Category Archives: Reflection

Funeral Reflection for Howard James ‘Jim’ Learmonth

Posted on November 8, 2019 by Avril Hannah-Jones

‘Eulogy’ is Greek for ‘good words’ and I hope that these are good words for a good man. Continue reading →

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Reflection: God our Rock

Posted on October 31, 2019 by Avril Hannah-Jones

The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Continue reading →

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Reflection: Carrying the Cross

Posted on September 8, 2019 by Avril Hannah-Jones

What we are seeing with the federal Religious Discrimination Bill is a last, desperate, attempt by Australian churches to hold on to the privilege and possessions that Australian Christians used to be able to take for granted: respect from the community, and a place at the tables of politicians. Continue reading →

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Reflection on the sexual abuse of children

Posted on March 2, 2019 by Avril Hannah-Jones

As a minister I am aware of how much respect ordained people are given by our communities, and for abusers to have misused that utterly appals me. Continue reading →

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Reflection: For Bill

Posted on January 17, 2019 by Avril Hannah-Jones

We are gathered here to commend Bill to God, certain that God will receive him with love. Continue reading →

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A statement by Bishop Philip Huggins, President of the National Council of Churches in Australia

Posted on January 9, 2019 by Avril Hannah-Jones

Australia, with our cultural diversity, is like a big therapy centre in which we all need to listen better to one another. Continue reading →

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An astonishingly gracious suggestion: ‘we were wrong’

Posted on January 1, 2019 by Avril Hannah-Jones

The Uniting Church in Australia has done a little of this … In what other areas do we need to say “we were wrong”? Continue reading →

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Reflection: The centenary of the Armistice

Posted on November 10, 2018 by Avril Hannah-Jones

“War is an ancient imposter, but none of his masks and smiles and gallant trumpets can any longer delude us …” Continue reading →

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Praying for Melbourne

Posted on November 10, 2018 by Avril Hannah-Jones

I have no words for my sadness at yesterday’s attack on Melbourne and particularly the death of Sisto Malaspina. So I offer again the prayer I wrote the last time Bourke Street was attacked. May God be with us all.

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Reflection: Notes from 20 years of the Uniting Church’s sexuality debate

Posted on August 31, 2018 by Avril Hannah-Jones

I remember that moment and the Presbytery’s unanimous, unquestioning endorsement. Continue reading →

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