JourneyOnline
Rev Kaye Ronalds will finish her three-year term as Moderator at this month’s 31st Queensland Synod meeting. Mardi Lumsden explores what others appreciated about Kaye’s time in the role.
Kaye’s term as Moderator can be characterised by a comment she made at her induction service: “We need to become better at working together and remembering that there are many kinds of disadvantage in our communities and many opportunities for transforming lives.”
Through submissions and meetings with government officials and church partners and attending Uniting Church celebrations around the state, Kaye has embodied her deep commitment to the church and unique insight as Queensland’s first female moderator.
The Downs Presbytery minister Sharon Kirk says, “Kaye has led the church with dignity and grace.
Her careful listening, compassionate and generous spirit, her deep love of Christ and the church has been evident in the discernment Kaye has needed to exercise as the Synod engaged some significant challenges during her term.
“Kaye’s gifts of hospitality and encouragement have created space for others to share insights, gifts and skills. In particular her encouragement, working alongside the leadership of Calvary Presbytery, has strengthened this partnership.”
Queensland Synod General Secretary Rev John Cox agrees.
“Kaye has brought real strength of character to the role. She has advocated for the place of regional and rural congregations and presbyteries and a broader understanding of ministry when we’re talking about how we resource the wider church,” he says.
“She has been absolutely consistent in terms of wanting the church to be its best and naming where she sees that the church is not being its best.”
Isabel Thomas Dobson, former Synod of Victoria and Tasmania moderator and now Associate General Secretary of that synod, also commended Kaye’s approach to the role.
“Kaye’s gentle, firm leadership, care and friendship have been a gift to those of us from other synods who have shared with her the privilege of being moderator. Her clear thinking, planning, humour, stories and her deep love of God and God’s church have encouraged us all.”
Kaye’s next role will be as minister with the Granite Belt congregations in south-west Queensland. Rev David Baker will be inducted as moderator on 10 October.
