Uniting Church Mourns Passing of Mandela

The Uniting Church in Australia mourns the passing of the late Nelson Mandela.

The Uniting Church in Australia Assembly President, Rev Dr Andrew Dutney, has expressed his gratitude for Mandela’s extraordinary life of service.

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the great Nelson Mandela this morning.

“He was a great and good man who strove for justice and reconciliation. His life of was an example to us all, showing what it means to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with our God.

“Our prayers are with the friends and family of Mandela through what is undoubtedly a difficult and sad time for them.

“I would ask Uniting Church members and friends to join us in prayer to remember and celebrate Mandela’s life,” he said.

Mandela’s identification with the Methodist church of Southern Africa played a strong influence in his upbringing, attending church from a young age and teaching bible studies as he grew older. He addressed the Methodist Church’s national conference in 1994.

The Uniting Church in Australia has an official connection with the Uniting Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa as well as maintaining informal relationships with other denominations in the country, like the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, as a part of the greater mission of the church.

Earlier this year African Women Australia Inc hosted a solidarity prayer gathering for Mandela at Greystanes Uniting Church in collaboration with Her Excellency Koleka Mqulwana, High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa.

Matt Pulford