Category Archives: Political Activism
Sermon: Ash ‘Wednesday’
One of the reasons I went on the pilgrimage was in the hope that it would purge me of the incandescent rage I feel at the people who have murdered, or allowed the murder of, thousands of children. I was not purged of my anger, but I was reminded that the murderers are my fellow, sinful, human beings and that all of us need God’s grace. Continue reading
Sermon: No longer hiding
Since we are imperfect beings, and churches are imperfect institutions, this means that we will be accused of hypocrisy. How can our community service agencies ask the government to increase welfare benefits when churches receive tax exemptions? How can churches say we support constitutional recognition for First Nations when we played such a central part in colonisation, the destruction of Indigenous cultures, and housed the children stolen from their families? Continue reading
Why I stand with transgender, gender diverse, and non-binary people
Sadly, Christianity has often promoted ideologies driven by supposed superiority and hatred. It has absolutely never gone well. Churches have had to apologise for being involved in slavery and settler colonialism and Nazism and apartheid. Christianity only truly follows Jesus when everyone is both welcomed and able to welcome others, and when Christians both are the oppressed, and those who stand on the side of the oppressed. Continue reading
Sermon: The Uniting Church ‘radicals in politics’
We are involved in these apparently political issues because we believe that this is what the Gospel demands of us. Today we ordain women, we marry gay people, we are in covenant with the First Nations of this land, we celebrate our cultural and linguistic diversity, and we do all this because we are seeking to abide in Jesus and bear fruit. Continue reading
Sermon: Thank God! Palm Sunday and Refugees
I believe that Australia’s mistreatment of the asylum seekers who sought refuge here by boat has in recent years been this country’s greatest sin. It is supported by both the ALP and the LNP, and has broken the hearts of supporters of both. Continue reading
Reflection: Bad theology is dangerous
‘The mob carried signs and flag declaring ‘Jesus Saves!’ and ‘God, guns & guts made America, let’s keep all three’. Some were participants in the Jericho March, a gathering of Christians to “pray, march, fast, and rally for election integrity.”’ Bad theology can lead people to storm the Capitol Building, trying to overturn the results of a democratic election. Continue reading
Reflection: Choosing the Gospel
Reflection for Western Heights 21st of June, 2020 Matthew 10:24-39 and Refugee Week I have to confess that the Gospel according to Matthew is my least favourite. (For those interested, my ranking of the canonical gospels is Luke, John, Mark, … Continue reading
No need for a Religious ‘Freedom’ Act
The Religious Discrimination Bill 2019 is a solution looking for a problem. Continue reading
Palm Sunday Sermon for the combined service
we can work for peace, justice and reconciliation with complete confidence, because God has already won the victory Continue reading
A statement by Bishop Philip Huggins, President of the National Council of Churches in Australia
Australia, with our cultural diversity, is like a big therapy centre in which we all need to listen better to one another. Continue reading
Rev Doc Geek 