New Times - June July 2019 by Synod of SA

Issue 39 No 3

2019

June // July 2019

Seeking eco-justice for Earth in the Bible p8

Contents FEATURES Why establish multiple Presbyteries in SA?..……........................ 6 Seeking eco-justice for Earth in the Bible................................... 9 How can we be better custodians of Earth?……........................10 Abortion: A conversation with Sue Ellis......................................12 The art of saying no..............................................................................17 NAIDOC 2019: Seeking a voice, treaty and truth.................... 23

REGULAR PAGES Editor’s comments................................................................................ 3 General Secretary’s comment.......................................................... 4 News..........................................................................................................14 Getting to know.................................................................................... 16 Out & About...........................................................................................18 Diary..........................................................................................................20 Letters to the Editor............................................................................21 Talking Points........................................................................................ 24

Editor: Petronella Lowies Editor-in-Chief: Bindy Taylor Advertising: Communications Design: Winaya Kamaputri and Thaddeus Brady Print: Graphic Print Group Cover photo: courtesy of ????

For editorial enquiries: p. 08 8236 4230 e. newtimes@sa.uca.org.au m. The Editor, New Times GPO Box 2145 Adelaide SA 5001 For advertising bookings: p. 08 8236 4260 e. newtimesad@sa.uca.org.au

ISSN 0726-2612 New Times is the voice of Uniting Church SA. Published bi-monthly, February through December, New Times represents the breadth, diversity and vision of Uniting Church members in SA. Articles and advertising do not necessarily reflect the views of the New Times Editorial team. Print circulation: 7900 Uniting Church SA Level 2, 212 Pirie St, Adelaide p. (08) 8236 4200 f. 8236 4201 country callers. 1300 766 956 Deadline for the August / September 2019 edition: Friday 5 July Cover details: A future generation looks out over Wilpena Pound, located in the Ikara Flinders Ranges National Park. The extraordinary Adnyamathanha country landscape, estimated to be 800 million years old, is just a small dot in the whole of God's Creation, which we have been called upon to enjoy and preserve.

In the April/May edition of New Times (Get Your Art On! Page 23) we erroneously printed the contact details for Brougham Place Uniting Church with a section about Arts by the Sea (St Andrews by the Sea Uniting Church). The correct contact details for Arts by the Sea are 0405 459 214 or artsbythesea@standrewsuc.org.au. Follow them on Facebook through @ArtsbytheSeaGlenelg. Speak to Program Coordinator, Adeline.

PLACEMENTS NEWS Placements finalised as of 20 March 2019 Rev Ernest Sorensen to Adare UC from 1 July 2019. Ruth George to Uniting Churches of Tatiara (Bordertown UC, Mundulla UC, Buckingham UC) from 16 June 2019.

Vacant placements The following is the list of vacant (or soon to be vacant ) approved placements: PROFILES AVAILABLE – Belair UC (0.3), Henley Fulham UC, Malvern UC, Mount Barker UC (0.8), Para Hills UC (0.4), Port Augusta UC (0.5), Prospect Road UC (0.5), Seacliff UC, Summertown UC (0.5), Unley UC (0.4). PROFILES NOT YET AVAILABLE - Adelaide Korean UC (0.2), Flinders Congregations (0.6): Booleroo Centre UC, Booleroo Whim UC, Melrose UC, Wirrabara UC, Wilmington UC, Lighthouse (Port Pirie) from 1 July 2019, Hawthorn UC (0.5), Loxton UC and Renmark UC from 1 January 2020, Mannum UC (0.3), Plains Community Church (Joint CoC/UCA), Southern Yorke Peninsula (0.6) IIM placement, The Grove UC (0.3). For more information about any of these placements, please visit sa.uca.org.au/pastoral-relations-mission-planning/placementsvacant-and-finalised

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NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

A Sunday with Spirit Last month I had the opportunity to attend one of Athelstone Uniting Church’s Spirited Sunday events. Spirited Sunday is a monthly dinner and speaker event at the ‘The Rezz’ hotel in Newton. Operating since July 2018, it has been growing in popularity and gaining traction in the community. The diversity of speakers means that new people attend each month and the regular venue has flourished relationships between hotel staff, the general public and the broader church community.

Too often we can be too focussed on the changes within our church, its structure or the faith that is growing in ourselves. We know that God’s mission is much bigger than just these things.

Spirited Sunday is a classic example of the church reaching out to the community instead of waiting for the community to come to the church. It is mission in action and it is clear about its ‘why’ on its Facebook page: “to add value to people’s lives as individuals or as community”, running events “in the community for the community”. We know that God is active everywhere, we know that God is already at work in our communities. Events such as these leverage God’s work to facilitate discipleship in and around the community of Newton and beyond. Too often we can be too focussed on the changes within our church, its structure or the faith that is growing in ourselves. We know that God's mission is much bigger than just these things. How can we as the Uniting Church mirror the love of God to the wider community? A campaign that intends to communicate God’s vision is ‘More than Just Sunday’. It embraces why the Uniting Church is way more than just a Sunday church service. What God is doing in, and through, the Uniting Church has become more and more evident as more and more churches contact us with events that they run in the community. Shortly the Communications and Events team will be releasing a video that encapsulates different community programs and provides a visual reminder of why the Uniting Church is More than Just Sunday. We should never underestimate the power of God and what God’s plans are for the world and the communities in which we reside. Sometimes our picture of God’s mission is far too small. More than just Sunday reminds us to ask and pray about where God is at work in the community and how we might come alongside to assist and accentuate the work God is already undertaking.

Belinda Taylor

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MESSAGE FROM THE GEN SEC

To the members of the Presbytery and Synod of SA Greetings to you all in the name of Jesus the Christ who lives and works in our hearts and in our corporate life together. Thank you for the invitation to be your next General Secretary. It has been a great encouragement to receive letters and emails of welcome and support, of prayerful commitment to sharing in this next season of the Life and Witness of the Uniting Church in Australia. It is good to be back in the country of my birth. I was born and grew up in Naracoorte on the edge of Ngarrindjeri country. The Coorong, the Murray Mouth, the Naracoorte Caves and ancient coastlines of SA were part of the narratives of my childhood. My parent’s ashes are both scattered at Basham’s Beach, Middleton. My paternal grandparents are buried at Mitcham Cemetery along with their parents.

It is good to reconnect with the colour palette and landscapes so different from my recent experience in the Northern Synod. It is good to reconnect with places and people so important in my journey of coming to faith, the early stories of formation and nurtured love for God’s church in the world. My induction marked the commencement of the placement. Some 200 people braved a chilly autumn evening on Friday, 17 May. We gathered at the Fountain of Tears, a reconciliation park on the site of the Colebrook Cottage. Thank you to Allen Edwards (Chairperson) of Blackwood Reconciliation Group for welcoming us. Thank you to the Moderator who led us in prayer and a time of reflection. We gathered embers from the fire to light the Christ candle. Thank you to Rev Ken Sumner whose reflection on our Holy Scriptures deepened our understanding of the Covenant, encouraging us to listen… and helping us to hear.

I came to this role with gifts, some of which are well formed and others which are about to bloom.

Felicity’s induction service as General Secretary of the Uniting Church in South Australia was held at Colebrook Reconciliation Park and Blackwood Uniting Church.

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President’s Conference: You are invited A special thank you to members and friends of Blackwood Uniting for their hospitality, great music and tasty supper. Your support for our family over many years and encouragement for my ministry when living both near and far have been appreciated. At the Induction Service I reflected on my recent journey. I had accepted this call to be General Secretary with anticipation and hope. Unlike Bob Hawke, whose mother always knew he was going to be Prime Minister, my mother’s aspirations for me were good health, happiness (hence the name) and being the best I could be in whatever endeavour I chose to pursue. I remember the day before you “voted to call”, my discernment was still a work in progress and I was preparing to attend the National Deacon’s meeting in Sydney. The Gospel reading for the day came from Luke 5 – Jesus calling his disciples and also the crowd gathered at the lake to hear Jesus’ message. The message was “God chooses”. This was a significant relief to me. I could go off to my meeting and it would be okay because God would sort it out! As you know, the story continues. Throw your nets into the deep water. Listen, grow and be astounded by what is possible. I came to this role with gifts, some of which are well formed and others which are about to bloom. I come committed to acting in God’s interests excited about what God might be up to through the Uniting Church in South Australia – a compassionate, extravagant and subversive God who will take us to places we have not yet been. I look forward to meeting you, hearing your stories and actively engaging in the challenges of transition, equipping each other for Jesus’ ministry in and through our congregations and organisations associated with the Uniting Church.

All members of the Uniting Church in Australia are invited to join Uniting Church in Australia President, Dr Deidre Palmer, at her first President’s Conference, titled “For the Whole of Creation”. This is a unique opportunity to discuss and explore issues relating to the environment and climate, gender justice and how to grow in Christian discipleship. The five day conference will be held in Nadi, Fiji, from 13 to 17 July, 2019 and provides an opportunity for learning and growth, with sisters and brothers in faith. “I am delighted that our partners, the Methodist Church in Fiji, is joining with us in developing the program, that Rev Dr Vicky Balabanski has agreed to be our bible study leader, and Rev Dr Seforosa Carroll and Rev James Bhagwan are our keynote speakers,” says Deidre. “We will offer a number of electives and panel discussions hosted by people from the Methodist Church in Fiji, the Pacific Conference of Churches, as well as Uniting Church people with interest and knowledge in our themes. I am particularly looking forward to the worship that will gather us together every day and the opportunity to worship with our partner church.” If you would like to join Deidre, Vicky, Seforosa and James, as well as other Uniting Church members at this conference in Fiji, you can find more information about accommodation, pricing and registration on the UCA Assembly website at assembly.uca.org.au/presidentsconference.

Rev Felicity Amery

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Why establish multiple Presbyteries in SA? Bindy Taylor

2017

As of 1 July 2019, the Uniting Church SA will split the title Presbytery and Synod and just become ‘a’ Synod with multiple Presbyteries. After this date there will be two Presbyteries, namely Generate Presbytery and the Transitional Presbytery. These two Presbyteries will remain until the November 2019 Synod meeting when the Transitional Presbytery will be divided up into more Presbyteries – most likely two of them, split into geographical locations.

The joint Presbytery and Synod structure had continued for years but at times, congregations felt there was a need for a review. This became evident in 2017 when a gathering of Networks, under the leadership of the then General Secretary, took a serious look at potentially developing a more regional structure for the Uniting Church in SA … not necessarily several Presbyteries, but this did seem likely.

To answer why this is happening, we first need to understand some history of the Uniting Church in South Australia. In South Australia, we have not always been a Presbytery and Synod. After inauguration of the Uniting Church in Australia back on 22 June 1977, there were seven Presbyteries within the Synod – Adelaide North-West, Eyre, Fleurieu, Frome, Mt Lofty, The Coorong and Wakefield. This worked well for a while, but in some Presbyteries there was the need to appoint a Presbytery Minister. Office bearers were usually volunteers (not always) but as time went by it was difficult to find volunteers needed to fill all positions. The Presbyteries shared differing theological positions but when sexuality came to the fore there were contradictory positions. Establishing networks such as the Evangelical Members of the Uniting Church (EMU) supported the differing, even contradictory, views.

Most administrative functions will remain within the Synod so that Presbyteries can focus on mission and not be overcome by administrative or financial burdens.

Assembly 2003 and the years following it The Uniting Church in Australia meeting in 2003 brought Proposal 64. This was related to the acceptance of homosexual ministers. There was some angst in the church at this time and conversations began about moving away from several Presbyteries to ONE Presbytery. There was discussion around forming networks (initially 13, which decreased to 7) as a way of focussing on mission within the different networks but also as a response to Proposal 64 (Resolution 69) and as a way of preventing a full split within the Synod. After two years of preparation it was agreed at the 2005 South Australian Annual Meeting of the Synod that South Australia form one Presbytery within the Synod and that the Synod referred many of its powers (not all of them) to that Presbytery.

Assembly 2018 At the Uniting Church in Australia Assembly meeting in 2018, a decision was made to recognise two forms of marriage, between two people and between a man and a woman. This decision evoked the need for people who did not accept marriage as between two people to have their own gathering. This was flagged at Assembly but then brought as a specific proposal to the Annual meeting of the Presbytery and Synod in November 2018. It was resolved to form more than one Presbytery which would include a non-geographic Presbytery, now known as Generate Presbytery. Generate Presbytery was not formed solely due to the marriage decision but with a host of other mission and discipleship factors.

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LEADERSHIP

Every congregation in the Uniting Church in South Australia had to decide which Presbytery they would like to belong to. If they did not choose to be in the non-geographic “Generate Presbytery”, they will be part of the Transitional Presbytery until November.

Today Since that meeting in November last year there have been two task groups hard at work forming new Presbyteries and dealing with the processes involved with separating out the Presbytery and the Synod so that new Presbyteries can be formed. Due to the complexity and length of time this takes to unravel the transitional Presbytery will exist only from 1 July to 16 November to ensure it is set up as an effective Presbytery/ies in the future.

Will the establishment of Presbyteries require more money? Due to the Synod continuing to “exercise executive, administrative, pastoral and disciplinary functions over the Presbyteries within its bounds” (UCA Constitution Paragraph 32) the Restructuring Task Group has worked hard to ensure most administrative functions will remain within the Synod. This has been undertaken so that Presbyteries can focus on mission and not be overcome by administrative or financial burdens. A new Presbytery and Synod funding

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model has been agreed by Standing Committee which is based on the existing congregation contribution arrangements to the Mission and Service Fund and Mission Networks. The Uniting Church SA 2019 calendar has a copy of the Mission and Service Fund budget which outlines the budget and the expenditure for Uniting Church SA and is a good reference point for how the Mission and Service Fund budget is spent. There is much more detailed information available about the workings of separating the Presbytery and Synod of South Australia on the sa.uca.org.au web page here: sa.uca.org. au/presbytery-and-synod/restructure. The Associate General Secretary, Rev Sue Page, also conducts weekly live videos every Wednesday at 11am to update people on the Presbytery Restructure. This can be accessed on the Facebook page: Uniting Church. Uniting People. Sue can also be contacted via phone on (08) 8236 4217.

What is a Presbytery? A Presbytery is one the interrelated councils of the Uniting Church in Australia. The others, each with its own area of responsibility or oversight, are the congregation, the church council, the Synod and the Assembly. A Presbytery consists of the ministers and lay representatives from congregations, traditionally within the same region. Congregations who belong to the same Presbytery are linked together and accountable to each other. They are responsible for each other's pastoral care and enables congregations to connect to the life of the wider church. Among others, their duties include ordaining and commissioning ministers and deciding where and how to focus their missional efforts.

Illustration: Rob Messick 'Will's Poem' Image credit: Rob Messick (http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/rob-messick.html)

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FAITH/ OPINION

Seeking eco-justice for Earth in the Bible Environmental degradation has reached crisis proportions, and the future of planet Earth is in serious danger. Has the Bible itself contributed to the crisis, or is it simply misguided interpretations of the Bible? As one of the Biblical scholars intimately involved in The Earth Bible project, Rev Dr Vicky Balabanski shares her thoughts on our Christian faith and its connectedness to all of Creation. When I first started writing about the Bible and ecology about twenty years ago, it was a topic that seemed strange to many Christians. People often raised their eyebrows and wondered whether this was a ‘new age’ approach to reading the Bible. Many Christians grew up with the idea that ‘treehugging’ was not a topic for church. It seemed a bit too close to paganism or idolatry – worshipping the creature rather than the Creator. That’s no longer the case. In the intervening years, we have begun to recognise that we worship a God who created and loves all things, not just human beings. This shift began with Christians reflecting in many parts of the world about the degradation of creation at the hands of ‘market forces’ (aka human greed).

This is not an innovation, in one sense, but part of the Christian heritage which speaks of God as the creator, Christ as the redeemer of creation, and the Spirit as sustainer of creation. Worshipping God along with all creation (as the Psalms say), and expressing gratitude, love, and a commitment to care for all living things on earth is not new, but our present context makes it urgent in a way that it has never been before.

Pope Francis’ Laudato Si: On Care for our Common Home (2015) has been a landmark letter, addressed not just to Catholics, but to people of every faith and no faith. It articulates the connection between the flourishing of God’s creation and the flourishing of all people, and gives some profound analysis Worshipping God along with all creation (as of the attitudes and practices the Psalms say), and expressing gratitude, that have got us to this point of love, and a commitment to care for all living environmental crisis. I encourage things on earth is not new, but our present you to read it, or reread it; I find it incisive and profound. context makes it urgent in a way that it has

never been before.

Back in 1989, a leader in the Orthodox Church, Patriarch Dimitrios I, proclaimed 1 September as a day of prayer for the environment. One day is good, but not enough. We needed a season – like Lent or Advent – to think more deeply about this neglected part of our faith. The month of September leading up to St Francis of Assisi Day at the beginning of October has become the Season of Creation, inaugurated in the Uniting Church through the work of Norman Habel and the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania in 2004 and encouraged by the World Council of Churches since 2008. As long ago as 1967, scientist Prof Lynn White connected the ecological crisis with the Bible – in particular Return to Contents

Genesis chapter 1, and the ‘mandate’ it seemed to give humans to ‘dominate’ the earth in the words about ‘having dominion over every living thing’ (Gen 1:26 and 28). However, these words have to be interpreted in dialogue with the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 2, which talks about adam being formed from the adamah, the earth, and being placed in the garden to cultivate and serve it. This word for serve, abad, is the same word as is used for serving God in Exodus 4:23. Our Christian heritage actually directs us to notice and value our kinship with the Earth.

My own involvement goes back to 1997 with the start of the ‘Earth Bible’ project. A group of biblical scholars based here in SA, began to develop ways of reading the Bible in solidarity with the Earth community – meaning other species and all of creation, not just humans. This has meant being critical of aspects of our inherited tradition, particularly the valuing of the ‘next world’ over our present, fragile and infinitely precious creation. It has also meant discovering many aspects of the Bible that are profoundly Earth-friendly and pushing ahead to understand them more deeply. I am in the last stages of writing an Eco-Stoic reading of Colossians, to be published by Bloomsbury T & T Clark next year, so I continue to pursue this goal.

Let me conclude with two suggestions. First, think about joining in the Season of Creation this September, and encourage your minister or ministry team to draw on the many online resources. This gives space to reflect and grow as disciples who reflect God’s love for all things. Second, why not form an ecumenical study group in September to read and discuss Laudato Si?

Rev Dr Vicky Balabanski is a senior lecturer in New Testament at the Flinders University Department of Theology and Director of Biblical Studies at the Uniting College for Leadership and Theology. She is a team member and editor of the international Earth Bible Project, which has produced a series of books that seek to read the Bible in the shadow of the ecological crisis facing the Earth community. 9

How can we be better custodians of Earth? There are a great number of resources and initiatives already in place within the Uniting Church in South Australia, and the wider faith community, that can assist congregations and individuals to become better custodians of Earth. Here we list just a few:

Towards a more plastic-free world in the UCA The Synod of South Australia is intentionally phasing out the use of all non-essential, single-use plastics at its activities and events. These include plastic products such as disposable plates, cups and cutlery, balloons, glitter, plastic straws and more. All Uniting Church in SA congregations and faith communities, Uniting Venues and schools, colleges and organisations associated with the Uniting Church have also been invited to adopt this stance on single-use plastics. Additionally, the SA Synod has called on the State Government to invest in the promotion and expansion of the local plastic recycling industry and to take the same stance as the Uniting Church on phasing out non-essential, single-use plastics. The plan is to have the use of these plastics stopped by July this year, as the Uniting Church SA reviews its waste management policies and procedures for events and properties held by the Uniting Church.

Changing attitudes with the Just Earth App The Uniting Church in SA’s Environmental Action Group developed a free downloadable App called Just Earth for people to use during Lent (or any other time). It offers a 40 day environmental-focused journey with a short Bible text, reflection, related quotes, prayers and a ‘to do’ suggestion for every day. The aim of the App is to link science, justice and care of the earth with our spirituality so that those who use it don’t give something up for Lent, but rather take up new attitudes or actions that will contribute towards a more sustainable Earth. Get the App for free on the Apple iTunes store or on Google Play store.

Join a Walking on Country tour A Walking on Country tour is an organised expedition to sites and places currently or formerly held by Australia’s First Peoples. During a Walking on Country experience, participants learn about the spirituality, culture and stories of First Peoples and how that all connects to the particular land or environment that they are on. These experiences provide those who attend with a very different view on the natural environment and its connection to God and humans. It also provides an opportunity to nurture stronger covenantal relationships between Australia’s First and Second Peoples. Keep an eye out on the Uniting Church in SA Synod website and Facebook page for future Walking on Country opportunities.

Photo by Ishan @seefromthesky on Unsplash

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CULTURE

Advocacy with the Environmental Action Group A number of congregations have representatives on the Uniting Church in SA’s Environmental Action Group. This group focuses their activities mostly on Environmental and Social Justice Advocacy. A wealth of resources are available on their website, including information about Sustainable Development Goals, Nuclear Waste and its proposed storage near the Flinders Ranges, Human trafficking and exploitation, Health and Aged Care Justice, Mental Health, Refugees and Asylum Seekers and much more. Under the Environmental Advocacy tab you will find Eco-themed worship guides, Scripture and Lectionary Resources, Sermons, fact sheets and links to numerous other organisations who are committed to prayer and action on climate change.

Be encouraged by the Five Leaf Eco-Awards The environmental change program, Five Leaf Eco-Awards, are specifically designed for churches and religious organisations to assist them in becoming more environmentally sustainable. It uses a series of noncompetitive awards which is based on criteria such as reduced energy usage in church buildings, encouraging congregation members to be more environmentally friendly, conducting a service based on care for the environment, hosting a ‘green’ event and showing community leadership through a special environment-focused project. So far, Pilgrim Uniting Church is the only South Australian congregation that has won a Five Leaf Eco-Award. Join in: Find more information ont he website at fiveleafecoawards.org or by sending an email to fiveleafecoawards@gmail.com.

Get involved: Contact 8236 4203, enactgroup@gmail.com. Search for them on the sa.uca.org.au website or read their blog on environmentalaction.org.au.

A different perspective: The Earth Bible Project Celebrate a Season of Creation Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, in partnership with Dr Norm Habel, created the Season of Creation as a new season of the church year to be celebrated during the four Sundays of September that precede St Francis of Assisi Day (4 October). The season of Creation offers an opportunity for churches to introduce new visual elements into their worship and to be ecumenical and connected with creation in a particular context. There are liturgy, Bible readings and more to assist congregations who wishes to join in. It is now being promoted by the Global Catholic Climate Movement. Find more information online at seasonofcreation.com or contact Norm Habel by email on nhabel@bigpond.com.

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The Earth Bible, and its successor series The Earth Bible Commentary, are sets of books that aims to read biblical text from the perspective of Earth, or the Earth community (which includes animals, for instance). This is different than just reading the Bible with a view to understanding what it says on ecological topics. The Earth Bible project started out in South Australia but now has international authors who contribute too. Dr Norm Habel is the editor and main driver behind the project. Find these books here: •

The Earth Bible series (Sheffield Phoenix Press: sheffieldphoenix.com)

•

The Earth Bible Commentary series (Bloomsbury T & T Clark: Bloomsbury.com)

Abortion law reform: a conversation with Rev Sue Ellis Abortion is one of those highly divisive topics in society and in our church. It raises many sensitive and complex ethical, social, legal and medical issues. In South Australia the current law on abortion is under review. The Uniting Church, along with other faith organisations, law and medical experts, lobby groups and interested parties have been invited to be part of the consultation process. In April, Uniting Church SA Moderator, Rev Sue Ellis, sent a Pastoral Letter on the subject to all congregations and faith communities within the Uniting Church in SA. In it, she urged those who wanted to converse on the subject of abortion to avail themselves with as much factual information as they could find before engaging and offering a point of view. New Times discussed this letter and the topic of abortion with her.

What are the changes being proposed? South Australia's present laws relating to abortion dates back to 1969. Since then, there has been many changes in social and community attitudes as society has moved away from patriarchy. Most importantly, many medical advances have brought new knowledge and practice. South Australia was the first state to liberalise abortion laws, but ours is the most restrictive. The South Australian Law Reform Institute (SALRI) has been tasked to examine these laws with a view to decriminalise the practice, making it a regulated medical procedure under health laws as opposed to a criminal law issue. The Bill proposed by the Greens Upper House MP, Tammy Franks, includes the suggestion to remove gestation limits and the two doctor rule, meaning that women could action an abortion up until birth and rural women especially could have better access to treatment. SALRI's review of South Australia's abortion laws do not extend to preventing or precluding abortion.

What is the Uniting Church’s position on abortion? The Uniting Church National Assembly does not hold a position on abortion, and there exists a diversity of opinion among our Church members. We as Christians are called to respect the sacredness of life and respond to the issue of abortion with compassion and justice, based on our belief that “God is the giver of all life, and because all human beings are made in the image of God, every form of human existence should be treated with respect, and life should be preserved” (Minutes 84.124 and 84.126, in Reports and Business Papers of the Eighth Synod Vol.2, UCA Synod of South Australia, 1984, p.500). And “respect for the sacredness of life means advocating for the needs of women as well as the unborn child” (UCA President Statement in 2005). In 1984, our Eighth Synod declared the belief that "the abortion of a foetus should only be undertaken after a serious consideration of all possible options, and with an awareness of

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LEADERSHIP

the responsibility we have as Christians to protect life." In line with this, other Synods “have recognised that the final decision must be left to the pregnant woman and that the Church should support both women who have an abortion and those who continue with It seems to me, abortion is their pregnancy.” always a matter for lament. (Submission to Australian Human Rights Commission by UCA National Assembly, 2009). Nevertheless, it seems to me, abortion is always a matter for lament. Regardless of any difference of opinion on the issue, we must provide vulnerable women and their unborn, with adequate and appropriate pastoral care and support in compassion and prayer with non-judgemental sensitivity.

How is the Uniting Church advising the law reform process? The Uniting Church in SA has submitted a consultation document to SALRI and will be attending its roundtable consultation sessions in June. Individuals, congregations and faith communities have also been encouraged to participate in SALRI’s consultation process by completing the questionnaire on the SA Government’s YourSay website or sending them an email. These submissions closed at the end of May.

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Where to from here? The issue of abortion is both personal and public and there are contentious and mutually exclusive views that are often categorised as “pro-life” versus “pro-choice”. As conflicting positions harden, unchecked information can replace thoughtful dialogue, and the issue can lead to painful divisions in our community. As the Moderator, I call the Uniting Church in South Australia to engage in careful, fact-based and prayerful discussion, seeking the wisdom and guidance of the Spirit with integrity and humility, as discussion and responses are made to this Bill. Legislation on South Australia’s abortion laws will be decided later this year through a conscience vote.

There are several resources available that can assist individuals, congregations and faith communities with facts. Contact these organisations and ask for their resources on the topic of abortion: •

“Uniting Church Teaching on Abortion,” in Australian Religious Studies Review

•

World Health Organisation (search South Australia)

•

Pregnancy Help Australia

•

Genesis Pregnancy support in SA

•

South Australian Abortion Action Coalition

•

The SA Government’s YourSay website

Live Life Loud: f ive events in June This year, during the month of June, there will be five big Live Life Loud events spread throughout the State to provide young people with the chance to make connections with other young Christians in their area. Live Life Loud is about local churches building networks, helping young people to make real-life connections and providing an opportunity for encounters with God. This year’s theme is Lionheart; a play on the extreme courage of Daniel and his friends who lived so very differently from everyone around them in Babylon at the time. Daniel and his friends didn’t fit in where they lived in Babylon. They ate differently, they used their free time differently, and they believed in a different worldview to the rest of the people around them - but they didn’t let that stop them! They worked in the palace and they were even chosen as the most qualified to serve the king. Each day they had to live in the worldly kingdom whilst being faithful to the Kingdom of Heaven. And it got them in big trouble! But God was with them even in their darkest hours and gave them the courage to face the toughest battles. When we read the book of Daniel today, we can’t help but make comparisons to our lives here and now. What can Daniel’s extreme courage tell us about life and living? How do we stand firm in our faith and still make an impact in our society? How do we follow the way of Jesus in this crazy, mixed-up world of ours? How can we fire up our own “lionhearts”?

Young people from across the State will explore the example Daniel and his friends in Babylon set for us during five Live Life Loud events in June. These questions and more will be explored by young people at Live Life Loud events in the City, North, West, South, Balaklava, and the Eyre Peninsula. Dates and further information are available on the website at sa.uca.org.au/LLL.

Connect and thrive with age Walkerville Uniting Church has a new community program focusing on the aged, called Connect and Thrive with Age. Christian hospitality is central to the program’s success and the congregation is now connecting with the community through a series of workshops in a space where strangers can become friends. “We secured a grant through the Office for Ageing and Wellness which enables the program to be offered very economically whilst still providing professional service from experts in the field,” says Walkerville UC’s Rhonda Smedley. The workshops have themes such as Death Café, Ten Things to Know Before You Go, Finding Joy in the Ordinary Photography Workshop, Demystifying the Aged Care Puzzle and Write Your Emotional Will. “Partnering with the Walkerville Council has strengthened our community connections,” says Rhonda. “Now we offer a space where change can take place rather than trying to change people, and where meaningful conversations happen. 14

The Death Café workshop held last year at Walkerville Uniting Church proved to be a resounding success. People have conversations over coffee and cake to explore their values and ideas about life and death issues in a safe and supportive environment. The workshops are scheduled from Wednesday 26 June to Monday 4 November. Bookings are essential and can be confirmed by calling 0458 112 998 or sending an email to admin@walkerville.unitingchurch.org.au. Return to Contents

NEWS SNIPPETS

Changes to Screening Policy From the first of July, 2019 there will be a different checking process for working with children. This will mean changes to the current screening process. If you work with children, or are in one of the categories that currently require screening (e.g. Church Council or church employee), keep alert for new information regarding the new procedures. The South Australian Royal Commission into Child Protection recommended for all people who work with children to undergo a Department of Human Services (DHS) check. This will be known as a Working with Children Check (WWCC). There continues to be further checks for ministers and office bearers, etc which we intend to complete through the DHS. There is no change to policy. The same people who required checks in the past will continue to need them into the future. However, there are changes to the process. For example, the

current process for Police Screening requires the applicant to complete a paper form, this will now be completed through DHS’s online portal. This is going to be inconvenient for some people, but the Safe Church team are committed to working with churches and members to reduce the difficulties. The good news about the new WWCC process is that it will move to a five year cycle rather than the existing three year cycle. DHS is also promising live updates of information. Furthermore, it will be transferable across the places where you work, serve and volunteer. Please look out for more information in the coming months as the church transitions to the new system. If you have any queries please contact either Rev Philip Gardner on 8236 4268 or pgardner@sa.uca.org.au; or Linda Vinall on 8236 4248 or lvinall@sa.uca.org.au.

Get that community engagement idea funded! Do you have an idea for a vibrant new project to engage with your local community?

•

Employment of pastors to provide supporting roles in congregations

Every day, Uniting Church congregations, faith communities and individuals provide programs and services that bring hope and joy to South Australians. Uniting Foundation offers support for establishing projects that will help to build vibrant churches and communities into the future. The 2019 round is now open for applications with a closing date of 31 July 2019.

•

Financial assistance with mission and outreach initiatives

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Funding to assist in Leadership development strategies

Projects supported in recent times include: •

UAICC ministries at Oodnadatta and Kalparin

Eligibility criteria and application forms are now available online at www.sa.uca.org.au/uniting-foundation/ applying-for-a-grant. If you think your project meets the criteria we encourage you to contact Malcolm Wilson, Uniting Foundation Manager, on 0414 520 140 or mwilson@sa.uca.org.au.

Any war relics in your church? Emily Gibbs, a Master of War Studies candidate of the University of New South Wales, is writing a thesis on war relics in Australian churches. Her focus is on artefacts or relics directly connected with war that churches may hold. Her aim is to document these relics and to understand why they were brought back, how they evoke memory and the stories behind each relic. Additionally, she hopes to understand the religious nature of our commemoration, and the interconnection between war and Christianity. So far, Emily has documented some extraordinary relics, including original grave markers from France, chalices used before battle, flags and guidons flown during campaigns, three parts of the Shellal mosaic and a censer made of a canteen. Some chaplains brought things home with them from war, such as shards of broken church windows which were gathered Return to Contents

in ruined French and Belgian towns by an Anglican chaplain in the First World War. He had them made into windows that still bring light into St John's Anglican Church in Reid, Canberra. Other churches use artillery shell cases as vases or ewers. At the Kapooka Soldier's Chapel, a wooden crucifix contains metal from an armoured vehicle that a soldier in Afghanistan was in when he died. There are portable altars used in New Guinea, candlesticks, and chalices made in POW camps. Several churches have a 'Blitz' piece of St Paul's London, sent out after the Second World War. If you know of any war relics in your church that may be of interest to Emily, please contact her by email on manning.gibbs@gmail.com, or by sending a letter to 115 Monaro Cres, Red Hill, ACT, 2603. 15

GETTI NG TO KNOW

Uniting Country SA – Caring for Country People Jess (name changed) came into a Uniting Country SA service centre feeling very ashamed with her situation. She had never imagined that she would need support, but when her husband fell ill right before Christmas and couldn’t work, the family found it impossible to manage their bills, Christmas and the needs of their children. A staff member worked with Jess to determine the ways she could access help. She left that day with a plan, Christmas gifts and tears of relief in her eyes. She was deeply touched to have found such caring support.

During the All Staff Day Event last year, all Uniting Country SA staff dressed up in blue.

Q: How did Uniting Country SA come about? In March 1912, Port Pirie Central Mission was established to be the living centre of evangelistic effort combined with social services in the region. The first services provided included welfare checks for sailors in port and visits to many of the 4,000 inhabitants of Port Pirie facing hardship. The Central Mission quickly took on an important role in the community through the years of two World Wars and The Depression, offering relief parcels and a safe place to shelter. Over time, their services continued growing. When a national network of Uniting Church community services was launched in the mid-2000s, The Port Pirie Central Mission became Unitingcare Wesley Country SA. After 100 years of service, Unitingcare Wesley Country SA is now known as Uniting Country SA. It is a name chosen to reflect the spiritual history with the Uniting Church and the importance of the people of Country SA, who the organisation represented.

Q: How does Uniting Country SA support regional South Australia today?

Caring for Country People is central to the daily work of Uniting Country SA. This involves providing services across 900,000 square kilometres in regional SA, supporting country communities to remain sustainable, strong and vibrant. “We see ourselves as part of all the communities we work with, so it is important to us to work closely with community groups and other service providers to get the best outcomes for country people and their communities,” says Anthea Pavy, Chief Executive of Uniting Country SA. An example is the Community Foodhub situated in Port Pirie, which works toward the provision of food security in the region. The Foodhub provides referred clients access to low cost grocery shopping, which helps to stretch their already tight budgets. 16

Homelessness and Domestic and Family Violence services are provided from Port Pirie to Coober Pedy, Port Augusta, Clare, and the Yorke Peninsula. These services support those at risk to overcome homelessness and abuse and live a life free from instability and violence. In partnership with other organisations, support is tailored to meet the needs of each individual and can include accommodation as well as financial and emotional support. After school activities at the Indulkana Youth Shed on the APY lands is another great partnership Uniting Country SA share with the local community. Here, activities include music and access to instruments, computers, sports and sporting equipment, Xbox, colouring, jigsaw puzzles and books to read. Cooking, painting, arts and crafts are provided during the school holidays. The shed has become an integral part of the community, with around 65 young people attending daily. The Uniting Country SA service delivery extends even further to locations like Port Lincoln, Whyalla, Ceduna and Peterborough. Their work also includes the delivery of programs such as residential care, foster care, and counselling to strengthen family relationships and parenting skills. Additionally, Uniting Country SA works within the National Disability Insurance framework to provide respectful and supportive services to people faced with the challenges of disability in their lives.

Q: How can Uniting Church members get involved?

There are lots of ways to get involved with the work of Uniting Country SA! Information about foster care, volunteering and the opportunity to make a donation towards the work of Caring for Country People can be found by visiting ucsa.org.au.

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LEADERSHIP

The art of saying no Bindy Taylor Anna Doecke is a self-confessed people pleaser in recovery. For many years she dedicated herself wholly and solely to her work as a youth pastor. Her role had all the elements of someone prone to burnout – caring for others, looking after people, helping others journey through hard times. For Anna it was seven years of feeling like she couldn’t say no to those who needed her help. Her lack of boundaries and the desire to help everyone, all of the time, meant she felt that she wouldn’t be liked or couldn’t excel in her work if she said no. The burnout came, but so did the recovery. Today, Anna dedicates her days with her passion of helping others refrain from reaching burnout point, a destination she says is avoidable. Now she is a qualified counsellor, trained as a facilitator in the work of Dr Brené Brown. “Research has shown there are particular types of people who are susceptible to this state of being (burnout)” says Anna. “They have caring roles such as nurses, doctors, social workers, counsellors, parents, teachers, pastors and psychologists. These roles commonly default to putting others first, which can result in a lack of self-care.” “There are practicalities around a lack of self-care,” says Anna. “Some include long work and life hours. Having no time for self is not sustainable physically and heightens emotions when tired. Getting to burnout point can also impact our physical, emotional, social and spiritual selves. It can affect all areas of your life, causing us to feel exhausted, have a loss of empathy, disconnection and motivation. It can impact on our home life, work life, relationships, physical health, outlook on the world, self-esteem, spiritual life and the way we may or may not contribute to the world.” The good news is that recovery is possible. Anna suggests seeking counselling or coaching as a process to learn, grow and recover from burnout. She has compiled some guidelines to consider for improved health and well-being: 1. Embrace imperfection. Brené Brown says "Imperfections are not inadequacies, they are reminders that we're all in this together." Vital to the burnout recovery process is the ability to accept the imperfect parts of ourselves. By doing this, we give life and freedom not only to ourselves but to everyone else around us. When we know that we are not perfect we have more compassion towards others who are also imperfect. 2. Embrace courage. Embracing courage means asking for what you need, setting boundaries and getting clear on what is and isn’t OK .It means clearing your calendar to create space for rest, play and self-care. Doing whatever makes sense to you as you live in line with your values and live out your true authentic self.

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In May, Anna Doecke gave a talk on preventing and recovering from burnout as part of Athelstone Uniting Church’s Spirited Sundays series.

3. Implement Self-Care. Treat yourself as God treats you, with value, just like we treat other people and things in our life that are valuable. Self-care means increasing self-compassion and talking to ourselves the way we'd talk to someone we love. In summary, Anna stresses the importance of valuing our own self-care “We all like to receive nice things, but no one can give us what we need exactly when and where we want it. Taking the time to work out what makes us feel cared for and then intentionally practicing these actions can lead us to being our best self and growing into the best person we can possibly be.” Anna is a regular speaker, presenter, workshop facilitator and counsellor. Find out more about her services by visiting her website, journeez.com.au, contacting her by email: anna.journeez@gmail.com or calling 0422 246356.

The signs of burnout? Some of the signs of burnout can be things like: • Always saying ‘yes’ to everything and everyone • Feeling like you can’t say no • Struggling to make decisions • Not taking a lunch break – or any breaks • Being out every night of the week • Feeling overwhelmed • Withdrawing from social activities • Feeling hazy, faint, light-headed • When all the days feel like they are rolling into one • Going to meetings is hard work • Not wanting to go to work in the first place • Loss of motivation and excitement for work and life.

Thanks to a “Fund my Neighbourhood” grant by the State Government, Gawler Uniting Church built a brand new playground and community garden. The two facilities were officially opened on Saturday, 25 May. It brought together people from every ministry the congregation has, including the Community Childcare Centre from next door. The project has been in the making since 2017 with delays in the approval process because of the National Heritage status of the buildings.

On 18 April, artist Helen Stacey, whose work we featured in the April/May edition of New Times, surprised staff in the Uniting Church SA Synod and Presbytery office with a gift of one of her paintings. The work is entitled “On a new Journey Together”, with themes of reconciliation, crossing boundaries, and journeying to hope and light. Helen says she wanted to encourage everyone in the office throughout the challenging times the church is facing. The painting now hangs in a place of pride in the Pirie street office. Pictured here is Moderator, Sue Ellis with Helen during the handover.

Members of Morialta Uniting Church took the time and effort to help the New Times production team update the date on the April/May edition of New Times. Morialta receives 95 copies of the magazine and updating the date on each copy was certainly a big task. Thanks for your assistance, ladies! It is greatly appreciated.

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OUT & ABOUT IN THE COMMUNITY

Just after Easter a pilgrimage and working party, led by Uniting Church SA Moderator Rev Sue Ellis, visited the Oodnadatta Faith Community in support of the 2019 Reconciliation Week Pilgrimage of Healing Appeal. The dream is to help this community, who currently worships in the open air, build a multipurpose church building. Worshippers came from faraway places such as Indulkana and Finke for the occasion, and the working party helped to erect partial shading over the platform from where Pastor Julia Lennon usually preaches.

Rev Peter Morton was ordained at Seeds Uniting Church on Wednesday, 1 May. Peter is currently one of Seedsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Next Gen Pastors, a role he shares with wife Jo. Laying hands on Peter are (from left) Seeds Senior Pastor Rev Dr Jonathan Davies, Jo Morton, Uniting Church SA Moderator Rev Sue Ellis, Adelaide West Uniting Churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rev Lynne Aird, and Associate Pastor Rev Rod Dyson.

On Sunday, 5 May Rev Lynne Aird was ordained into ministry at Adelaide West Uniting Church. Pictured is Linda Vinall presenting her with a stole she made specifically for Lynne.

Do you have a photo of your event that you would like to see featured here? If so, please send it to us along with a description of what happened, where it happened, and who is in the picture. We can only print high resolution photographs sent as attachments to newtimes@sa.uca.org.au. Keep them coming! Return to Contents

UPCOMING EVENTS

June

Ryan Taylor & Marmalade Five in Concert

1:30pm Adelaide West Uniting Church A music concert featuring Ryan Taylor on classical piano and “Marmalade Five”, a Latin/Jazz Group. Contact: 8234 1199 or office@awuc.org.au

United We Share

June

2:30pm Brougham Place Uniting Church Celebrate cultural differences with music as the universal language in this United Nations Year of Indigenous Languages. Guest Artist Nancy Bates and women’s choir, Illumina Voices. Contact: Cathy Paterson on 0421 573 160 or catpat58@outlook.com

17-21 June

Unmasking Slavery – Seminars for Schools

If you would like your school to hear about modern slavery and how to stop it from STOP THE TRAFFIK, register your school now for a free talk between 17 and 21 June. Contact: Carolyn Kitto on 0438 040 959 or carolyn.kitto@stopthetraffik.com.au

June

Intercultural Theology Forum

7:00pm Uniting College for Leadership and Theology

June

When is Rock Bottom really Rock Bottom?

7:30pm Rosefield Uniting Church A pastoral care education session for lay folk by Rev Kim Thoday, Chaplain to Eldercare and formerly Defence Forces. Contact: 8271 9528 or admin@rosefield.org.au

Presbytery and

28-29 Synod June Meeting June

Aug

Flourishing Fleurieu SALA Art Exhibition Launch

11:30am Bethany Hall, Willunga This exhibition will endeavour to capture the essence of life on the Fleurieu with a number of established artists participating. Contact: 0447 839 040 or j.esots@bigpond.com

from 9:00am Adelaide West Uniting Church

Dealing with the Presbytery restructure, the ballot for Moderator-elect and more. This meeting will also include time for the first Presbytery meetings of ‘Generate’ and the Transitional Presbytery. Contact: 8236 4200 or secretariat@sa.uca.org.au

9-10 July

Code of Ethics – Two-day course

from 9:30am Uniting College for Leadership and Theology A non-accredited course introducing a code of ethics that includes training on the awareness of the prevention of sexual misconduct. It is essential study for Candidates for Ministry, Ministry of Pastor and Ministers transferring from other denominations. Contact: 8416 8420 or info@unitingcollege.edu.au

19-21

Stillpoint Residential Retreat

Keynote Lecture on Transforming Theology for Intercultural Ministry by Rev Dr Grace Ji-Sun Kim, Associate Professor of Theology at Earlham School of Religion in Richmond, Indiana. She is an internationally renowned scholar, writer and passionate speaker. Bookings essential.

Join Sharonne Price for 'Spiritual Practice in our Workday World', a fully catered retreat at Nunyara Conference Centre in Belair. Live-in or Live-out.

Contact: Bev Freeman on 8236 4243 or bfreeman@sa.uca.org.au

Contact: 8271 0329 or stillpoint@internode.on.net

July

from 5:00pm Nunyara Conference Centre

CL A SSIFIEDS MORIALTA CHARITABLE TRUST FUND Morialta Charitable Trust Fund has been supporting disadvantaged children, young people and their families in South Australia through its annual program of distributions for 40 years. To enable the Fund to continue this support through community organisations in South Australia, Morialta Charitable Trust Fund seeks donations from the public. Donations of $2 – and above are tax deductible and can be forwarded to the Morialta Charitable Trust Fund at PO Box 92, Crafers SA 5152.

STAMPS NEEDED FOR SALLY STAMP The UCASA and fellow Sally Stamp volunteers wishes to pay tribute to long-time volunteer Al Schammer who passed away recently. Thanks to those who regularly donate stamps - please keep doing so. Proceeds are donated to South Pacific School Aid Inc to send containers of books. Stamp Collections that might no longer be needed are particularly welcome. Please contact Maxine Haines on 0427 972 417 or email jimmax.haines@bigpond.com.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Where was Easter? I was very disappointed with the lack of acknowledgement of Easter in the April/May edition of New Times. The Crucifixion and the Resurrection are the corner stones of our faith but were almost entirely ignored. Is the thought that we are all sinners in need of a saviour too offensive to some who prefer to think God condones all our actions, even those that He has declared offensive to Him? The words Repent and sin no more are central to Bible teaching. If this is not acknowledged, I suppose the need for a saviour is not important. We are on dangerous ground if we go down that path. It is a sad day when people's feelings are more important than our living God who asks much of us but gives so much more to those who endeavour to truly follow Him.

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There cannot be unity between truth and error The God of truth, His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, agree marriage is only between a man and a woman, not any other arrangement. The UCA National Assembly standing committee, and its supporters in synods and congregations, are those who have caused division, not the proponents of the "first presbytery" in SA (Letters to the editor, April/May New Times). Real Christianity is believing the truth as revealed in scripture by the God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It involves repentance from sin, not acceptance of sin as diversity to be continued. Dishonesty about what constitutes a matter vital to the life of the Church, at the November & January Synod meetings, enabled the Assembly decision to stand. It was obvious to the 400 delegates who attended these meetings, that this was so, when normally about 200 would attend. Throughout history, revival has only happened when those hearing the gospel, respond with repentance and faith.

Greg Hallam 0411 550 417

U2/650 North East Rd, Holden Hill 08 8369 1964

Keith Ellison 0411 556 075 tec@tecsa.com.au www.tecsa.com.au

Trevor Carter Bordertown UC, Lay preacher, Church councillor, Elder, and synod delegate.

Send your letters to: newtimes@sa.uca.org.au or GPO Box 2145, Adelaide 5001.

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CULTURE

NAIDOC 2019: Seeking a voice, treaty and truth NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life. The week is a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities and to support your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. This year, NAIDOC week falls between 7 and 14 July. The theme is “Voice. Treaty. Truth. Let’s work together for a shared future”. This theme acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have always wanted an enhanced role in decision-making in Australia’s democracy. Rhanee Tsetsakos, an Adnyamathanha woman originally from Port Augusta, is passionate about Covenanting Relationships within the Uniting Church. She seeks to understand how Indigenous and non-Indigenous Christians can work together effectively to break down walls and barriers to bring everyone closer together. Rhanee wrote a poem about this year’s NAIDOC week theme. I hate having a VOICE and not being heard. I tell you the TRUTH but you don’t hear a word. It’s time for a TREATY that we agree on together. Our sovereign rights never ceded not now, not ever! From the start we have shared our resources and land. But now it is time for us to make a stand. We need to restore trust that was broken. And fulfil past promises that have forever been spoken. Our people are the most disadvantaged of all. And as christians we must answer the call. “To love one another as I have loved you”. Are the words Jesus spoke telling us what to do. Will we lay down our life for our sisters and brothers? Will we be kind, tender-hearted and forgive one another? Will you walk with me and stand by my side? Will you help return our nation’s true sense of pride? Will you give Australia’s First People a VOICE to be heard? Will you allow the passion in your heart to be stirred? Will you allow the knowledge of the TRUTH to be shared? It is time to be strong and courageous, not scared! If we want a shared future then something has to be done. Let’s talk TREATY and come together as one. -

Rhanee Tsetsakos

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Adnyamathanha woman Rhanee Tsetsakos wrote a poem about this year's NAIDOC week theme. Here she is at the induction service of Rev Felicity Amery (Deacon), General Secretary of the Uniting Church in South Australia, at the Colebrook Reconcilliation Park.

Talking Points There are always stories about Christians, Christianity and the Church that continuously make headlines worldwide. New Times made a summary of some of these stories – the news we talk about over a cup of tea!

Fire destroys Notre Dame Cathedral On 15 April the world watched in horror as fire destroyed the 850 year old Notre Dame Cathedral in the heart of Paris, France. The Notre Dame is one of the most famous churches in the world and one of Christianity’s most beloved monuments. It was undergoing renovations at the time and it is believed that the fire resulted from these renovations. While a large part of the building’s roof collapsed, a great number of the monument’s priceless artefacts were saved. The fire elicited messages of support to the French Government and its people, as well as Catholics and Christians from other denominations, from many noteworthy world leaders and faiths. (From Religion News Service, 15 April 2019)

80 Percent of World’s Persecuted are Christians A recent British report found that an estimated 80 percent of all persecuted religious believers around the world are Christians. The report also says the level of persecution in some areas is nearing the international definition of genocide, and that the situation is worsening. According to the report, Christianity now faces the possibility of being wiped-out in parts of the Middle East. Extremist groups in Syria, Iraq, Egypt, north-east Nigeria and the Philippines have the deliberate objective of ‘violently eradicating Christians’. The report was commissioned by British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt and prepared by a panel headed by Rt Rev Philip Mountstephen, bishop of Truro within the Church of England. This was an interim report with the full version expected to be released at the end of June this year. (From ChristianHeadlines.com, 6 May 2019)

Christian Coffee Company gifts 100 cars to single mothers US Coffee Company Burly Man Coffee launched a campaign in March where they gift cars to 100 single mothers. This is in response to Starbucks which contributes (directly and through employee gift matching) to the abortion provider Planned Parenthood. “They support death, and we support life,” the company founder told media. “Our campaign helps counter the problem of fatherlessness.” (Christian Headlines, 22 May 2019)

Israel Folau and the issue of Freedom of Speech Rugby Union superstar Israel Folau’s contract with Rugby Australia was terminated in May this year after having been found guilty of a high level code of conduct breach, which includes a policy of inclusion. This follows his Instagram post in April which read: “Warning. Drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists, idolators. Hell awaits you. Repent! Only Jesus saves.” Folau’s post and subsequent sacking is particularly noteworthy as it opens up the debate on freedom of speech. Should free speech be curtailed just because it provokes moral outrage? Can employees be fired for publicly posting views (religious or otherwise) that are deemed as socially unacceptable, even if their contract contains no clauses against it? At the time of print, Folau has not given any indication of whether he will be taking legal action on his contract termination. According to The Guardian (18 May, 2019), if Folau does takes legal action and is successful, the case is likely to be a victory for religious freedom and freedom of speech in Australia, particularly in workplaces. If he fails, he will become Australia’s first sporting religious martyr. (From The Guardian, 18 May 2019)

Cryptocurrency Scheme targeted South Pacific churches Two churches in the South Pacific seems to have been the target of a (both Ponzi- and Pyramid-type) cryptocurrency scheme accused of fraud and money laundering. Investors from the Samoa Worship Centre Christian Church and an Auckland branch of the Samoan independent Seventh Day Adventist Church were advised from the pulpit to invest in OneCoin. The churchgoing investors are set to lose more than $2 million. In a statement the Samoan Bank CBS reasons that “public education on the issue would be futile because the church ministers are the promoters, and they are held out to be trustworthy”. In turn, the church leaders claims that they did nothing wrong. What is clear is that OneCoin used the church platforms to promote their scheme among Samoan and Kiwi communities. Now the question remains whether the church authorities were victims of the scam themselves or complicit in it. (Christianity Today, 9 May 2019) Return to Contents