Scoop

Since its formation the Uniting Church has given voice to a desire to be open to and learn from others, writes Uniting Church in Australia President Rev Sharon Hollis. The Basis of Union committed the church to seek special relationship with churches in Asia and the Pacific and reminded the church that its life is lived within a worldwide fellowship ...

Labels are a funny thing. During my time in ministry I have seen us go from “multicultural” ministry to “cross-cultural” ministry—calling them “multicultural” communities, and then moving to Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities—and now we find the latest label, “Intercultural”. But what does this mean? For me, this is the closest expression of what we see in the New ...

Why is there theological diversity in the church? Wouldn’t it be simpler if we all agreed to hold the same beliefs—about everything? Well yes, it would be simpler. But that doesn’t mean it would be better, writes Dr Paul Jones, Principal of Trinity College Queensland.   The primary reason for theological diversity in the church is that the Bible itself, ...

As a foundational element of the Christian faith, the Bible has been read by billions, informs the wider moral and social landscape of much of the world and has been the inspiration for many a good (and bad) deed throughout history. But Kristin Swenson’s latest book on the Book tackles the complex and surprising dimensions of the Bible and offers ...

James O’Callaghan meets Bruce and Sue Tyson, both recipients of a Moderator’s Medal in 2020 which was presented in 2021.  For Sue and Bruce Tyson of Toowoomba, the church has provided them with an outlet to meet people and help those in need. While both were baptised and confirmed—Bruce an Anglican and Sue a Presbyterian—and raised in religious households, it ...

Queensland Synod Mission Engagement Manager Steve Drinkall reflects on the theme of covenanting and what it means for today’s Uniting Church. These days we seem to have contracts for everything. We have a contract if we want to build a house, we have an employment contract at work, and we have contracts with the gym, the school, the bank and ...

For Indigenous people this week is filled with celebration as well as deep reflection, writes Rev Garry Hardingham, Presbytery Minister for the Carpentaria Presbytery. It’s a week of celebrating Indigenous culture and the values that bind Indigenous people right across this nation together. But, it is also often a time to reflect on how a culture that stood for 60 000 ...

James O’Callaghan meets Rev Colin Baxter of Bribie Island who received an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his service to the Uniting Church and the community, particularly as Naval Chaplain to returned veterans. Rev Colin Baxter’s OAM citation creates the picture of a man who has accomplished many things in his life. From being deployed to Japan immediately after ...

For partners and spouses of ministry agents, life in the church is a unique existence that brings challenges and rewards unbeknownst to many in congregations. James O’Callaghan reports on Partners in Ministry to discover more about this unsung support system for many ministers in the Uniting Church.  Formed many decades ago, the Partners in Ministry group has been established to ...

The Wesley family holds a notable place in the history of the Christian faith and Pilgrim People Brisbane celebrated the day with a worship service including Wesley-penned hymns, Methodist prayers and a homily on John and Charles’ work. Pilgrim People Brisbane reports. Pilgrim People Brisbane celebrated Wesley Day at their regular service of worship on Sunday 16th May 2021 at ...