Tag Archives: uniting church in australia
Resolution on non-violent anti-genocide action
At the eighteenth meeting of the Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, Rev. Alex Sangster and I presented a proposal condemning antisemitic acts in Australia, while pointing out that protesting genocide is not antisemitic and encouraging members of the Uniting Church in Victoria and Tasmania to do so. The proposal was passed without amendment. This is the text of that proposal, the rationale for it, and the words of the speech I made presenting it. Continue reading
Sermon: Dear God, we pray for unity and peace
But as I write this Reflection, Israel and Iran are dropping bombs on each other, and there seems every likelihood that President Trump wants the USA to be involved. So today these readings seem to me to speak less about the need for unity among Christians, and more about the need for unity among human beings. Continue reading
Jesus’ Compassionate Ministry: Lessons from Mark 6 and Ephesians 2
While the needs of the world are great, and the church is called to imitate Jesus’ compassion, none of us is Jesus. Not even collectively is the church the Messiah. In today’s scenario, we are the Twelve, not Jesus, and we can take time to rest. Continue reading
Sermon: Deeper Water
Reflection for North Balwyn Uniting Church 23rd of June 2024 Mark 4:35-41 One of the last poems that the nineteenth-century British author Emily Bronte wrote begins: No coward soul is mine No trembler in the world’s storm-troubled sphere I see … Continue reading
Sermon: Being Sheep, not Goats
Our charitable giving increases at Christmas because we know that the best way to welcome the new-born baby who is our Saviour is by caring for him in the poor. We may need to wait until the end of time to see the Son of Man come in his glory. But we see Jesus every single day in the faces of those in need. Continue reading
Reflection for the 44th anniversary of the creation of the Uniting Church
We ordain both women and men to the Ministry of the Word because we believe ordination without discrimination on grounds of gender is a fundamental implication of the gospel of God’s love in Christ for all human beings, without distinction. For this our understanding we appeal to Scripture as testimony to the living Word, which is Christ. Continue reading
Sermon: Day of Mourning
We cannot celebrate everything that Australia has become without acknowledging the shadow side of our history. Continue reading
Reflection: Marriage for Eureka Street
I wrote something for Eureka Street. You can read it here. Enjoy.
Reflection: My chains fell off, my heart was free
I am proud of the Uniting Church and of every member of the Assembly who discerned a way forward with grace and humility. Continue reading
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