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 ...

Should we still fear the end times as predicted by the Bible? You’ve probably seen end times in films or books but is it just the stuff of wild imaginations or should we as Christians prepare for humanity’s final act? Rev Dr Peter Hobson, Dean of Formation and Dispersed Learning at Trinity College Queensland, offers his perspective.  The Book of ...

A recent Uniting News advertisement for free accommodation in return for providing Sunday services sparked an adventure from Ipswich to Kalgoorlie. Ruth Duncan reflects on her experiences moving westward and how she struck gold in the faith community. A small advertisement in the weekly Uniting News email late last year popped up the day after my last lecture in New ...

Rev Dr Rob Brennan reflects on his experiences teaching Indigenous faith leaders in Cairns and what he learnt about himself from his encounters with the culture and history of Australia’s First Peoples. The moderator has said a few times that the best way to make God laugh is to tell God our plans. As a theologian and scientist interested in ...

Ready to take the plunge and start a new congregation at your church? Journey asked Duncan Barlow for some tips on building a healthy church community. Ask questions Seek the wisdom of those who have been serving the congregation long before you came along. Knowing what has and hasn’t worked in the past can save you a lot of heartache. ...

The Journey team selects stories that got us talking this week. This will be the last religion wrap until mid-March.  Anti-Trump nightmare: Melania dares to care about Lord’s prayer Fox News reports on the social media hysteria surrounding First Lady Melania Trump’s decision to open a political rally with the Lord’s prayer. While the crowd at the Florida rally enthusiastically received the prayer, ...

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.    English man put through one hell of a (bell)wringer The Guardian reports on the freak accident of a bell-ringer who was left with a painful back injury when a church bell ...

With her vibrant sense of style and passion for building Christian community, the new discipleship facilitator at Bremer Brisbane Presbytery is already standing out from the crowd. Dianne Jensen talks to Rev Monique Mawbey about life, death and what young Christians think about the Uniting Church. Uniting Church deacon Rev Monique Mawbey has no hesitation in pinpointing the moment which ...

This year’s Yurora National Christian Youth Convention saw hundreds of young people travel to Stanwell Tops, NSW for a week of worship, workshops and more. Ben Tupou reports. A triennial event held by the Uniting Church, the youth convention hosted delegates aged 16 to 25 from around Australia and at least six different countries worldwide. Yurora 2017’s purpose was to ...