JourneyOnline
The Journey team selects stories that got us talking this week. Check back in every Friday to see the latest wrap up of religious news that made us think and reflect.
Hillary turns to Galatians to cope with mega loss
As the world watched Donald Trump win the presidential election, a shattered Hillary Clinton went on social media with a scriptural message for her army of supporters who were struggling to register Trump’s victory: Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season, we shall reap, if we do not lose heart.
Uniting Church big winner at Armenian National Committee banquet
Asbarez covers the Uniting Church in Australia receiving the Freedom Award at the Armenian National Committee of Australia’s Annual Banquet last Friday. In 2015 the church’s Assembly passed a unanimous motion recognising the Armenian Genocide and initiated a humanitarian campaign for Armenians forced to flee their homes in Western Armenia due to conflict in the region.
Mount Isa mining interfaith inclusivity
ABC reports on an interfaith initiative by the Good Shepherd Catholic church in Mount Isa who have offered a part of their parish building for the local Islamic community.
Jahed Chowdhury, a Muslim local, says, “We live close together and in good harmony and that’s what we are human for. Regardless of the practice, we respect each other.”
ABC religious programming cuts draw opposition
ABC focuses on reports that its network’s decision to cut religious programming could be contravening its charter as religious leaders prepare to meet with managing director Michelle Guthrie.
There are reports that John Cleary’s weekly ABC local radio program on religion and spirituality will be cancelled.
Glasgow gets new minister for visual arts
News from the Church of Scotland comes in of a minister who has been selected as a pioneer artist to develop new faith communities across the country. Rev Peter Gardner marked his new role with a stunning installation piece made from over 150 recycled glass jars and says his work explores the place where art and spirituality meet.
The intersection of faith and art has been in The Scoop recently thanks to articles by Scott Guyatt and Rev Graham Dempster.
Atheist still wants to be church minister
Radio Australia reports on a Canadian minister who is now an atheist but still wants to lead her congregation. Progressive Gretta Vosper has said her atheist declaration is partly about raising awareness about church reform but how much theological tolerance should a church show to their ministers on fundamental questions around God? Please let us know in the comments below.
Don’t hit the snooze button on Trump win says ACL
The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) has issued a media release on Donald Trump’s victory insisting it is further evidence of a “growing global backlash against a political class which is increasingly disconnected from the concerns of ordinary people.”
While not outlining specifics of what concerns “ordinary” Australians might feel are being overlooked by the political elite, the ACL cannot help but raise the same-sex marriage issue as a potential candidate.
