NEWSLETTER OF THE COUNCIL OF CHURCHES OF WA INC September 2009 Carad Gains Grant from Office of Multicultural Interests The Coalition for Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Detainees has obtained a new grant from the Office of Multicultural Interests to increase their activities in a Welcome Project. The Project aims to assisting Carad clients with settlement needs especially in the area of homework support. supporters and members. CARAD is pleased that this will provide more staff time to support our volunteers in this important work. The Council of Churches is a foundation member of CARAD. CCWA member churches also provide support for Carad. CARAD s work on Christmas Island and the work with critical clients, however, remains funded only by donations from our loyal This I have been reflecting recently on a comment made by the Palliative Care Doctor. When accompanying him on his rounds, he has introduced me to a new patient and then basically said to them : It s good to have another perspective here isn t it? In reflecting on the remark I am reminded What I have to offer in Chaplaincy will of course depend on a number of different things. It can depend upon my own gifts and experience in ministry. It can depend on the role that is established, its opportunities and limitations, and how I can serve in that role. Their maybe other factors as well. Chaplaincy is not always about the heavy stuff. A number of the Palliative Care patients are not there for terminal care, but for pain management or respite care. Many patients actually the Council of Churches of WA General Meeting Saturday 24th October 2009 Church of Christ Wembley Downs Bournemouth Crescent Wembley Downs Registration starts at 8.30 am, followed by worship at 9.00 am. All are welcome. For catering administrator @churcheswa.com.au 2 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF 3 PRAYER FOR PEACE You are invited to purposes please RSVP by phoning 9274 3888 or email NEWS IN BRIEF Learn more at http://www.carad-wa.org This edition of features the Chaplains who work in ecumenical situations. We start with reflections by Brian Thornber. and encouraged to realise that as a Chaplain, I have something different and even unique to offer within the team of people caring for patients. Inside this issue: CHAPLAINCY-IS VALUABLE 4 ACACIA CHAPLAINCY TEAM 5 BOOK ON STUDENT 6 CHRISTAIN MOVEMENT CONCERN FOR WEST PAPUAL 7 SUSTAINABLE SEPTEMBER 7 INDIGENOUS CHURCH LEADERS CALL FOR NEGOITIATION 8
Catholic Bishop Elected President of National Church Body Bishop Michael Putney The Most Revd Michael Putney, Catholic Bishop of Townsville, has been elected President of the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA). Bishop Putney is the 6th President of the Council, following on from Bishop Richard Appleby (retired). The purpose of the National Council is to promote Christian unity and help the Churches work together on key issues of theology, peace, and justice. Bishop Putney s term as the NCCA President will provide leadership to the Council until the end of the next NCCA triennial forum scheduled for July 2010. As President he will work with member and observer Churches, chair the meetings of the Council, and represent it in a number of public settings. Currently the Council has a total membership of 17 national Churches, including the Anglican, Catholic and Uniting Churches, 7 Eastern and Oriental Churches, and a range of Protestant Churches, the Salvation Army, and the Quakers The Council of Churches of WA wishes Bishop Putney well in his new role. Date of Dedication of Cathedral Announced The Cathedral under construction The official opening and dedication of St Mary's Cathedral in Perth will take place on December 8th 2009, the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed VIrgin Mary, Archbishop Hickey has announced recently. This will be the completion of a three year long construction phase which was preceded by a two year design phase. The project has provided the Cathedral with underground parking, meeting rooms and kitchens, and facilities for disabled people. The worship centre will move to be in the round with two large banks of windows providing more light into the worship space, and allowing the worshippers to sit closer to the altar. Familiar features of the Cathedral have been preserved, including the beautiful stained glass windows. Heads of Churches Meet the Premier The Premier Colin Barnett MLA On 25th June the Heads of Churches met with the WA Premier the Honorable Colin Barnett, MLA to discuss issues of concern to the Churches. One of the areas of concern raised in the meeting was the issue of homelessness, which will be the subject of a future meeting of the group. Many Churches conduct welfare works which provide assistance to the homeless in WA. The Premier, Mr Barnett, invited the Churches to participate in a Think Tank regarding the best ways forward to tackle homelessness in WA. It is hoped that the Premier will meet with the Heads of Churches on a regular basis in future. Page 2
International Day of Peace The United Nations' International Day of Peace - marked every year on 21 September - is a time when individuals, communities, nations and governments highlight efforts to end conflict and promote peace. On 21 September, churches and communities throughout the world are committing to the International Day of Peace through prayer, meditation and other forms of spiritual observance. For 2009, the Word Council of Churches office for the Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV) proposes prayers and liturgical resources related to this year's DOV focus on the Carribbean and its theme "One Love: Building a Peaceful Caribbean". The International Day of Prayer for Peace was proposed at a 2004 meeting between WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia and UN secretary general Kofi Annan. The WCC's invitation to pray for peace on 21 September, or the Sunday preceding it, coincides with a United Nations' initiative that encourages "global 24-hour spiritual observation for peace", which "is meant to demonstrate the power of prayer and other spiritual practices in promoting peace and preventing violent conflict". Resources available from the WCC website at http://www.oikoumene. org/en/home.html {Prayer for Jamaica) Keep your church free, that it may be the channel through which justice and peace, integrity and wholeness, harmony and goodwill may flow to the dispossessed and the desperate, that your Kingdom may come in all its fulfillment of life and health and peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. (source unknown: sent by Rev. John Carden) More information is available on the International Day of Prayer for Peace (IDPP) Also see the website of the United Nations International Day of Peace Vigil R e s o u r c e s SA Council of Churches International Day of Peace Project Team has prepared Resources and Prayers for 2009 to assist schools, congregations, inter-church councils, people in aged care facilities and other groups and individuals to participate in a variety of ways in the International Day of Peace. P l e a s e g o t o www.sacc.asn.au to download the resources. For more information, contact: South Australian Council of Churches sacc@picknowl.com.au Pray for peace on September 21st Invite others to join you "To encourage worldwide, 24-hour spiritual observations for peace and nonviolence on the International Day of Peace, 21 September in every house of worship and place of spiritual practice, by all religious and spiritually based groups and individuals, and by all men, women and children who seek peace in the world." Page 3
I BELIEVE THE VALUE OF CHAPLAINCY IN THE PRISON IS VERY IMPORTANT, ESPECIALLY TO THE INDIGENOUS INMATES Pastor Dennis Jetta and his wife Wilma are based at Australind an outer suburb of Bunbury in Western Australia, however, their work for the Lord, takes them amongst the I n d i g e n o u s Communities in and around Bunbury/ Australind/Collie and Perth areas. Pastor Jetta has recently been appointed as an I n d i g e n o u s P r i s o n Chaplain for the Bunbury Regional Prison, and is enjoying the challenge of this ministry. Dennis has commented that I believe the value of Chaplaincy in the Prison is v e r y i m p o r t a n t, especially to the Indigenous inmates, because of the freedom that it gives to the inmates to be able to confide in another Indigenous person, and Chaplaincy is Valuable! without the shadow of a Prison Officer being there. I have found that the inmates will tell me things that they would not tell me if an Officer was present. I have found that the Staff at the Prison have appreciated my presence since I was appointed, as they are asking me to talk to inmates who are at risk and may need some guidance as they move on through the system.. The Community is quite happy that an Indigenous Chaplain has now been appointed at the Bunbury Regional Prison, and now are satisfied that whatever can be done for their family who are inmates will get the proper attention that it deserves. Dennis has been enabled to undertake the ministry in the Bunbury Regional Prison, due to the new funding made available to the Council of Churches of WA by the Department of Custodial Services, to provide indigenous chaplaincy services in WA. Pastor Jetta under the Aboriginal Evangelical Fellowship Western Australia, also coordinates a l l t h e C h u r c h Rallies/Concerts that are being held in these Regions each year, this also involves Prison Outreach m eetings wherever possible. The Council is seeking to appoint appropriate indigenous chaplains to prisons in WA. Please contact the Chaplaincy Field Officer for more information : Revd John Hewitson Fieldofficer@churcheswa.com.au or phone 9274 3888. Chaplaincy Trainee learns the ropes Page 4 I started training as a Prison Chaplain through the Council of Churches WA at the beginning of 2009. I have since spent time at a few prisons in Perth, these include Bandyup Women s Prison, Casaurina Prison, Karnet Prison Farm and am currently undertaking chaplaincy training at Rangeview juvenile detention centre. I completed a social work degree in 2006 and have had practical social work experience out in the community. It was during my work out in the community and a deepening of my personal faith in God that I felt called to pastoral work. It has been a very enriching experience as a trainee Chaplain as I have the opportunity to develop my skills in pastoral ministry and to journey alongside people in our community that are marginalized and experiencing a myriad of issues in their life. In a world that sometimes struggles to acknowledge the abundance of grace and love that God offers each one of us chaplaincy in prisons can be a loving sign of God s presence in the world. I feel privileged to be part of prison chaplaincy in Perth. Marianne Deliu
Alan Forsyth Co-ordinating Chaplain Monday - Friday Bryan Grey Tuesday Brett Butler Thursday Peter Lyndon-James Monday & Thursday Peter Toohey Wednesday & some Thursdays Acacia Prison Chaplaincy Team Susan Blackburn Wednesday & Friday As I see it, the main function of a chaplain is to be a sign that other alternatives are possible alternative ways of living, alternative ways of looking at the world. - Alan Forsyth, Acacia Chaplain Page 5
New book on SCM A new book : "A Century of Influence-The Australian Student Christian Movement, 1896-1996" by Renate Howe has recently been published by UNSW Press With Prime Ministers Robert Menzies and Bob Hawke, High Court judges Ronald Wilson, Garfield Barwick and HV Evatt, and educators David Penington and Leonie Kramer all members, the Australian Student Christian Movement has provided a forum for exploring spirituality and social issues in the nation s universities for over a century. Described as a university within a university the ASCM has had a national and international influence and has inspired leading academics, politicians, public servants, business leaders and clergy to put their faith into action. Renate Howe draws on a rich range of material from libraries, private collections and oral histories. She tells the inspiring story of the progressive ASCM, a movement whose influence has extended well beyond its formal membership. Enquiries :Wendy Taylor on 0408 619 905 ( www.unswpress.com.au (Continued from page 1) want to talk about a whole variety of subjects, they don t want to jump off into the deep end quickly, if at all. Patients understandably want to feel at ease in talking with you, they have enough anxiety as it is without me adding to it. Some patients enjoy having a good laugh. The opportunity is there however to respond to questions of meaning as they arise in different contexts and they do. I value the opportunity to relate also to the families who may spend a considerable amount of time in the Palliative Care Ward and the lounge room, keeping a vigil for their loved one in their journey into death. The nursing staff may have limited time to be with families, whereas I can have a lot more time to talk with them. This kind of ministry reminds me of the ministry of hospitality where you welcome people and seek to make their stay a congenial one, helping to make the stranger feel at home. It can be a very special part of my chaplaincy and sometimes can naturally lead to giving the dying patient a final blessing, where we can all gather around the bedside. This ministry can take on so much more significance when I have personally shared some of the journey with the family. Yes, as the doctor said, it is good to have another perspective on care, one that can complement and complete the overall care of the patient. Revd Brian Thornber Chaplain Sandalwood Palliative Care Ward Glengarry Hospital. Page 6
Concern for West Papua Christian churches in West Papua are working together to raise concerns and speak clearly on behalf of the people of West Papua. A recent statement issued on 28th July 2009 by the Alliance of Churches in the Land of Papua (West Papua) raises concerns about ongoing violence and intimidation in Tanah Papua (the Land of Papua or West Papua). Importantly, the statement calls on the central government in Jakarta to immediately enter into a National Dialogue with the Papuan people in order to resolve all the problems in the Land of Papua, with dignity, justice and humanity. The Alliance of Churches in the Land of Papua requests this dialogue be mediated by a neutral third party. The Uniting Church in Australia works in partnership with a member church of the Alliance, the Gereja Kristen Injili di Tanah Papua (Evangelical Christian Church in the Land of Papua). Sustainable September 2009 Take up the Stop Watts Energy Saving Challenge! The annual Sustainable September campaign highlights the many different threads that are necessary to weave a sustainable future. This year, the 2009 Committee present the Stop Watts Energy Saving Challenge. Pitting organisation against organisation, workplace against workplace, the Sustainable September 2009 Committee is issuing the challenge to organisations in WA to see if their organisation can be the one to reduce their electricity consumption by the greatest percentage during September. Spark your workplace into action and become sustainable this September. For more information or to register visit the website www.sustainableseptember.net.au. Centenary of Edinburgh Mission Conference 2010 The world missionary conference at Edinburgh in 1910 is commonly accepted as marking the beginning of the modern ecumenical movement. This conference appealed to the 1200 delegates sent by missionary societies and so-called younger churches (a total of only 17) to bring about the evangelization of the world in that generation. Next year marks the Centenary of the Conference. There are many activities planned the website is very informative and is aimed at allowing people from all over the world to participate in the commemorations. Worth a look: http://www.edinburgh2 010.org/ Page 7
The Council of Churches of Western Australia Uniting people of faith, serving people in need N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E C O U N C I L O F C H U R C H E S O F W A I N C The Council of Churches in WA is an association of twelve Christian Churches dedicated to the Unit 24, Stafford Court 8-12 Stafford St MIDLAND WA 6056 Phone: 9274 3888 Fax: 9247 3848 E-mail: administrator@churcheswa.co cause of Christian unity. Our basis of being together is the acknowledgement of the Lord Jesus Christ as God and Saviour witnessed to by the Scriptures and in the life of the Church, and on the readiness of the Churches to fulfill together their common calling to the glory of the one God, Father Son and Holy Spirit. We are committed to the vision : Indigenous Church Leaders Call for Negotiation not Consultation Indigenous Church leaders from across Australia have met in Sydney to develop a unified platform for action on the many ad- verse issues affecting Aboriginal people in the wake of the North- ern Territory Intervention. The forum was hosted by the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission (NATSIEC) with its members attending in solidarity with those of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Christian Alliance (NATSICA). Executive Secretary of NATSIEC, Mr Graeme Mundine, said there was a clear message from the forum that, as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Christians, we are united against the Northern Territory Intervention in its current form. We stand in solidarity with our Northern Territory brothers and A Church obedient to Christ s vision worshipping, praying and sharing the faith of Christ together, with the world Recognising one another s Church doctrines, disciplines and traditions Recognising the multicultural and multiethnic nature of Christian communities in Australia We re on the web: http://www.churcheswa.com.au sisters and we want to send messages of hope to them said Mr. Mundine. Rev. Shane Blackman, CEO of NATSICA, said the Intervention has not, and will not, work for Aboriginal Peoples unless negotiation was front and centre. The greatest failing has been the lack of negotiation with Aboriginal Peoples prior to the development and implementation of the Intervention and until such negotiations take place the policy will continue to fail Aboriginal Peoples said Rev Blackman. Forum participants asserted the right of Aboriginal Peoples to negotiate agreements as equal partners who have the right to make their own decisions They stressed the difference between negotiation at all phases of policy development as distinct from consulting about policies and programs that have already been developed. Forum participants also commented on the discriminatory nature of the Intervention and called on the Government to immediately reinstate all the suspended provisions of the Racial Discrimination Act (1975) and to also ensure that the principles of the United Nation s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples are enshrined in Australian Law. A key outcome of the forum was a forum statement which calls on Governments and Churches to undertake several actions to improve the situation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. The Forum Statement is available at www.ncca.org.au/natsiec