Opinion

The Basis of Union may have been completed in the late sixties but it provides an ongoing instrument of renewal and encouragement. Rev Dr Andrew Dutney reflects on the Uniting Church in Australia’s foundational document’s past and what it offers us in the present. It’s no secret I’m a fan of the Basis of Union. But I also realise that it ...

Generally, in Australia anyhow, Father’s Day seems more important to automotive goods stores and Harvey Norman than anyone else. And fathers don’t seem too upset about that. A pat on the back, and a “Thanks, Dad” is enough for most; we’re mainly low-key about fathers. In a lot of television sit-coms since the 1960s they’ve pretty much played the standard ...

Much theological debate centres on the apocalyptic and prophetic Book of Revelation but what can be drawn from it for today’s society? Rev Dr Neil Sims reflects on Revelation, its historical context and the questions it poses for us today. This year, I have begun to lead two small groups in a study of the last book of the Bible, ...

For anyone interested in the wider world, the windows we have to it each has its own perspectives. In terms of the mass media, the press and TV and radio channels all bring their own proclivities to their choices not only of what we see and hear, but their interpretations of what it means. The narrower, pervasive views that are ...

For many Australians the word “jihad” means one thing in an age of terrorism, but Dr Aaron Ghiloni explores the complexities and nuances of Islamic struggle and what lessons it offers non-Muslims. I was researching “jihad” on the day the Brussels airport and metro were attacked by ISIL. It could have been any day. Whether war is dubbed “cold”, “just”, ...

Sure to be a hot topic during the National Young Adult Leaders Conference (8–13 July), what are the key qualities that young people look for in their leaders? Journey picks five must-have traits for leaders who want to command the attention and respect of millennials. Authenticity Young people want their leaders—whether in the church, the workplace, the parliament or on ...

A big thank you to all those who participated in the 32nd Synod. One of the things you learn when being a follower of Jesus is the capacity to be surprised. So when about 120 people gathered during Synod to talk about contemplative prayer with Dr Neil Preston, who delivered the Norman and Mary Millar lecture, I was a bit ...

Having trouble coping with an upcoming four zero birthday? The Uniting Church in Australia will hit the big 40 milestone in 2017 and Journey has put together some things to do before we cut the cake. Celebrate how far we’ve come! We are Australia’s first home-grown church, formed with a dangerous, creative mission to journey as pilgrims. Over nearly four decades we ...

Using biblical texts to stereotype women does immense damage to society. Rev Dr Anita Monro explores the overt and subtle consequences of sexism. Mary, mother of Jesus (the virgin) and Mary Magdalene (the alleged prostitute): that’s how we remember two of the key leaders of the early Christian movement. That kind of stereotyping of women is identifiable throughout history. Whether ...

As you read this it’ll be one month to go. I’m writing this over two weeks before 5 June, on 16 May, and already there’s a sense of boredom and “let’s get this over with” in terms of the federal election. That’s sad really, as in the course of human history and even in the world today, to be able ...