Crosslight June 2025

june 2025

Badge

of

honour

Sharon speaks out on violence P10-11

Bronwyn Pike’s

fond farewell P12-15

Ascot Vale

flies the flag P18-19

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The sooner you act, the greater the ripple Your act of kindness today can create a ripple that reaches across the remotest mountain ranges, winds through valley roads, and travels deep into rugged terrain.

frontierservices.org/victas-kindness 2

In the face of " catastrophic humanitarian

situations, displacement and war, it’s critical that churches work together for peace and hope for all people."

Reverend David Fotheringham Moderator Vic Tas Synod

This month’s Crosslight will be arriving when the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is being celebrated in Australia.

This has been a year in which the Orthodox and Western celebrations of Easter have coincided. It’s also the 1700th anniversary year of the ecumenical council of Nicaea, which articulated the foundational faith of all of the churches in words that we continue to receive, study and interpret.

Over this last month, my prayers have particularly included the members and leadership of other denominations, with a number of them going through transitions.

I was appreciative of the invitation to share in a special mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral following the death of Pope Francis, and pray for the transition to the leadership of Pope Leo XIV. The next Anglican Archbishop for Melbourne may also have been elected by the time this edition of Crosslight is published.

At a few recent meetings between the Churches, and also in conversations with some of my friends who aren’t part of the Uniting Church, I’ve had my attention drawn to a great example of ecumenical cooperation through Whitehorse Church Care (WCC), in Melbourne’s east, where there is a wide range of initiatives.

As well as running a food bank and a highly organised hamper program, they run a community space in the Forest Hill Chase shopping centre which is very actively used.

WCC also supports a program in which some church members have been able to offer spare rooms in their homes to assist people experiencing homelessness.

As we move towards winter, I’m aware of other communities in which the Winter Shelter program brings various

Churches together for the provision of warm and secure places.

There are many other examples of interchurch community care programs, and opportunities for growing relationships through Lenten Bible studies, the World Day of Prayer, or occasions for combined worship.

The Tasmanian Council of Churches (TCC) is not currently active but I’ve been pleased to be involved with the Victorian Council of Churches (VCC), which has its Annual General Meeting in May. The VCC helps the Churches to work together to address issues like child safety, brings denominational leaders together and facilitates meetings with the Victorian Government, and offers support to local Inter Church Councils.

In both Tasmania and Victoria, TCC Emergencies Ministry and VCC Emergencies Ministry bring together volunteers from across all faiths to provide care and support for people and communities in times of crises and disasters – and they are happy to hear from church members who might be able to volunteer in this way.

God’s vision for the world is much greater than just us. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities we have to work broadly for community cohesion, advocacy, Christian witness and community care.

In the face of catastrophic humanitarian situations, displacement and war, it’s critical that churches work together for peace and hope for all people.

Across denominations, as well as within our own, we don’t all agree on everything, but I pray for God’s work in and through us all for the sake of the world that God loves.

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Hitting the

right no es

By Andrew Humphries Music, in its many forms, is a hugely important part of Geoff Serpell’s life.

And it’s the music from a country 15,000km away that resonates most deeply with the Leighmoor Uniting Church member.

Welsh choral music, in particular the tradition of male voice choirs, has its roots in the chapels which sprung up in Wales in the 18th century.

It’s a musical form that has been exported around the world and, in Victoria, Victoria Welsh Choir members, including Geoff, proudly continue a wonderful tradition.

Now in its 46th year, the choir continues to showcase the fine singing that has been a part of Welsh community and church life for many years.

The choir is Melbournebased but has thriving Bendigo and Ballarat Leighmoor Uniting Church’s Geoff Serpell is a proud chapters and presents member of the Victoria Welsh Choir. around 15 concerts in Victoria each year.

Geoff credits the choir with helping Over the years the choir has performed him to bounce back from a health scare a at venues like Royal Festival Hall, few years ago.

Melbourne Recital Centre, Ulumbarra “I had decided to retire from the choir Theatre, Sydney Opera House, and around December 2018 thinking life ends Docklands Stadium, but most concerts at the age of 80,” he says. are held in churches and town halls.

“I underwent prostate surgery and, “We’re a male choir singing in fourafter that clean bill of health, I decided I part harmony,” Geoff explains. had a new lease on life, so I returned to His involvement with the choir the choir in 2022. stretches back to 2001, having previously “I find it’s a wonderfully healthy outlet been a member of the Ashton-Smith in so many ways and, at the age of 86, I’m Singers and a regular member of both all for staving off the effects of dementia, Methodist and Uniting Church choirs. and what helps with that is learning the 4

Welsh words and notes for the bass part of any particular song that we are performing.

“I also enjoy the role of being a mentor to new choir members.

“It’s a wonderfully friendly group, much like a family, and we travel together and go to rehearsals together.

“A real bond develops among members.”

The choir is planning to travel to Sri Lanka next month, the birthplace of its new musical director Rushan Hewawasam, where they will perform five concerts.

Concert performances offer a great sense of joy for Geoff, and the special feeling that comes with singing as part of a group, particularly when members hit all the right notes.

“Oh, there is a feeling of real elation when that happens,” he says.

“We do get wonderful feedback from our audiences, which is great to hear.

“We often get audiences joining in with us, which is pretty special, and they generally go away delighted with what they have heard and the night that they have had.”

And through it all for Geoff, is a sense of profound gratitude.

“I just believe that singing praises to God boosts my faith, and that of other choir members,” he says.

“Music is such an important part of my life, and I believe that the gifts that God has given me should be shared for the entertainment and benefit of others.”

The Victoria Welsh Choir is now in its 46th year.

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Love, life and

long health In 1987, current Uniting Church Community Connections Co-ordinator Viliami Vea was told his sister Fe'ofa'aki Helotu was dying. What he did next gave her a shot at a long and lasting life.

By Andrew Humphries

“No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

John 15:13 Viliami Vea knows what it means to lay down his life for someone.

In his case it was for his seriously ill sister Fe'ofa'aki Helotu, and Viliami didn’t hesitate when he was asked to put his life on the line to save hers.

Their remarkable story captures the strong bond between a brother and sister, and how a deep faith and prayer can open the door to what seems like a miracle.

Thirty-eight years after risking his own life to save his sister, Viliami, the Uniting Church’s Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme’s Community Connections Coordinator, still becomes emotional when recalling the events of 1987.

Fe'ofa'aki Helotu was only 20 that year and living in Tonga when it became apparent that serious kidney disease meant an almost certain death sentence for her without dramatic intervention.

While regular dialysis went some way towards giving her quality of life, without a transplant the prognosis was very bleak.

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“They took me to hospital and ran some tests, and that’s when we found out my kidneys were failing,” Fe'ofa'aki Helotu told ‘The New Zealand Herald’ last year.

“In Tonga, there was nothing for that, and the only option was to go overseas or stay home and die.”

Viliami was enrolled in a law degree at university in Hawaii when he learned of his sister’s health crisis.

“I heard that she had fainted and been rushed to hospital,” Viliami, now based in Mildura, recalls.

“Fortunately a New Zealand doctor was visiting Tonga at the time, saw my sister and realised that she was suffering from kidney failure.

“The only options then were to take her to New Zealand or Australia for treatment.”

With little money to afford travel costs to New Zealand, it was members of their local church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who stepped in to assist the family financially.

On arrival at a hospital in Auckland, the full extent of Fe'ofa'aki Helotu’s kidney problems became quickly apparent to doctors.

“They found that one kidney had been destroyed and the other one was shrinking,” Viliami recalls.

“The only option was a transplant.”

In Hawaii, Viliami was progressing in

his studies and was in his third year of law when he received a telegram that changed his life in an instant.

“It was from a doctor in New Zealand and it said ‘your sister is here and she is dying and we need to see if a family member is suitable as a donor’,” he says.

“My brothers and uncles had all been tested and none were compatible, and it was then that the doctor was told about me, and sent the telegram.

“Tears came to my eyes when I read the telegram, and I knew that I had to be tested in the hope that I could be a suitable donor.

“When the tests came back saying that I was compatible I contacted the hospital in New Zealand and said ‘what do you want me to do?’.

“Their simple question was ‘well, do you want to help your sister?’.”

Viliami recalls talking to the Dean of Law at his university in Hawaii, who put everything into perspective for him.

“He said to me ‘if you stay here at university and get a degree and your sister passes away, what will you say to yourself?’,” he says.

“I knew then that I had to go and save my sister.”

It was an emotional reunion between brother and sister in New Zealand.

“When I saw her in hospital sitting in a chair I couldn’t help but cry,” he says.

“By that stage Fe'ofa'aki Helotu was

Continued P8

Viliami Vea didn’t hesitate to put his life on the line in 1987 to save his sister.

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Left. Viliami and Fe’ofa’aki Helotu in hospital in New Zealand after the successful transplant surgery.

Right. Thirty-eight years after the kidney transplant, Fe’ofa’aki Helotu is a mother of one and grandmother of six.

From P6

very ill and could barely talk.

“The doctor pulled me aside to talk about the risk and possible side effects involved in being a donor, but I just said to him, ‘I don’t care, I must do this’.

“I immediately signed the form to donate the kidney which we hoped would save Fe'ofa'aki Helotu’s life.”

Almost 40 years ago, though, such major surgery carried considerable risks.

“My family didn’t know whether I would live after the transplant, but when I did wake the first thing I said to the nurse was, ‘where is my sister?’,” Viliami says.

“When they took me to see her we lay together and I could see she was already much better.”

Fe’ofa’aki Helotu is still alive today and lives in New Zealand and, while her transplanted kidney has begun to deteriorate and she requires regular dialysis, she is so grateful for the long life she has been given.

“I got married and was blessed with a daughter,” she told ‘The New Zealand Herald’ last year.

“I got to work and have a life. Thirtyseven years is a long time and I’m grateful for that.”

A humble Viliami is proud that he was able to give Fe'ofa'aki Helotu, now a grandmother of six, the opportunity to forge a life.

“I did my best and she has a daughter and grandchildren, and that is what makes me happy,” he says.

“When I die I will die a happy man, knowing I gave my sister many years of life.”

While one of the impacts from donating his kidney was that he was 8

unable to have children of his own, Viliami has been able to adopt one of Fe'ofa'aki Helotu’s grandchildren, describing their bond as the best part of his life.

“Whenever I see her I reflect on the fact that she is the result of that sacrifice I made, and that makes me so happy,” he says. A man of great faith, Viliami recalls clearly how important prayer was as he and Fe'ofa'aki Helotu prepared for the transplant surgery.

“I have always had great faith and I believe in the power of prayer,” he says.

“I prayed myself before the surgery, as did the whole church congregation at that time.

“I could feel that power of prayer from the church members, and from my own family.”

It was, he admits, a difficult time for his parents, who faced the loss of two of their children if the surgery was not a success.

“I said to myself, though, ‘I believe in God and know that God holds the line on my life’,” Viliami says.

“There is a God above who holds everything on earth, including my life, in his hands.”

While distance means Viliami and Fe'ofa'aki Helotu rarely see each other, they talk often on the phone, sometimes recalling the magnitude of what happened in 1987.

“We still find it very emotional to talk about and, when we do, we often end up crying,” Viliami says.

“But that’s okay, we’re crying in a good way because we are so thankful for what we have been given.

“I am proud of my sacrifice and have absolutely no regrets.”

Been there, done that for Viliami

“The doctor pulled me aside to talk about the risk and possible side effects Shortly after Viliami Vea moved involved in being a donor, but I to just said Australia, he found work as fruit picker to him, ‘I don’t care, I must ado this’. in Mildura in 1993.signed the form to “I immediately Thirty-two years later, is hoped on the donate the kidney whichhewe ground in the same city helping Pacific would save Fe’ofa’aki’s life.”

Island workers like himself when they Almost 40 years ago, though, such arrive in the Sunraysia region. major surgery carried considerable risks.

As thefamily Uniting Church’s “My didn’t knowRegional whether I Co-ordinator for the Pacific Australia would live after the transplant, but when Labour Mobility scheme’s I did wake the first thing I Community said to the Connections program, Viliami plays nurse was, ‘where is my sister?’,” Viliami asays. vital role in helping Pacific Island workers settle new “When theyinto tooktheir me to seelives her and we lay surroundings. together and I could see she was already It’s a better.” job servicing a large area much involving a lot travelling, butand Viliami Fe’ofa’aki is of still alive today lives in wouldn’t swapand, it forwhile anything.

New Zealand her transplanted Therehas is nothing better, he says,and than kidney begun to deteriorate helping fellow Pacific Islanders find their she requires regular dialysis, she is so feet in their adopted country. grateful for the long life she has been “The main purpose with the role is to given. be “I there for our PALM workers,” hewith says. got married and was blessed example, a “For daughter,” sherecently told ‘TheI welcomed New Zealand aHerald’ group of 30year.

Fijians who have begun last working in aged “I got to workcare. and have a life. Thirty“We welcoming event seven had yearsa is a long time andwith I’m them and the local Fijian community, where we really encouraged that community connection.

“Every family came with food, such as rice, potatoes and noodles, which they brought to the workers’ accommodation, and it was a beautiful gathering and a great example of that community connection.”

Viliami says ones of the first things workers arriving from Pacific Island countries find are cultural differences, something he can recall from his own experience in 1993.

“I worked as a seasonal fruit picker for more than 10 years, and that experience now helps a great deal in my new role with the PALM scheme,” he says.

“When some people from the Pacific Islands arrive here and are crying out for help, I know exactly why they are doing that.

“I have been there and done that and can understand what new arrivals are experiencing and how they can be helped.

“I’m well-resourced by the Uniting Church, which makes my job easier.”

Give the gift of warmth

this winter Each day, if you were to go out with Uniting Vic.Tas workers, you would see rough sleepers who have jobs and go to work.

You would also see mums with children, fleeing from violent partners, and whole families couch surfing, living in their cars, or camping in tents.

And you would meet caring young mums like Grace* who urgently needed a safe home for her two young daughters Esther* and Rebekah*.

You’ve probably never thought that you may become homeless yourself, and neither did Grace.

“I always thought I’d have some sort of stable environment to be in,” she admits.

“I never thought I would end up in that position.”

But then Grace learned a devastating fact.

Her partner of seven years, a man she was financially reliant on, was using drugs, which created an environment that was not safe for Esther and Rebekah.

Grace had to leave.

“It was a massive shock to me,” Grace recalls.

“There was a lot of anger, sadness, fear … it was a very hard moment.

“I never planned on becoming a single parent, and I expected to spend the rest of our lives together.”

That’s all it takes. One unexpected event to rip you from the safety and warmth of your home. Grace faced a hard choice.

She didn’t want to keep her girls in an unsafe home.

She had to leave for their sake, but where would she and her two girls live?

Diagnosed as legally blind at the age of two meant the odds were stacked against Grace.

Trying to find rental accommodation with two young daughters, a disability and limited funds felt almost impossible.

“I’m happy to make sacrifices with what I buy to afford rent, but landlords don’t want to take the risk,” Grace says.

Your financial support continues to assist Uniting Vic.Tas in helping people gain access to affordable accommodation.

“There is a massive stigma around single mums with houses.”

And her disability also means she can’t just live in any house.

“I need very specific lighting to be able to see, and I have to know my environment,” Grace says.

“If it’s dark, I can’t see at all.

“Also, I do rely on walking around and public transport, so I definitely need to be in an area where it’s easy to get to shops and the things I need.

“Going somewhere I’ve never been before is a constant anxiety-ridden thing.”

A friend suggested Grace reach out to Uniting Vic.Tas for help.

Uniting Vic.Tas workers were able to step in to plead Grace’s case with real estate agents.

They argued her disability and two children wouldn’t stop her from maintaining a home.

Grace applied for more than 40 houses and finally, with extra help from family and with Uniting Vic.Tas assisting with the bond, she was approved.

Uniting Vic.Tas then helped provide a new washing machine, other appliances

and furniture to make her new house feel like a home.

“Without help from Uniting Vic.Tas, I would have ended up couch surfing or living in a share house, which would have been difficult with the girls,” Grace says.

“It was literally life changing.”

You can help Uniting Vic.Tas share the warmth this winter with a donation today, so they can support more families who need a safe home.

To donate visit, www.unitingvictas. org.au/winter-appeal-donate/ *Some details such as names have been changed to respect the wishes of the people featured. The photo accompanying this story is for illustrative purposes only and is not a photo of the people featured in this story.

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Shining a light

on vi lence As an ambassador for the Thursdays in Black movement, Associate General Secretary Sharon Hollis is committed to addressing the negative impacts of violence in our society.

By Andrew Humphries When Associate General Secretary Rev Sharon Hollis celebrated International Women’s Day at a special event in March, it was an ideal opportunity to promote another cause very close to her heart.

During her role as Uniting Church in Australia President from 2021-24, Sharon was installed as an ambassador for the Thursdays in Black movement, a role she proudly continues today.

Begun by the World Council of Churches, Thursdays in Black is an ecumenical campaign that encourages people to speak out against all forms of gender-based violence.

People can participate by wearing black on Thursdays as a symbol of strength and resistance.

Thursdays was chosen to acknowledge the mothers of the disappeared, who protest on that day each week in Argentina following the disappearance of their children during the country’s violent dictatorship.

As well as raising awareness, Thursdays in Black aims to uncover the root causes of gender-based violence and to identify misinterpretations of the Bible and theology that have led to gender inequality.

“The Thursdays in Black movement has a long history and there is so much wrapped up in it all,” Sharon says.

Her appointment as an ambassador provided an opportunity to begin a discussion with Uniting Church members around Australia on violence, and how its impacts could be addressed.

“The Thursdays in Black campaign 10

is, on one level, very simple and I would really encourage Uniting Church members to wear black and proudly show off the campaign’s badge each Thursday,” Sharon says.

“Behind that, though, is my hope that Uniting Church members will educate themselves about violence, which may be occurring in their own communities, about the places where they could report acts of violence, and how they can become alert to gender-based injustice in their own lives.

“They should also be considering whether their congregation welcomes women and diverse presentations of gender and, if they are Ministers, worship leaders or lay preachers, whether they are preaching against violence and taking on some of the hard texts in scripture about violence.

“Thursdays in Black explores how we can address violence, particularly gender-based violence, and how we can be advocates and activists around this.”

As an ambassador, Sharon is committed to continuing to shine a light on the issue of violence against women.

“We know it’s a long-standing issue in the community that requires ongoing and regular attention,” she says.

“Violence against women used to be a hidden epidemic and I grew up in a time when people would give a nod and wink about domestic and intimate partner violence.

“It’s distressing to hear cases of women being killed by a partner or family member, but the fact that it’s now

actually being reported is a positive first step. I take great heart from living in Victoria, where real work has been done about addressing this issue through the Royal Commission into Family Violence.

“A conversation now taking place in the open around violence is, for me, a hopeful sign.”

It’s a campaign, says Sharon, that represents “good work, hard work and holy work”.

“Yes, it’s hard work, and I imagine most people know someone who has been a victim of gender-based violence, sexual assault and family violence, and that knowledge can impact people on a personal level and really affect them,” she says.

“I also think it’s ‘good work’ because society’s wellbeing depends on us working hard to eliminate gender-based violence.

“It’s also ‘holy work’ because what compels me is an understanding that God chooses the way of non-violence in order to confront violence.

“What makes the hard work possible is that it’s work that is important and good, and work that God is calling me to do.

“We must keep going and informing ourselves, and continue to confront the issues in our own communities, saying that gender-based violence is unacceptable in the eyes of God. “We keep going because it matters and because we can create a groundswell that forces governments and civil society organisations to continue the work of addressing violence.”

Image: Carl Rainer

Women stand up and speak out Started by the World Council of Churches, Thursdays in Black grew from the Decade of Churches in Solidarity with Women, from 1988 to 1998.

During those years, stories of rape as a weapon of war, gender injustice, abuse, violence, and many tragedies that are part of such violence became all the more visible.

What also became visible, though, was women’s resilience, agency and personal efforts to resist such violations.

The Thursdays in Black campaign was inspired by:  The Mothers of the Disappeared in Buenos Aires, Argentina who protested each Thursday at the Plaza

de Mayo, against the disappearance of their children during the country’s violent dictatorship.  The Women in Black movement in Israel and Palestine, whose supporters protest against war and violence.  Women in Rwanda and Bosnia protesting against the use of rape as a weapon of war during the genocide in those countries.  The Black Sash movement in South Africa, whose supporters protested against apartheid and its use of violence against black people.

In every country, gender-based violence is a tragic reality. This violence is frequently hidden, and victims are often silent, fearing stigma and further violence.

We all have a responsibility to speak out against violence, to ensure that women and men, boys and girls, are

safe from rape and violence in homes, schools, work, streets – in all places in our societies.

The campaign is simple but profound.

Wear black on Thursdays. Wear a pin to declare you are part of the global movement resisting attitudes and practices that permit rape and violence.

Show your respect for women who are resilient in the face of injustice and violence. Encourage others to join you.

Often black has been used with negative racial connotations. In this campaign black is used as a colour of resistance and resilience.

Share your Thursdays in Black photos on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, using hashtags #ThursdaysinBlack and #WCC. From the World Council of Churches’ Thursdays in Black website: www.oikoumene.org/what-we-do/ thursdays-in-black 11

Social justice,

service and success From holding numerous roles within the Uniting Church to walking the halls of State Parliament as an MP, a commitment to public service has been at the heart of retiring Uniting Vic.Tas CEO Bronwyn Pike’s life.

By Aileen Muldoon When Bronwyn Pike steps down as the CEO of Uniting Vic.Tas at the end of this month, she will call time on an extraordinary career of dedicated public service which has its roots in her Christian faith and commitment to the Uniting Church.

Brought up in the Methodist Church, Bronwyn’s parents were dedicated evangelical Christians.

As a young girl growing up in the 1960s and ‘70s, she remembers there was a strict moral framework and the Church being full of people who were largely ‘tee-totalling’.

At the same time, her family, heavily influenced by her mother, were strong Labor Party supporters.

Bronwyn’s mother came from a poor working-class background and during the Depression her family was forced to rely on welfare to survive.

Her mother never forgot the prejudice directed at her family at that time and she instilled a powerful sense of social justice in Bronwyn from a young age.

It is these two intimately connected threads, her Christian sensibility and commitment to fighting for the disadvantaged, that have animated Bronwyn’s public life.

They shine through in the many positions she has held within the Uniting Church and in her political career as a minister in a Victorian Labor government.

While Bronwyn remains an active Uniting Church member, there was a time when she thought about walking away from religion.

“I think as a teenager, I could have easily drifted away from the Church,” she says.

“When I look back on that now it was quite suffocating for a young person to be brought up in that environment when, at the same time, Woodstock and the Vietnam War protests were happening.”

On reflection, Bronwyn says it was the discovery of liberation theology, which originally emanated from the Catholic Church in South America, that kept her connected to her faith.

“Liberation theology came out of the struggles of working-class people in South America being led by priests who were standing against the regimes that

back to the work of the Church, this time in a paid capacity.

She left teaching to work for Somerville Community Services, the Uniting Church’s community services agency in the Northern Territory.

The agency provided a connection to her roots, named as it was after Margaret Somerville who was a Methodist missionary working on Croker Island, just off Darwin.

Somerville was famous for her courage in evacuating 95 Aboriginal children during World War II as the Japanese began bombing Darwin.

When a role was advertised for a Director of Justice and Social Responsibility for the Uniting Church in Victoria, it seemed a natural progression for Bronwyn to extend her community services work to advocacy and public policy.

She arrived in Victoria just as Jeff Kennett was elected Liberal Premier of the state at the end of 1992.

His government immediately embarked on a controversial radical program of swingeing cost cutting and privatisation of public utilities.

Bronwyn became part of a coalition of opposition to these policies.

“As an activist, I pretty quickly connected with people at Trades Hall, the Victorian Council of Social Services, Tim Costello at the Baptist Church and John Dalziel from the Salvos,” she recalls.

greatest joy is to see the growth " The of this amazing group of people. " Uniting Vic.Tas CEO Bronwyn Pike

were abusing people,” she said.

“It was very political. I became attracted to its strong emphasis on political activism as part of faith, really picking up on parts of the Bible around equity, social justice and human rights.”

It was, in short, a unifying of her faith and politics.

She became heavily involved in the work of the Uniting Church in the social justice area, volunteering on the National Assembly’s Social Justice Commission and the Commission of Women and Men, which was primarily concerned with improving equality for women.

Bronwyn started her professional life as a school teacher and it was while in that role in Darwin that she was drawn

Continued P14

12

Bronwyn Pike will step down at the end of this month after wonderful service to Uniting Vic.Tas as CEO.

13

The opportunity to bring people together was one of the traits of Bronwyn Pike’s leadership of Uniting Vic.Tas.

From P12

“One of the obvious things to campaign on was gambling.

“Kennett was so gung-ho about it.

When he opened Crown Casino, he said ‘this is the future of Victoria’.

“I would get asked to do lots of media interviews because there weren’t many people speaking out against Kennett then.

“Kennett got really mad because it was the Church criticising him.

“He said we should stick to our knitting and, of course, that just got me more fired up because I believed that social justice was our knitting.”

It was an environment in which Bronwyn’s focus turned to politics.

She was getting a name for herself as Victorian Labor was undergoing a painful renewal process.

She initially ran for pre-selection in 1997 as the party’s candidate for the state seat of Mitcham, where a byelection was being held, but lost out on the factional numbers. Her second 14

attempt at preselection was successful, endorsed as the Labor candidate for the prized seat of Melbourne at the September 1999 state election.

Bronwyn’s timing was perfect.

Her entry into the Legislative Assembly coincided with the Steve Bracks-led Labor Party narrowly prevailing over Kennett’s government.

Bronwyn went on to hold the seat of Melbourne for 13 years, from 1999-2012, despite intense efforts by the Greens to wrest it from her.

Bronwyn’s parliamentary career exemplified her passion for social justice and equality, as well as testifying to her enviable capability.

Remarkably, she was a minister for 11 of the 13 years she spent in the Legislative Assembly.

In a rare show of faith in a novice MP, upon forming government Bracks promptly appointed her Minister for Housing and Aged Care and subsequently added the Community

Services portfolio to her responsibilities.

Following the 2002 election, Bracks assigned Bronwyn the Health portfolio, a lynchpin ministry in the State Government that she served in for five years.

She finished her parliamentary career as Minister for Education and Skills.

In May 2007, along with her Labor colleague, Lynne Kosky, Bronwyn became the then longest serving woman minister in Victoria’s history.

“I was so fortunate to be the Member for Melbourne and a government minister for all that time,” she said.

“I really found it wonderful to go into politics and work and meet people who shared the same passions and commitment that I did.

“That was a really important experience because sometimes I think people in the Church think they have a monopoly on social justice and it’s not true.

“It gave me a much broader

perspective.” After leaving parliament in 2012, Bronwyn continued her work through the Uniting Church.

She filled several leadership positions, including as the Board Chair of UnitingCare Australia and Uniting NSW/ ACT and she was the inaugural Board Chair of Uniting Vic.Tas. “I really believe the Church made a courageous decision to bring together all the agencies to form Uniting Vic.Tas,” she says.

“It wasn’t entirely without controversy.

Not everyone loved the idea. It was an enormous task, and I think much bigger than anyone ever imagined.

“And I want to pay tribute to Paul Linossier, who was the inaugural CEO. “He did an absolutely amazing job in setting the framework for a unified organisation and putting the building blocks in place.”

After nearly six years as Uniting’s second CEO, Bronwyn is pleased to have built on the legacy of her predecessor

and leaves the organisation in a strong position to continue its missionary work.

“I am absolutely passionate and committed to Uniting,” she says.

“In the Basis of Union, it talks about worship, witness and service.

“To me the worship is the congregational part of the life of the Church, the witness is the advocacy, what kind of world we want to live in, and the service is what we do at Uniting.

“If the Church lets go of any one of those, like a three-legged stool it will fall over.”

In 2022, Bronwyn was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to social welfare and not-for-profit organisations and to the Parliament of Victoria.

But you won’t hear her talk about it.

She prefers rather to emphasise the achievements of others.

“The thing I’ll miss the most and the greatest joy I’ve had in the job is to bring together and see the growth of this

amazing group of people who can now lead the show without me,” she says.

“That has been so rewarding.”

Bronwyn notes that she has never really had a life plan, so she will be open to what comes along following her time with Uniting Vic.Tas. In the short term, she is looking forward to enjoying the freedom of travelling with husband Bob in their converted Kombi and reading lots of good books.

We wish her well for the break, and few could be more deserving after an exemplary lifetime record of communityenhancing public service.

Aileen Muldoon is General Manager, Community & External Relations with Uniting Vic.Tas

15

There is not a country in the world “ where obesity rates are not increasing.”

Mark Zirnsak Senior Social Justice Advocate

16

In his work 'A Public Faith. How Followers of Christ Should Serve the Common Good’ (2011), theologian Miroslav Wolf made the case that if we believe God is love and we are created for love, we will care for our neighbours' wellbeing for their own sake.

“Our concern will then be not just to lead life well ourselves. Instead, we will strive for life to go well for our neighbours and for them to lead their lives well, and we will acknowledge that their flourishing is tied deeply to our flourishing,” Wolf wrote.

Such care for others should extend to the food we share. Multinational food corporations are making it harder for us to eat healthy diets.

We often become unwitting agents in sharing unhealthy foods with those we love.

The food corporations are producing unhealthy and addictive food products that drive up unhealthy food consumption.

The foods in question cause a range of health problems, including cancer, heart disease, depression, diabetes and obesity.

These foods fall into a category known as ultra-processed foods.

Ultra-processed foods are those that contain additives that you would not find in your kitchen, such as artificial colouring, emulsifiers, thickening agents, preservatives and a host of other chemicals represented by numbers on the ingredients list on the packaging.

Ultra-processed foods have been progressively tailored by scientists and technicians through combinations of sugar, salt, fat and flavour enhancers to bypass our natural mechanisms of appetite control.

The food corporations then employ psychologists and neuroscientists to unlock marketing techniques that target our weaknesses.

After spending billions overriding our self-control, the food corporations and their commercial media allies blame us for failing to exercise it.

The result has been there is not a country in the world where obesity rates are not increasing.

Research released in March 2023 indicated that more than half the global population will be living with being overweight or obese within 12 years if prevention, treatment and support do not improve. Around two in three Australian adults, and one in four children are overweight or obese.

Most Australians do not eat a healthy diet, with less than 1 per cent of the population eating in accordance with Australian Dietary Guidelines recommendations and less than one in 10 eating the recommended serves of vegetables.

Many Australians are experiencing poor health as a result.

The food corporations also target our children and grandchildren with marketing to encourage them to consume more unhealthy foods.

Research conducted by Deakin University found that children as young as eight were being bombarded with ads for unhealthy foods, including when they are on social media and playing online games.

Many ads targeted at children and young people were interactive. For example, ads prompted them to order immediately for confectionery and unhealthy takeaway foods.

The Synod Justice and International Mission Cluster has joined the Food for Health Alliance (https://www. foodforhealthalliance.org.au/) made up of public health bodies.

Together, we are campaigning for our governments to do more to make choosing healthy food easier.

That includes ending unhealthy food advertising that targets children.

We have issued a postcard campaign on the issue, and action can also be taken on the Cancer Council Food Fight website cancervic.org.au/foodfight To learn more about ultra-processed foods, Associate Professor Chris van Tulleken’s 2023 book ‘Ultra-Processed People’ is a highly accessible and comprehensive introduction.

Associate Professor van Tulleken also has a load of videos of various lengths online, that you could access to include in a church service.

Nearly 60% of food and drink ads on government-controlled public transport in Victoria promote junk food. On average, children aged eight to 13 years old are targeted with approximately 13 unhealthy food ads on a typical day.

The World Health Organization Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity has stated that “there is unequivocal evidence that the marketing of unhealthy foods and sugar-sweetened beverages is related to childhood obesity.”

As one measure to curb the marketing activities of unhealthy food corporations, ask the Victorian Government to prohibit advertisements for unhealthy food from appearing on buses, trams and trains. Also ask that such advertising be banned near schools, train stations, bus and tram stops.

250422_JIM JUNKFOOD

The Synod Justice and International Mission Cluster has produced a postcard campaign calling on the Victorian Government to reduce advertisements for unhealthy food.

To order postcards you can sign and distribute in your congregation and to family and friends, email jim@victas.uca.org.au

17

Congregation flags

support

By Marina Williams A Uniting Church in Melbourne’s show of “It’s framed as religious indignation, solidarity with the LGBTIQA+ community but often it’s just pure prejudice.” has sparked years of repeated vandalism While most offenders remain and abuse, but also resilience. unidentified, one man was arrested after Since 2022, the Ascot Vale a passerby intervened, yelling him to congregation has flown the rainbow stop as he tore down a flag. pride flag as a public expression of “He shouted abuse back, but she took welcome and inclusion — a stance a photo of his vehicle number plate and reflected in its commitment to social he was arrested and charged,” Gordon justice and Christian compassion. says.

Minister Rev Gordon Bannon says the Jeremy Oliver, LGBTIQA+ communities decision was in direct response to the portfolio manager with Victoria Police, negative framing of Christian views on says all people should feel safe in same-sex marriage that continued after communities. the 2017 referendum, even within the “There is absolutely no place for this Church. type of concerning behaviour in our “Most media society,” he says. coverage at the CCTV has time focused recorded masked on churches individuals and religion returning condemning repeatedly, often gay marriage,” in groups.

Rev Gordon Bannon Gordon says.

In one instance, “We wanted a shredded flag people to know there are churches was left at the base of the church sign where love is affirmed, and inclusion is before Easter in 2024. real.”

“The most logical place was to drape it But that visible support has drawn across the cross,” Gordon says. hostility from some parts of the “If the cross means anything, it’s God’s community. closeness to those who suffer.”

Forty-nine flags have been torn down, Originally, flags were mounted on burned or destroyed, with flagpoles bent church signage, two to four metres off or snapped. the ground.

“These are prejudice-motivated Even after community fundraising crimes … often disguised as religious enabled a cherry picker to raise one flag indignation,” Gordon says. higher, it was destroyed overnight.

“Some people have tried to talk Eventually, with Victoria Police rationally, and I’ve responded, but others support, Gordon approached Moonee have been openly hostile.

Valley City Council, securing $1000 “I’ve been called slurs or yelled at from towards a vandal-resistant flagpole, cars. which the church topped up.

But our theology is " inclusive–centred on God’s love, justice and compassion. "

18

The new five-metre-high, tamperproof pole has withstood damage attempts.

“The police have been excellent,” Gordon says.

“Despite flags only costing $20, they have taken these attacks seriously because of the message behind the crimes.”

However, the abuse hasn’t stopped at property damage, with church members receiving threats through social media, letters, and in person.

Some messages are religiously framed, condemning the church’s stance, Gordon says.

Rev Gordon Bannon and the Ascot Vale congregation are strong supporters of the rainbow flag and what it represents.

“Too often, religious communities have led with fear and bigotry instead of love,” he says.

“But our theology is inclusive — centred on God’s love, justice and compassion.”

Despite some opposition, community support remains strong.

One local woman, not affiliated with the church, gifted a new flag after seeing it had been taken down.

“She said, ‘thank you for your ministry.

Every time I drive past, seeing the flag brings tears to my eyes’,” Gordon says.

That flag is flying today.

Gordon describes the Ascot Vale

congregation as diverse, with queer and trans members, and includes people who are still navigating their views.

“Not everyone agrees, but there’s respect,” he says.

“The church is committed to being a safe place.”

Flying the flag, he insists, is a spiritual act.

“It feels like a ‘Jesus thing’ — standing with the persecuted,” Gordon says.

“LGBTIQA+ people have long been excluded by religion just for loving differently.

“We want to say: not everyone feels that way, and that’s why we persist.”

19

Inspiring growth and

renewal

By Andrew Humphries When Rev Mat Harry talks to congregations and faith communities in Victoria and Tasmania, he imparts one simple message.

There is no limit, he says in his role as New and Renewing Communities Catalyst, to what can be achieved through a positive mindset and one open to change.

After all, as Oscar Wilde once wrote, “when opportunity knocks, answer the door”.

In early April Mat hosted the ‘Inspiring – Celebrating Stories of New & Renewing’ event and was heartened by the stories he heard of Uniting Church members embracing the opportunities offered through growth and renewal.

“Energy and excitement filled the room as stories were shared by Uniting Church members who are giving things a go,” Mat says.

“Listening to how some leaders have responded to rapid change by adapting the way congregations come together and seek to serve and live out their faith in Jesus was nothing short of inspiring.”

If congregations and faith communities are prepared to have a go, says Mat, anything is possible.

“One example is ‘Dog Church’, which has started within the Heatherton Dingley Uniting Church,” he says.

“Minister Rev Andrea Mayes recognised that a member of the congregation was building relationships with dog owners at the local dog park, and these people had then been invited 20

into the church for a Sunday afternoon get-together each month.

“Andrea wondered then whether they would be interested in continuing to come if a worship element was brought into the equation.

“The answer was ‘yes’ and ‘Dog Church’ was born.”

It’s a wonderful example, says Mat, of how church and community can build a partnership together.

That church-community partnership is at the heart of what congregations like Buninyong, Brown Hill and Benalla are doing in regional Victoria.

Buninyong Minister Rev Paul Sanders is a firm believer in promoting church and community, particularly for those churches in regional areas that might otherwise struggle to survive.

Why not, says Paul, have a crack and see what happens?

“In our case I took the view that we might die, and that’s okay, but let’s die wondering by doing something a bit different,” he says.

“I wrote a very frank article in the Buninyong community newsletter about the church and the future of Christianity.

“I pointed out that church sites are actually community sites, and not just the church’s property, and unless we open them up for multiple use they are likely to disappear.

“So at Buninyong the community is encouraged to become part of what we are doing, and it’s actually all about networking and repositioning the church

as a receptive, inclusive and creative presence in their midst.”

With that in mind, Paul created a gathering promoting ‘spirit, mind and body’, with about 95 per cent of people attending coming from outside the church.

“With some others I began what we call ‘wisdom days’, which are a combination of a really contemplative approach with some mindfulness, music and interplay,” he says.

Paul admits to being slightly unusual as a Uniting Church Minister, given that he is also a Zen teacher and master.

“I bring a fair bit of knowledge

A group in silent contemplation at Buninyong Uniting Church.

around embodied practice, particularly meditative practice, as well as that interest in contemplative practice,” he says.

“I’m finding a few people are taking part who may have even left the church but are still really open to exploring that deeper place of searching for wisdom.”

The feedback from the ‘spirit, mind and body’ gathering was positive and out of it has come a contemplative group which meets in the church every week.

At Brown Hill, Church Council Chair Jane Measday, her husband and lay preacher Andrew, and a committed and enthusiastic congregation embrace

what Jane describes as a “culture of welcome”.

“The Uniting Church has a strong connection to the Brown Hill community and the congregation and council have a strong commitment to sustaining a Christian presence here,” she says.

“That's meant that they've always been outward looking, not just looking inward at the congregation.

“They really want to serve the community.”

When it came to ideas around fostering that community connection, the congregation was able to lean on the expertise of Mat.

“We had an opportunity to be mentored by Mat through the Tradition with a Future program, and he gave us more tools and a great sense of other things that we could actually do (to forge that connection),” Jane says.

Held as a series of webinars between March and May last year, Tradition with a Future encouraged congregations and faith communities to develop a pathway in which newcomers could embrace their faith.

“Because we had so many people participate in that program we've really learned to share what happens out in the community and our intentional work Continued P22

21

Brown Hill Church Council Chair Jane Measday (second from left) with Elders Gwenda Ragg, Louise Wright, Beryl Hodges, Liz Mason and Lois McRae. From P21

with the congregation,” Jane says.

“We also have a kids’ club and those traditional Sunday morning service, “Everybody is really aligned in terms children don't necessarily worship with Tanya and other congregation members of wanting and welcoming new people us on a Sunday, but that's part of our recognised that families weren’t being to come to our church, and that is connection with the local school. served well by that. something we celebrate.”

“We have to be part of the community, The answer was to introduce a regular Sometimes, a seemingly simple act outward looking, and relevant to the 5pm Sunday service specifically for of inclusion can be enough to make community for us to sustain a Christian families. newcomers feel right at home at Brown future.”

“At that time even our family was Hill, as one family discovered.

None of this active work around finding that the traditional service wasn't “We had a family turn up and to make inclusion can happen without a strong very engaging for our children, and that them feel welcome we removed some commitment from all congregation no other families were going there,” chairs, had a table prepared for them, members, something Jane is delighted Tanya recalls. and bought some blocks as part of a to say happens often at Brown Hill.

“We knew that something different children's space we created,” Jane says.

“The congregation really wants to would suit us and our family, but we also “That family came back and saw that make space for new people and make found there were other families that we this was their space and they were in contact with that were were just so relieved that they interested in something like this could be comfortable in the type of alternative service. church with their children.”

“The 5pm Sunday service is At a wider level, Brown Hill important because we found a is building strong community morning service was not always partnerships, resulting in the possible for some families as it Brown Hill Church Council Chair Jane Measday creation of men’s, women’s and clashed with other activities. children’s groups.

“The late afternoon service “We met with all of the community them feel like they belong straight away,” gives people who have been doing other leaders in Brown Hill after Covid-19 and Jane says. things over the weekend an opportunity what we worked out was that we really “This work is achieved because to attend (an informal gathering) and wanted to create a sense of belonging for everybody in the congregation has a role have a meal as well.” the community,” Jane says. and everybody participates.”

The more relaxed setting also offered a “The result is that we have a lot of In Benalla, the establishment of different way to worship. people who are friends of the church family friendly Sunday services, and “We sit in a circle and we're all facing who don't necessarily worship with a community garden, has seen the each other, so lots of participation is able us but feel comfortable in the church congregation go from strength to to happen in that setting,” Tanya says. space and come to the things that we strength.

“I think participation is one of the intentionally invite people to.

Tanya Walker, recently ordained as critical things because all ages want to “We have to have things to invite a Presbytery Minister in North East be able to mix together. people to, so we have a men's breakfast, Victoria, was one of the congregation “When you are sitting in a circle and and a women's craft group, offering a members keen to reach out to the local you have ways of worshipping that allow pathway for those taking part to belong community. all ages to participate, then they feel they to the church family.

While Benalla has continued its are valued and they have something

have to be … outward looking, "andWerelevant to the community for us to sustain a Christian future. "

22

Benalla Uniting Church members enjoy the outdoors during informal Advent worship.

to contribute to what is happening in worship.”

The establishment of a community garden by members of the congregation has also allowed Benalla to reach out to the wider public.

The inspiration for a garden came to Tanya when she attended a Synod Meeting some years ago as a lay person grappling with ideas around what more could be done with the community.

“I went to the Synod meeting and it inspired me because I was probably at a point where I wanted to do more around serving my faith and I wanted to use some of the skills I had,” Tanya says.

“At that time I had been doing some horticultural study, which spearheaded the idea.

“The church has quite a large carpark area and so I thought we could section off some of it and have a community garden there.”

The garden is now hugely popular, with a mix of congregation and community members enjoying what it offers.

“I opened it up to advertise across the whole community and it's amazing the people who come out of the woodwork for something like that,” Tanya says.

“The value in it is that it's community people who might not set foot in the

and also about helping some of the more vulnerable people in our community who need free food.”

On a deeper level, Tanya has seen the remarkable impact the garden has had on wellbeing within the community.

“Most people want to get in there and do something useful and everyone's having conversations while you are working away,” she says.

“I think it's a really good avenue for creating a real sense of community.

“It becomes a place where people feel like they can belong when they can't find anywhere else.

“I heard some amazing stories, particularly through Covid-19, of a couple of people saying they came New and Renewing Communities down to the garden because Catalyst Rev Mat Harry is inspiring they were really struggling, congregations and faith communities and it actually saved them at to reach for the stars. times.”

Mat Harry says Buninyong, Brown Hill and Benalla door of the church but will come down have shown anything is to the garden and help out, and when possible when congregations and faith that happens there are opportunities for communities have the will to move out conversation and community building in of their comfort zone. that sort of setting.

“Who knows where further exploration “There's a committed handful of of ideas may take us,” he says. people who really put in a lot of work “With experimentation and the idea down at the garden, and the motive of giving things a go, who knows where behind it is about creating community God will lead us?”

23

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- Claire

Bush chaplain Peter Harvey brings the ministry of presence to those living on Tasmania’s rugged west coast.

Presence

IS THE PERFECT GIFT In the outback, kindness isn’t just nice, it’s a ‘Ministry of Presence’.

For those living in the rugged landscapes of Victoria and Tasmania, the impact of kindness is profound, creating ripples of support that stretch far beyond what we can see.

Bush chaplain Peter Harvey’s ministry is rooted in this truth.

Now serving on the west coast of Tasmania, Peter describes his role as “a Ministry of Presence”.

His job isn’t to fix problems or offer solutions, it’s simply to be there for people, offering a listening ear and a compassionate heart.

“I’m here to provide support to the community, whatever that may be,” Peter says.

“It’s about being accepted as someone people can turn to when they need to talk about life.

“It’s about creating trust and showing people we’re not here to get something out of them.

“We’re here to love and provide what we can to their journey.”

Peter’s remote area on Tasmania’s west coast is a landscape of deep valleys, towering mountains, and winding roads.

The isolation here is just as real as the open spaces of the outback, but the challenges of living in such a remote area are uniquely tied to the environment.

Access to services is difficult, and many people feel cut off from the world.

With this isolation comes a heightened need for kindness to be a constant, reliable presence.

In the midst of these challenges, Peter and other bush chaplains from Frontier

Services bring the ministry of presence into people’s lives, helping them feel seen and supported.

It’s not about grand gestures, but about showing up consistently and offering care in ways that make a real difference.

Your act of kindness today can create a ripple of support that travels across the bush, even to the most remote and isolated areas.

The sooner you act, the bigger that ripple becomes.

You can donate to Frontier Services today at frontierservices.org/unitingoutback/

25

Faith, protest and

protection

By Marina Williams As Victoria seeks public consultation on new laws to restrict protests near places of worship, there’s concern about impacts on civil liberties, religious safety, and social cohesion.

Premier Jacinta Allan announced the proposed legislation in December 2024, citing a rise in “antisemitic incidents”, including the bombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, and a growing sense of hostility surrounding some places of prayer.

The Government says the proposed reforms aim at stamping out the influence of extremist and radical conduct at public protests, protecting the safety of people of all faiths attending religious worship, and helping restore social cohesion.

The final form of any legislation has not been determined, with consultation ongoing.

The proposed measures could include creating safe access areas around places of religious worship, or amending existing laws, to protect against disturbance of religious gatherings. The size and scope of any restricted zones remain under consultation.

Synod Senior Social Justice Advocate, Mark Zirnsak, says the Church has not yet taken a formal stance but supports wide consultation.

“Hostile protests at places of worship are rare,” Mark says, “but harassment that causes psychological harm should be taken seriously.”

He questions whether new legislation is needed.

“We need to evaluate whether existing 26

laws are already adequate to deal with harmful protests,” Mark says.

“Just because a law exists doesn’t mean police can make effective use of that law in practice. We need to consider whether current laws adequately address harmful protests.

“At the same time, conversations with Uniting Church congregations that have been targeted by protests that have harassed and intimidated their members and staff indicate such congregations oppose the need for new laws.”

Jacinta Allan says the Government’s aim is to balance the right to protest with the right to live, work and pray freely without fear or harassment.

“Antisemitism thrives in extreme and radical environments, and we are giving police more powers to control protest and make it harder for agents of violence and hate to hide,” she said when announcing the proposed reforms.

While consultation with religious and community leaders, police, unions, and the Human Rights Commission is ongoing to refine the reforms, Victoria is not the first state to consider legislative change.

In February, New South Wales passed new laws aimed at restricting the right to protest.

Police were given additional powers to move on protesters near places of worship and to penalise harassment or intimidation of worshippers with up to two years’ jail.

The Victorian proposal has drawn a diverse set of perspectives, reflecting the complex intersections of religion, politics

and public life in the multicultural state.

Questions of protection and persecution are being weighed against rights to assembly and protest, with both sides pointing to lived experience.

Any reform, Mark says, must balance protection with the right to peaceful assembly and be fair across communities.

“It’s important we consider the impact on all faith groups. However, at this stage the Government has failed to make the case as to why existing laws are inadequate to protect people of faith from protesters seeking to intimidate and harass them,” he says.

In an open letter to the Premier in March, 22 civil society, faith, legal, First Nations, disability rights, and migrant groups expressed “deep concern with the proposed reforms and how they interact with the Victorian Charter of Human Rights”.

“Violence and racist attacks are not protests … they are crimes,” they wrote.

The groups included Liberty Victoria, Jewish Council Australia, Quakers Victoria, Muslim Legal Network, Amnesty International and the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service.

“There is no credible correlation between recent criminal acts and the exercise of the right to protest,” the letter stated.

“Restricting the right to protest would not have prevented the abhorrent crimes seen in recent months.”

Others within the faith community, though, are urging legislative action in response to direct threats.

CEO of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, Naomi Levin, supports the proposed reforms as necessary protection for communities under threat.

“In 2023, a large and intimidating group of protesters gathered outside a suburban Melbourne synagogue, forcing worshippers to evacuate,” she says.

“In 2024, a different synagogue was targeted, with a large police presence required to de-escalate the situation.”

Naomi notes that many synagogues have already implemented substantial security measures.

“All Victorians must be able to attend a place of worship without fears for their safety,” she says.

“We welcome any initiatives that protect the right of all Victorians to freely and safely access places of worship and will work with parliamentarians to progress new laws.”

While most debate centres on high-profile incidents, smaller faith communities also share concerns on whether changes to laws would benefit.

For Ruth and John Wishart, members of Sunrise Beach Uniting Church in Queensland, what began as an environmental objection to a proposed UnitingCare aged care facility became a protracted, personal campaign of disruption despite the congregation’s lack of involvement in the targeted project.

“It was a very stressful time,” Ruth recalls. “You’d drive to church on Sunday and not know what you’d find.

“Protesters would be holding signs, blocking cars, ringing bells - even on Continued P28

27

Rev Dr Josephine Inkpin addresses a rally against New South Wales legislation aimed at preventing forms of protest.

From P27

Christmas morning they were there with paper feathers symbolising death to the environment.

“They weren’t looking for meaningful conversation, they were trying to shame us publicly.”

Adds John: “They removed survey pegs, blocked roads, filmed us constantly, and twisted things on social media.”

Although worship wasn’t formally disrupted, congregational life was, particularly during morning tea, when protesters targeted vulnerable attendees.

Leaders protected members by defusing interactions, with some parishioners avoiding services during heightened activity “What helped most was the implementation of the council laws that said, this is what this land is being 28

designated for,” Ruth says.

“What really helped was support from our Synod and local council, who stuck to the facts.”

At Pitt Street Uniting Church in Sydney, protest is embedded in ministry.

The congregation has long engaged in social justice activism, from Mardi Gras marches to anti-nuclear and climate rallies.

“Pitt Street’s strong support for queer communities has made us the target for protests,” says member Warren Talbot, recalling a 2023 World Pride event where rainbow-painted steps were vandalised and a banner supporting LGBTIQ+ Christians was stolen. “Police took the matter very seriously, treating it not only as vandalism but a hate crime.”

Still, the church remains committed to peaceful public witness.

“Pitt Street is likely to be cautious

about any laws which might restrict the right to peaceful protest,” Warren says.

Former Pitt Street Minister Rev Dr Josephine Inkpin delivered a strong critique of the New South Wales law at a Sydney rally in February.

She warned against using religious protection to suppress dissent, calling the Bill’s language dangerously vague. “(It’s) ill-defined and broad, including words such as ‘impede’, ‘hinder’ and ‘harass’ and has sweeping provisions, including increased police powers to limit legitimate democratic expression, not at specific sites but simply ‘near’ to ‘places of worship’, which are not defined,” she says.

Josephine, a transgender Anglican priest serving with the Uniting Church and co-chair of Equal Voices, a national network of LGBTIQA+ Christians and allies, believes such laws could silence

A swastika painted on the Pitt Street Uniting Church sign in Sydney. abuse survivors and marginalised communities.

“They safeguard powerful interests and assume that religious spaces should be privatised places,” she says.

“If the Uniting Church stays true to its roots, it must actively oppose such overreach.”

While the proposed Victorian legislation could be very different to the new laws in New South Wales, civil liberties organisations warn that any restrictions could risk overreach and may suppress legitimate dissent.

Amnesty International Australia has described the New South Wales crackdown on protest as a “band-aid response to a surge of antisemitism and other racism”.

“Criminalising peaceful protest is not a solution to tackling antisemitism, Islamophobia and racism – it is a dangerous suppression of people’s human rights,” says Amnesty International Australia Strategic Campaigner, Nikita White.

“Restricting fundamental human rights, such as the right to peaceful

Jewish Community Council of Victoria CEO Naomi Levin supports much of the proposed legislation as necessary protection for some communities.

protest, will not address the root causes of hate.”

Says Human Rights Legal Centre's Legal Director, Sarah Schwartz: “Peaceful assemblies outside places of worship are an important tool for communities to hold their institutions to account, such as protests by survivors of clergy abuse.

Expanding police powers and restricting protest will only create more division by silencing the voices of people peacefully speaking out. You cannot arrest your way to tolerance.”

The Australian Religious Response to Climate Change, a multi-faith network, also expressed concern at the New South Wales laws.

“We believe restrictions on the right to protest should be kept to a minimum because of the importance of public protest actions for helping create a more ethical, just, peaceful and environmentally safe society,” signatories wrote on the group’s website.

As consultation continues on whether new laws are needed to protect the safety of religious worship for Victorians of any faith, opinions are likely to remain divided. While some consider it a solution, others see potential overreach.

The real solution lies in response, not restriction, says Ruth.

“Laws alone won’t stop conflict.

What matters is how we respond – with hospitality, calm, and courage,” she says.

Josephine warns the price of overreach is democratic erosion.

“Suppressing freedom of speech does not solve the underlying issues and typically leads to deeper frustrations and more costly consequences,” she says.

Mark says the Government and Victoria Police need to provide evidence that existing laws are inadequate.

“We must protect religious communities from unacceptable harm, while upholding the democratic right to protest,” he says.

“It’s not either-or – it’s about balance and respect.”

The Islamic Council of Victoria was invited to contribute to this article but declined.

29

Community support flowers at

Hampt n Park Each year, funds manager U Ethical’s operating surplus supports a number of Uniting Church community service initiatives. The work being carried out by Hampton Park Uniting Church members is a wonderful example of that community service.

By Rachel Alembakis When you arrive at Hampton Park Uniting Church, the first thing you notice is its vibrancy.

A thriving vegetable garden flourishes in one corner of the property, while late-summer flowers explode in a riot of colour.

On the forecourt in front of the church, at least three separate services provide visitors with information and guidance.

The grounds are alive with people of all ages and backgrounds, filling every corner with a hum of purpose and activity.

Like other congregations across Victoria, Hampton Park is seeing increasing demand for its services.

“It’s grown into a multicultural community,” says Lyn McBain, a longtime congregation member and dedicated volunteer.

“All our programs have grown. The English class has grown and we are able to pay Irene, our English teacher.

“We have a playgroup on Fridays as well and about 30 kids come to that.”

While the congregation itself consists of 35 to 50 active members, the church welcomes hundreds of people through its doors each week.

They come for English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, art therapy, children’s playgroups, and access to essential services such as the food pantry and packed meal distribution.

At the same time, there is a flow of volunteers, both from within the congregation and the broader community, who play a crucial role in keeping these programs running.

“We run a Christmas Day lunch every year,” Lyn says.

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“This past Christmas, we had 130 guests.

“Two professional chefs, a husband and wife, prepare the meal each year, and this time, a new member of our congregation volunteered.

“We offer a traditional Christmas lunch but also include curries, rice, vegetarian, and gluten-free options to cater to everyone.”

At the heart of Hampton Park Uniting Church, both symbolically and physically, is its kitchen.

Its deep red feature wall in the foyer, a deliberate design choice when the church was built in 2008, represents the warmth and hospitality that define this space.

The community and kitchen garden, featuring 48 plots, is a testament to the resourcefulness of the congregation.

Volunteers repurposed a dismantled wooden playground into raised garden beds, embodying the “make do and turn hands” spirit of the church.

“The gardeners are here on Tuesdays and Thursdays from around 7.30am until 2pm,” Lyn explains.

“The garden is a crucial part of our work, and we use its produce in the kitchen, and also pack it into food parcels for those in need.”

Many of the programs at Hampton Park Uniting Church began with initial grant funding, but they now rely on the dedication of volunteers to continue.

Lyn and others have kept an art therapy program running even after its funding ended.

More than 30 volunteers work in the garden throughout the week, with some initially joining through Work for the

Dole and choosing to stay long after finding permanent employment.

Their commitment reflects the deep sense of community that permeates Hampton Park.

However, securing long-term funding remains a concern.

“Our model goes beyond emergency relief, and we offer ongoing support services and work to build relationships with those who come through our doors,” Rev Robert Elkhuizen says.

“Volunteers are always a challenge, but our congregation has a way of finding resources despite being small.

“Still, we need stable funding to hire specialised staff and community support workers.

“Secure funding enables us to expand and sustain these vital programs.”

Despite financial uncertainties, one thing remains unwavering: Hampton Park’s commitment to hospitality.

Main photo: Volunteer Terri Cairns hard at work in the community garden at Hampton Park Uniting Church.

Below left: Volunteers Doreen Doig, Jackie Blanche, Karen Jensen Schmidt and Chris Hale in the kitchen at Hampton Park Uniting Church.

Bottom right: Hampton Park Uniting Church is a vibrant and welcoming part of the local community.

“What we offer is a welcoming space for people in a fractured community to come together,” Robert says.

“We are open, inclusive, and here to serve.”

Hampton Park Uniting Church welcomes volunteers and donations to support its programs. They are especially seeking help from individuals with grant-writing experience to secure future funding.

For more information or to offer support, please contact David Leak on 0408 057 211 or davidleak@bigpond.com

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Studies in

success Pilgrim Theological College is turning 10 this year and, not surprisingly, there’s a lot to celebrate: memorable classes, books, podcasts, conferences and events. Pilgrim loves to see students grow into their potential and watch how they contribute to a more just and compassionate world. Academic Dean Kerrie Handasyde and College Registrar Erlinda Loverseed share some stories of Pilgrim students over the last decade.

Michael Butler, Master of Theology

Fiona Bottcher, Master of Theological Studies/ Graduate Diploma of Theology Fiona had great support from her ministry team when she first thought about enrolling.

When she graduated, her spiritual care skills were in demand.

“I was ordained as Covid-19 made the news. My placement as the Mental Health Ministry Coordinator (Sunshine) has involved building and supporting both a Men’s Shed and Women’s Shed program with Sunshine Uniting Church, as well as providing hospital chaplaincy within the mental health wards at Sunshine Hospital,” Fiona said.

“Ministry formation at Pilgrim is much more than learning the ‘ins and outs’ of ordained ministry.

“It created a supportive environment to develop and articulate my own faith.”

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After an active career, Michael found time to study in retirement.

“I qualified as a social worker, however, for most of my working life I was a trade union official,” Michael says.

“It was always an ambition to integrate my religious faith with my whole life and to understand where it all fit.

“When I retired in 2020, I decided to enrol in post-graduate theological study, and to be able to study and reflect on my life has been a true blessing.

“I have been privileged to be taught by lecturers who have encouraged critical thinking and to be able to explore my faith with classmates from whom I have learnt so much.”

Lima Zama, Master of Theology (online) Following undergraduate studies at Pilgrim, Lima was the first woman to be appointed Lecturer at Seghe Theological Seminary. She returned to study a Masters online.

“I am the first lady clergy in the United Church of Solomon Islands to acquire a Master of Theology qualification,” Lima says.

“I appreciate the wonderful privilege in being given the scholarship to study at Pilgrim Theological College.

“It is a blessing for me and my family and my church.”

Now Lima is working to improve the library at Seghe to support her students’ learning.

YEAR

Anniversary

Celebrating 10 years of being Pilgrim Theological College

Duncan Turuva, Bachelor of Theology

Sunny Chen, Graduate Certificate in Leadership

During his long career as a flight attendant, Duncan knew the call to ministry was there.

Now he’s Minister of the Word at Mount Waverley Uniting Church.

“My studies at Pilgrim have provided me with deep theological understanding, practical pastoral tools, and a ministry shaped by compassion,” Duncan says.

“Most significantly, Pilgrim has equipped me with the knowledge and perspective needed to faithfully bridge the timeless truths of Scripture with the complex and diverse cultural realities of our world today.”

Sunny is a National Consultant to the Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia.

“As someone who previously supported and oversaw approximately 70 worship communities, and who now exercises leadership in the national work of the Uniting Church, I have greatly benefited from studying the Graduate Certificate in Leadership at Pilgrim Theological College,” Sunny says.

“From confronting complex problems in challenging situations to offering a non-anxious presence in chaotic and uncertain environments, my studies have undoubtedly equipped me to fulfill the responsibilities required in my work.”

Pilgrim Theological College is celebrating 10 years of providing wonderful guidance and leadership to students wanting to make a mark on the world.

Pilgrim’s internationally-regarded team of educators equips people for all kinds of ministries and provides space for anyone to explore faith. All are welcome.

Find out more about study and scholarships at Pilgrim by contacting Erlinda Loverseed on 03 9340 8892 or study@pilgrim.edu.au 33

JOIN US AT PILGRIM Enrol now for mid-year intensives and semester 2 courses Find out about our Scholarships visit scholarships@pilgrim.edu.au Pilgrim Scholarships cover up to 80% of unit fees for undergraduate or postgraduate units.

Apply through our website by July 20, 2025 at https://pilgrim.edu.au/cw-scholarships/ Or you can audit select units for only $400.

Deepen your faith and understanding with Semester 2 units Units in Theologies of Oceania, Reformation History, Introduction to the New Testament, Intro to Feminist Theologies, Intercultural Theology & Missiology, Christianity’s Big Ideas, Spiritual Care, Hermeneutics, or Ruth, Esther, Song of Songs, Judith, Susannah.

For more details visit: study@pilgrim.edu.au or https://pilgrim.edu.au

YEAR

Anniversary

YEAR

Anniversary

Pilgrim is the theological college of the Uniting Church in Victoria and Tasmania

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250507_Pilgrim

Celebrating 10 10 years PilgrimTheological Theological College Celebrating yearsofofbeing being Pilgrim College

Mission and ministry

generosity continues The information on this page has been drawn from the 2025 Missional Grants budget, approved by the Synod Standing Committee.

Thanks to the generosity of our congregations, Mission and Service Giving has remained fairly constant over the past four years, despite cost-of-living pressures. This generosity ensures the continuation of mission and ministry of the Uniting Church across the Synod,

including Missional Grants to support community initiatives.

There is a total of $5.88 million in grants budgeted to be allocated across the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania this year, of which $1.95 million is budgeted for grants for congregational mission, ministry or capital initiatives.

It is through the generosity of congregations that the Church’s mission within local communities is funded.

Total Income $15.24m Other Income (e.g. rent received) $.64m

Mission & Service Giving $2.59m

Total Mission Directed Activities ($13.19m) Presbyteries ($1.95m)

Grants Income (Trusts & Bequests) $5.04m

33%

23%

Investment Earnings $3.46m

38% 21% 26%

23% Grants Paid ($2.83m)

Insurance (Surplus Balance) $2.32m

2025 Approved Grants Programs $5.88m Grants from Trust & Bequests $1.31m

56%

22% 19%

3% Other Expenses ($.29m)

Other Funds $.65m

11%

26% 15%

Secretariat ($3.37m)

Contributions from U-Ethical, AgeWell & Uniting $3.51m

Total Support Services Activities ($4.4m)

Property Services ($1.32m)

equipping Leadership for Mission ($5.04m)

15%

4%

17%

Wise stewardship of limited resources means that in any given year not all projects can be given the funding green light, however continued income growth in areas such as Money for Mission and Mission and Service Giving would allow more community projects to proceed.

Information on the Mission Grants available can be found on the VicTas Synod Website at: victas.uca.org.au/ resources/grants/mission-grants/

Mission Resourcing ($5.11m)

Grants from PSP (Property Sale Proceeds) Sharing Funds $1.08m

Grants from Synod General Reserves $1.36m

23% 25%

Grants from Synod Specific Purpose Funds $1.47m

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THINKING ABOUT JOHN Wally Dower Narre Warren North Uniting Church Referring to Robyn Whitaker’s article ‘Perfect bodies? How to think about the resurrection’ (Crosslight, April 2025).

The story of Thomas (John 20:24-29) has a problem that nobody ever seems to notice.

Why did Thomas so firmly expect the resurrected Jesus to have an incomplete healing with holes in his hands and a whopping hole in his side?

Secondly, after seeing Jesus resurrected, alive, eating and speaking to him, why would he want to see holes in him before he could believe?

It is more likely he actually said, “Unless I see no holes in him, I will not believe”.

There is another piece to the puzzle Robyn is unravelling which gets lost if we confuse spirit with soul.

Soul is a mental thing. Spirit is a supernatural thing.

The early Christians must have believed the spirit returns to God after death (Ecclesiastes 12:7), if they believed their scriptures.

Obviously, we cease to think after death, but Matthew 16:26 suggests we may keep our souls.

Perhaps they attach to our spirits in a benign way, in storage, for when we receive a resurrected body, thus enabling us to recognise past family and friends.

We want to hear from you.

Email your thoughts to Crosslight@victas.uca.org.au Do not exceed 200 words and include your full name, address and contact phone number

Care and support tailored just for you with Uniting AgeWell Help at home Get assistance with personal and clinical care, household chores, assistive technology and transport

Community support and wellbeing Remain connected with social groups, outings, health and therapy services, seniors gym and carer services

Independent living Maintain an independent lifestyle in one of our vibrant retirement living communities

Residential care Specialist 24/7 care and support, including dementia and palliative care and respite stays, within safe and caring communities

With services across Victoria and Tasmania, Uniting AgeWell's expert team can help you find the right services to meet your needs. Call us today!

Live life your way 36

1300 783 435 unitingagewell.org

‘Hearing Luke’s Gospel afresh’

By Rev Philip Liebelt Review by Rev Dr Elizabeth Nolan Philip Liebelt’s latest book builds on his previous works on Luke, Biblical storytelling, worship resources and his ministry in Christian education for adults.

This book combines Biblical commentary and adult education teaching with questions for discussion in groups embedded within each of the 20 chapters on selected passages of the Gospel of Luke.

One can use it as a devotional and private learning program, or in a group setting where the questions for discussion open up the relevance of the gospel for today.

The introduction, afterthought and appendix chapters are extra bonuses for deepening understanding of both Luke’s gospel and the practice of Biblical storytelling for those who have not had the privilege to hear him perform.

This book is suitable for study by older youth, and young adults through to seniors in the church.

It provides a taste for deeper Biblical scholarship with references to scholars such as Kenneth Bailey, Brendan Byrne, John Donahue, Joseph Fitzmyer, and Thomas Boomershine.

The format of the book raises the question of what is needed in a “study book” for Christian groups in the 21st century?

As fewer adults have had opportunities for regular formal Christian education based on serious modern Biblical scholarship, a book like this provides both background information and opportunities for creative exploration of the passages of Scripture.

Those who have the inclination, can go to other Biblical commentaries for different viewpoints, but the interpretation provided gives a grounding in critical reflection on Scripture instead of rote repetition of

the text, as in some current group study books.

This book will last the whole “Year of Luke” for church groups meeting weekly or could be used in smaller sections for a short series on certain passages.

Because the ‘teacher/leader’ is built into the text along with the background information, it is suitable for lay-led groups.

While prior reading of the chapter will assist in understanding, it is possible to do a ‘read the book’ as you meet as a group and pause as you come to the discussion questions.

They are helpfully embedded into the text, instead of being at the end of the chapter.

I encourage other new Biblical scholars to explore preparing a study book like this for Australian adults wanting to know the Scriptures without doing just an academic study course.

Rev Philip Liebelt is a retired Minister within the Uniting Church in Victoria.

Rev Dr Elizabeth Nolan is a Minister, Christian educator and former curriculum writer with the Joint Board of Christian Education.

Crosslight is a bi-monthly magazine produced by the Communications team of the Uniting Church in Australia Synod of Victoria and Tasmania.

Opinions expressed in Crosslight do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or the policies of the Uniting Church.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and custodians of the land on which we live, work, gather and worship, and we pay our respects to their elders past and present. We acknowledge that the Church throughout this Synod meets on land for which First Peoples have ongoing spiritual sovereignty and custodianship, and we commit ourselves to respecting Country and to working for a more just future together.

While Crosslight endeavours to publish all articles in a timely manner, they may be held over for a variety of reasons.

Advertising Crosslight accepts advertising in good faith.

Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement. Advertising material is at the discretion of the publisher.

Advertising deadlines for August 2025 (Synod) Issue: Bookings June 4, 2025 Copy & images for production June 25, 2025 Print ready supplied PDF July 9, 2025 See crosslight.org.au for full details.

Distribution Crosslight is usually distributed the first Sunday of the month.

Circulation: 13,000 Editor Andrew Humphries Ph: 0439 110 251 andrew.humphries@victas.uca.org.au Graphic design, photography and print services Carl Rainer Ph: 03 9340 8826 carl.rainer@victas.uca.org.au Advertising and distribution Dominic Kouts Ph: 03 9340 8846 dominic.kouts@victas.uca.org.au UCA Synod Office (Wurundjeri Country) Level 2, Wesley Place 130 Lonsdale Street Melbourne Victoria 3000

Feedback & correspondence crosslight@victas.uca.org.au ISSN 1037 826X Next issue: August 2025 (Synod) Issue

ucavictas 37

Change takes root in

By Marcus Campbell In the race to transition away from fossil fuels, the world has begun mining its way into a new set of crises.

The shift to green energy comes with a hidden cost.

Critical minerals like lithium, cobalt and nickel are essential to solar panels, wind turbines and battery technology.

But much of the mining takes place in the global South, where communities are already vulnerable to poverty and exploitation.

Across Africa and Asia, people are being displaced, land degraded and labour exploited, often without the benefits of clean energy ever reaching them.

In Zimbabwe, the lithium industry has been touted as a game changer for the economy.

But it’s also brought human rights abuses, corruption and environmental destruction, with profits failing to address entrenched poverty.

Closer to home, nickel mining in parts of Indonesia has poisoned water supplies, devastated coral reefs and disrupted coastal ecosystems.

This is the uncomfortable tension many of us in the climate movement face: the drive to protect our common home risks repeating the extractive, unjust systems that created the crisis in the first place.

So how can we respond ethically, as people of faith?

While we continue to demand accountability for the impacts of unethical mining, there are also ways to take direct action to help vulnerable communities adapt to climate change, sustainably and justly.

At UnitingWorld, we believe real climate justice begins with local leadership and solutions.

And right now, we’re seeing powerful examples in Zimbabwe, where our church partners are addressing the twin crises of poverty and climate instability 38

in ways that are sustainable, inclusive and community-led.

In Zimbabwe’s Chikomba District, families are living through increasingly harsh dry seasons, erratic rainfall and rising food prices.

Without access to clean water, girls walk long distances to fetch it, missing school or dropping out entirely.

Parents skip meals to feed their children, and opportunities for income are scarce.

But in the midst of these challenges, something extraordinary is taking root.

In partnership with the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe and their development agency MeDRA, UnitingWorld is supporting a program that transforms schools into hubs of community resilience.

The idea is simple and powerful: use schools not just as places of learning, but as centres where clean water, nutritious food and climate training can reach entire communities.

Solar-powered boreholes now provide clean water, not only for students, but for surrounding families who once walked hours each day.

School gardens are growing vegetables to feed hungry children and teach farming techniques.

Teachers are trained in climate-smart agriculture and passing on practical knowledge for life.

Thirteen-year-old Tanaka is one of the students already benefiting.

She was out of school for two years because her family couldn’t afford the fees.

When she finally returned, hunger made it hard to concentrate.

Now, with water and a thriving school garden, she’s growing vegetables, learning new skills and sharing what she learns with her mother at home.

“If we can always get water at school, I can help in the garden,” she told us.

“We’ll grow vegetables for lunch and

Left: Anotida Chijena in Kwenda Primary School’s garden in Zimbabwe.

Below: Kwenda Primary School students weeding in their garden.

learn how to do it at home too.”

This work isn’t just helping students stay in school and eat well. It’s restoring dignity, creating livelihoods, and equipping families to face a changing climate with confidence.

This is what ethical climate action looks like: local people leading solutions, supported by generous communities with a passion to see justice on earth as it is in heaven.

It’s not about technology for its own sake. It’s about restoring balance, between people and planet, justice and sustainability, faith and action.

We believe this is the kind of transformation we in the Uniting Church in Australia are called to be part of: grounded in love, guided by truth and humility, and lived out through deep relationships.

And it’s a vision we can realise and help resource together.

Right now, we’re working to scale the program across seven schools and their surrounding communities, reaching thousands with clean water, nutritious food and the tools to thrive in a changing climate. Can you help?

Let’s invest not just in solar panels, but in human dignity. Let’s act not only to reduce emissions, but to lift up those most impacted by the crisis.

Because a different world is possible, and with faith, we can help bring it to life.

Find out more and donate before June 30 at www.unitingworld.org.au/ possibility Marcus Campbell is UnitingWorld’s Communications and Content Manager

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Give care and warmth this winter.

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Uniting is the community services organisation of the Uniting Church in Victoria and Tasmania.

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