Features

As the conflict continues to unfold in northern Iraq, volunteers are at the heart of the humanitarian services delivering aid. Dianne Jensen talks to members of Operation Hope, a group of Uniting Church people bringing hope to shattered lives. Monday: I worked in a small container today just inside the entrance to the U2 camp … Three doctors, three interpreters, ...

“We really need to wrestle with how we engage with and understand human suffering.” Stem cell biologist Dr Nathan Palpant talks to Dianne Jensen about the nexus between Christian faith and his cutting-edge research using human stem cells to understand disease and develop new therapies. Most of us never forget that first look through the microscope at a pin prick ...

While the Basis of Union is the foundational document of the Uniting Church, another key text from 1977—the Statement to the Nation—provided a vision for how the newly formed church would respond to the Australian society in which it belonged. Rev Dr John Squires, director of education and formation at the Western Australian Synod, explores the 1977 statement and its ...

A 40th birthday is a time for getting out the family photos and telling stories. Dianne Jensen explores why preserving our church history is vital to the future of the Uniting Church in Australia. There’s treasure to be found in the nooks and crannies of our churches. Scrapbooks from the Great War, photographs of the church that was sold before ...

As the Uniting Church celebrates its 40th birthday the question of who will lead the church in the decades ahead has become increasingly urgent. Journey reports on the Next Gen Arise initiative, which may just hold the answer. It’s Saturday afternoon at Kangaroo Point Uniting Church, and inside the talk is of faith and leadership as Mike Hands from Newlife ...

While the massive clean-up after Cyclone Debbie and the associated record-breaking floods is well underway, it will take some months to count the real cost to the community. Journey reports on how the Uniting Church is supporting those impacted into the future. Farmers, business owners and householders in north and central Queensland and northern New South Wales are still reeling ...

US pastor and author Nancy Beach has gained international recognition for her ministry work transforming the relationship between the arts and church, and she is set to visit Australia for the Uniting Leaders conference in August. Bindy Taylor meets Nancy to discuss leadership, gender politics and the importance of having fun. Nancy Beach is a self-confessed optimist. This outlook has ...

In the 21st century what should Christians make of the concept of “sin”? A long-gone relic or a necessary corrective in a society seduced by moral relativism and the cult of victimhood? Simon Gomersall explores sin, Easter and atonement. It is now conventional to assert that the language and concept of sin is irrelevant in both 21st century Australian society ...

As the Uniting Church celebrates the 40th anniversary of Australia’s first home-grown church, Journey explores three different examples of innovation and renewal in Queensland congregations. Dianne Jensen reports. Ripley Valley: a season to begin A new town is rising in south east Queensland. Ripley Valley will have a bigger downtown area than the nearby Ipswich central business district and house ...

Moving to a foreign country can be a huge step for anyone but it is particularly challenging for those with a young family. In 2014 Chris and Stacie Ellinger took up the challenge by moving to Cambodia with their two children, offering them an opportunity to use their community development skills and work with local Christian organisations. Chris Ellinger reflects ...