people nearby barbecues were often mentioned as a way to do networking and informal gatherings. Encourage dialogue at local, regional and State faith leaders levels. Engaging in common action for resolving critical social issues that affect us all. Create a multi-faith centre that trains people to deal with interfaith issues and undertake relevant research. Personal commitment to understand and reach out to the other to overcome the stereotyping of people of different faiths. These are just some of the points that emerged from the reports and recommendations of the Working Groups seven pages of them! We came away from the Forum and returned to our places of family, work, recreation, neighborhoods and faith communities committed afresh to the building of relationships in ways that ensure that the Forum will not be a one-day wonder. Rev. Don Whebell Look for us at: Newsletter on the Web If you would prefer to read the newsletter via the Web, we would be happy to notify you via when a new edition has been posted. Just send your address to: ecum@bne.catholic.net.au and we will put you on the mailing list. BRISBANE ROMAN CATHOLIC COMMISSION FOR ECUMENISM AND INTERFAITH RELATIONS 13

14 National Council of Churches in Australia 6 th National Forum: July Dialogues seeking Understanding: The Uniting Church with: a) Oriental Orthodox, b) Greek Orthodox, c) Baptist, d) The Salvation Army, e) The Society of Friends Anglican Oriental Orthodox. This day also included the launch, by Archbishop John Bathersby, of Stages on the Way II, edited by Rev. Dr Raymond K. Williamson, secretary of the NCCA Faith and Unity Commission. This book is a collection of documents from all the Bilateral Conversations which took place in Australia from 1994 to Rev. Dr Ray Williamson and Archbishop John Bathersby at the launch of Stages on the Way II Southeast Queensland was host to a very significant event in the life of the Churches in Australia when the 6 th National Forum of the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) was held at Alexandra Headlands from July this year. This Forum is takes place every three years in locations all around the country, the last being in Adelaide in It is the major gathering of NCCA Churches and provides the opportunity to elect the Executive and set directions for the next three years. The theme for the 2007 Forum was Life Together, a reference to Dietrich Bonhoeffer s work on the Christian community. Pre-Forum Events Three pre-forum events were held on specialist areas of NCCA work. These included the Christ and Culture Indigenous Theology Conference organised by the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission (NATSIEC) at Noosaville from 9-12 July, the Gender Commission s Audacity to Hope workshop, and the Commission on Faith and Unity s Fourth Consultation on Bilateral Dialogues at St Francis Anglican Theological College, Milton on Friday, 13 July. Faith and Unity s Consultation heard reports from all National Dialogues and these were grouped under three headings: 1. Dialogues seeking Theological Convergence: Lutheran Roman Catholic Roman Catholic Uniting Church Anglican Roman Catholic. 2. Dialogue seeking Mutual Recognition: Anglican Lutheran Anglican Uniting Lutheran Uniting Churches of Christ Uniting. The NCCA Forum New Members The Forum proper began with dinner at the Uniting Church s Alexandra Park Conference Centre on the Friday evening. After the Welcome to Country read by Mrs Joan Hendriks on behalf of the local Elders, Opening Worship was led by a group from Queensland Churches Together. As Bishop Richard Appleby (Anglican), the current President of NCCA, was undergoing medical treatment and unable to attend the Forum, it was necessary to elect a Chairperson. This role fell to Bishop Michael Putney (Roman Catholic) of Townsville. Various procedural matters were explained, introductions made and organisational structures put in place. The highlight of the first evening, however, was the acceptance of two new Member Churches. Bishop Albert Chiew, head of the Chinese Methodist Church in Australia, and the Rev. Dr Koshy P. Varughese of the Mar Thoma Church introduced their respective Churches. Resolutions of acceptance were passed by acclamation and the two leaders formally signed Part A of the document Australian Churches Covenanting Together. The evening closed with prayer led by the Coptic Orthodox Church. Rev. John Henderson, Bishop Albert Chiew, Bishop Michael Putney and Rev. Dr Koshy P Varughese, as new Member Churches sign the Covenant document. 14

15 National Council of Churches in Australia 6 th National Forum: July 2007 (continued) Saturday, 14 July Morning worship was led by the Roman Catholic Church and messages of greeting were received from the Queensland Premier, the Mayor of Maroochy Shire and representatives of the Australian Prayer Network and the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils. Several other written messages were also received. Bible Study, on the Prodigal God, was led by Rev. Dr Merryl Blair, of the Churches of Christ. The meeting then heard the address of the General Secretary, the Rev. John Henderson, who challenged his audience to revisit their vision for NCCA. He emphasised that Unity is God s idea and that NCCA is a tool to achieve the goal of Unity. The NCCA belongs to the Churches and is a safe place for the Churches to meet, however presently it is an under-utilised resource. He invited the Churches to suggest ways that NCCA could serve them better and to raise the profile of NCCA among their members and the wider community. The afternoon sessions were devoted to the Reports of the various Commissions (Gender, Youth, Christian World Service, NATSIEC, Social Justice, Faith and Unity) and Project teams (Safe Church, Growing Churches in an Australian Context, Interfaith, Communications). These had all been made available before the Forum and were assumed read. The presentations were in the form of storytelling, with participants asked to draw out aspects that required further consideration by NCCA. Sunday 15, July Sunday morning saw Forum delegates attend church services in the local area before gathering at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Buderim for a public ecumenical service at 11am. During the service, again planned by Queensland Churches Together, the two new Member Churches were welcomed liturgically. The Service was led by Rev. Bruce Boase (Anglican) and the Sermon was preached by the Rev. Glynthea Finger (Churches of Christ) of Brisbane. The meeting resumed in the afternoon and continued into the evening with Workshop sessions on the future directions of NCCA and a Finance report. Evening Prayer was led by the Anglican Church. Australian participants at the World Council of Churches Assembly in 2006 report back. Monday, 16 July Morning Worship was led by the Uniting Church in Australia and the Bible Study, entitled Living the Gift by Rev. Dr Vic Pfitzner (Lutheran). The day s program included Focus Sessions on: Making Indigenous Poverty History Project of NATSIEC Covenanting Developments since 2004 and issues of reception Themes from the World Council of Churches Assembly 2006 Australian participants report on their experiences. Guest speaker, Sylvia Haddad, Executive Secretary of the Joint Christian Council for Social Service in Lebanon, Middle East Council of Churches, shared an historical overview of the Palestinian people leading to an exploration of the present day situation of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. Two delegates from the Assyrian Church of the East spoke about the plight of Assyrian Christians in Iraq, particularly in the North of that country. They informed the meeting of a Rally that had been organised for outside Parliament House, Canberra on 7 August to ask for Australian support. The Forum passed the following resolution: That the NCCA Forum encourage and request member Churches to pray for Christians and other religious minorities in Iraq That the NCCA encourage member Churches to do whatever is in their power to urge the Australian Governments and other governments to assist refugees, particularly Christians who have been singled out for persecution in the Middle East, by providing financial assistance and granting humanitarian and other visas. Rev. John Henderson (General Secretary), Archbishop Phillip Aspinall (Anglican), Bishop Michael Putney (Roman Catholic) and Archbishop Philip Wilson (Roman Catholic) at the Ecumenical Service at Buderim. continued next page > BRISBANE ROMAN CATHOLIC COMMISSION FOR ECUMENISM AND INTERFAITH RELATIONS 15

16 National Council of Churches in Australia 6 th National Forum: July 2007 (continued) The evening session was a Public Lecture by Monsignor Don Bolen, of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity who spoke on Living Together: Fostering a Spirituality of Communion and an Ecumenism of Life. Linking in with the theme of the Forum and Bonhoeffer s work, he spoke about the importance of Common Prayer, Joint Witness and Shared Mission. Currently the ecumenical movement is undergoing a period of evaluation and reflection. After many years of dialogue it is time to pause and harvest the results of all that work. It is a time to refocus on prayer for unity and prayer for one another, to study the scriptures with one another and learn more about each other in the process. This puts us clearly on the road to forgiveness and healing, where we learn to carry the burden of the other and to see Christ in the face of the other. Tuesday 17 July Morning worship was led by NATSIEC and the Bible Study The Common Life for the World was shared by Rev. Dr Merryl Blair and Rev. Dr Vic Pfitzner. The process of determining directions was finalised during the morning and the Closing Worship was led by QCT. The Forum concluded with lunch. NCCA Executive The business of the NCCA is carried on by the Executive between Forums. Each Member Church (17 at present) is entitled to be represented by its Head, or an Alternate, and a Designated person. Six other Executive members (usually two each from the Anglican, Roman Catholic and Uniting Churches) are elected by the Forum. The Executive meets in Sydney three times each year, often for two days. Further information on the NCCA can be found at: Mons. Don Bolen from the Vatican at his public lecture Roman Catholic participants at the NCCA Forum Multi-Faith Centre, Griffith University and Believing Women for a Culture of Peace Announce an Asia-Pacific Interfaith Symposium on Women, Faith and a Culture of Peace Venue: Multi-Faith Centre, Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Brisbane Date: Saturday, 23 February mid-afternoon to Monday, 25 February mid-afternoon. Multi-Faith Centre Conference Registration Fees (payment not required to pre-register) Full: AUD $100 / Concession: (NGOs) AUD $70. The form can be downloaded on the website of the Multi-Faith Centre and sent by . Go to: and click on Women & Faith Symposium under Forthcoming Events. 16

17 Statement by Australian Church Leaders Bethlehem, December 2007 In December 2007 a delegation of nine Australian Church leaders visited Jerusalem and the Holy Land to: meet with and express friendship and support for Christians in Palestine and Israel; meet with Jewish and Muslim faith leaders and representatives of the Israeli Government and the Palestinian Authority; and help Australians more fully understand and respond to the situation in Israel and Palestine. It was a profound privilege to visit Palestine and Israel. We felt very welcome and safe, and greatly appreciated the friendship and hospitality extended to us. We consulted widely, visiting the Old City of Jerusalem, West and East Jerusalem, Hebron, Jenin, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and refugee camps where churches are providing humanitarian support. We met with Jewish, Christian and Muslim leaders, Israeli government and Palestinian National Authority representatives, and civic and human rights leaders. We have been encouraged by international efforts toward a just peace renewed at Annapolis, and by the desire for negotiations between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian National Authority. We were distressed to hear Palestinians, both Christian and Muslim, relate the suffering and fear experienced daily by large numbers of their people. We saw and heard evidence of systematic harassment, physical and psychological oppression, widespread unemployment, poverty, and economic deprivation, resulting directly or indirectly from Israeli military occupation of the West Bank. Their suffering compels us to respond, and we assure Palestinians of our compassion and concern. We visited Yad Vashem and laid a wreath in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. We heard of Israeli grief and pain resulting from violent attacks and continuing fear of terrorist activity. We condemn all acts of terrorism and assure Israelis of our compassion and concern. We recognise the complex nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We strongly affirm the right of both Israel and Palestine to political autonomy, security and selfdetermination. We join with a large majority of the people of Palestine and Israel in longing for a just and lasting peace. We understand the reluctance to make concessions or to trust those who are the source of fear and oppression, but the time for courageous and inspiring leadership has come. In the light of what we have seen and heard during this visit, we support actions to enable Israel and Palestine to negotiate just outcomes on borders, settlements, water, refugees, prisoners, Jerusalem, and security. We are particularly concerned by the imprisonment of teenagers, mothers with dependent children, and those detained without trial for long periods. We encountered the debilitating effects on the Palestinian economy and impacts on daily life of the segregated road system, the proliferation of checkpoints and road blocks throughout the West Bank, restrictions on movement of people and goods, and the effective isolation of Palestinian communities from one another. We were repeatedly told that these matters stand in the way of a just peace. We are heartened by important signs of hope in the face of persistent difficulties. The emergence in Jerusalem of the Council for Religious Institutions promises greater understanding and cooperation among Jewish, Christian and Muslim leaders and communities. Human rights organisations in both Palestine and Israel undertake significant and sometimes dangerous work with courage and passion. Vibrant educational and cultural initiatives are evident in oppressed communities and refugee camps. We ask Australian Churches to: pray for a just and lasting peace for Jerusalem and the Holy Land; encourage the Australian Government to take more action to support a just and lasting peace for Israel and Palestine; hear the stories of the suffering and oppression, perseverance and hope of the people of the Holy Land; sponsor aid and development projects in the West Bank and Gaza; support the status of Jerusalem as an open city for all faiths and peoples; encourage Australian Christians to visit the Holy Land and foster relationships with Palestinian Christians; build stronger relationships with Jewish and Muslim communities in Australia. Our common humanity and legitimate desires for security and freedom can drive the peace process forward. We are confident that a just and lasting peace for Palestine and Israel can be realised. As Christmas approaches, we look to the future with hope, confident in God s promise of forgiveness, reconciliation and peace. Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace! (Luke 2:14 NRSV) Bethlehem, 12 December Archbishop Phillip Aspinall Primate, Anglican Church of Australia, and Archbishop of Brisbane Rev. Rod Benson Ethicist, National Council, Baptist Union of Australia Dr Kevin Bray National Council, Churches of Christ in Australia + Archbishop Francis Carroll Roman Catholic Archbishop emeritus, and Immediate Past President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Rev. Terence Corkin Assembly General Secretary, Uniting Church in Australia Lyndsay Farrall Presiding Clerk, Australian Yearly Meeting, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) Revd Gregor Henderson President, Uniting Church in Australia Rev. John Henderson General Secretary, National Council of Churches in Australia Rev. Merrill Kitchen National Council, Churches of Christ in Australia. BRISBANE ROMAN CATHOLIC COMMISSION FOR ECUMENISM AND INTERFAITH RELATIONS 17

18 National Interfaith Festival Australia is one of the most religiously diverse countries in the world. A strong, peaceful community doesn t happen automatically and requires some understanding of our neighbours. Just as we have benefited from the variety of cultures in our society, so too we can gain from actively building bridges between our religious communities so we can continue to live harmoniously within the one country. This statement underpins the philosophy behind the National Interfaith Festival held for the first time at the Maleny Showgrounds on the Sunshine Coast on 10 and 11 March The Festival began with a colourful Opening Ceremony and then continued across of range of strands such as Sacred Music, Performance, Rituals and Customs, What is this Faith? and Getting Personal. Festival participants were able to learn about a Jewish Sabbath Service, a Muslim Wedding, a Quaker Service, a Catholic Mass and the life of a Zen Buddhist. Drama, puppetry, poetry and children s art work were also on display. Food from across a wide range of cultural traditions provided a tasty addition to the whole experience. Keynote speakers included Dr Rachael Kohn (ABC Radio National), Rev John Henderson (National Council of Churches in Australia), Rabbi Uri Themal (Council of Progressive Rabbis in Australia and New Zealand), Keysar Trad (Islamic Friendship Association of Australia) and Geshe Jamyang (Chenrezig Institute). Hundreds of people enjoyed the beautiful weather and the mountain / rainforest environment while taking part in what was a truly unique experience. The Festival will be held again in 2008 on the weekend of 8 9 March. Further information is available at: The program ran in four streams with Sacred Music, Ritual and Customs, Performance and What is this Faith? A wide variety of Faith Traditions was represented and some excellent speakers were present. The event was well organised and the facilities most suitable. The local Catholic and Uniting Churches combined to staff an information tent. This office was asked to provide prayer leaflets and other information material. The Festival will operate again in Sadly the Festival Director and instigator, Helen Zeckendorf, died suddenly in September. Faith Leaders at the colourful Opening Ceremony Participants enjoy the Festival 18 Centenary of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity In 1908 the Rev Paul James Wattson, a North American Anglican priest, suggested the celebration of an Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity. Ever since then, Christians all over the world have come together to pray for the unity that Jesus so much desired for his Church (John 17:20ff). In the Northern Hemisphere the Week is celebrated from 18 to 25 January and in the Southern Hemisphere between the feasts of the Ascension and Pentecost. A special Centenary Service will be held on Friday, 9 May 2008 at 5:30pm at the Cathedral of St Stephen, Elizabeth Street, Brisbane. This event is organised by Queensland Churches Together and the Leaders of a number of Christian Churches in Queensland will be present. All are welcome. Why not organise your own local service? This year s theme is Pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17). Resources will be available from 1 February at:- These resources are jointly prepared each year by the World Council of Churches Faith and Order Commission and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.