JourneyOnline
I migrated to Australia from South Africa and took up a placement as Minister of the Word at Indooroopilly in January 2003.
Now in my fifth year, I have come to appreciate many things about the Uniting Church in Australia.
I appreciate the hospitality that welcomes the stranger – we were warmly accepted and embraced as a new family to the country and church.
I appreciate the Uniting Church declaring itself to be a multi-cultural church, where all cultures are given equal recognition and dignity.
This is an important step in moving beyond our Anglo-Celtic roots to becoming a truly indigenous church in a modern multi-cultural Australia.
I appreciate the willingness to accommodate a broad spectrum of theologies and opinions.
We don’t all have to be of the same mind to be one in Christ!
I like the Uniting Church’s openness to ecumenical and inter-faith dialogue and co-operation.
I appreciate the “jigsaw puzzle” model of governance which is not hierarchical and controlling, but horizontal and collaborative.
I like our connexional structure which is a healthy safeguard against becoming inward-looking and insular.
I like our commitment to the wider community through our health and community service organisations.
I like the fact that “every member ministry” is taken seriously.
I like the intentional way in which the specified ministries on our church councils are balanced by equal numbers of lay representatives.
I like the way the role of women in leadership is recognised and affirmed.
I appreciate the way the Basis of Union speaks of the centrality of Jesus Christ as the Word of God and of the Church as a pilgrim people, always on the way towards a promised goal.
This anchors us in a personal faith that is dynamic and future-oriented.
Lastly, I like the fact there is a lot to appreciate about the Uniting Church in Australia!
Henry Swindon is minister at the Indooroopilly Uniting Church congregation in Brisbane.
Photo : Henry Swindon
