And the Australian Community

VOLUME 4 NUMBER 4 | AUGUST 2010 atalyst

AACCssembl y o f C on f ess i ng C ongregat i ons w i t h i n t h e U n i t i ng C h urc h i n A ustral i a

Abortion and the Australian Community A STATEMENT FROM THE ACC PAGE 7 Engaging the Dear Alistair/ An Election call Basis of Union Dear Max for repentance WALTER ABETZ • 9 BLESSING LETTERS • 10 DAVE LOGAN • 14 Editorial

Behind the news

In this edition ACCatalyst takes writing about. And they should be readers behind the scenes with a se- commended for being clear when ries of letters between ACC Chair Dr many christian leaders are not. Max Champion and the President of I am not sure there is any good the UCA’s National Assembly, Rev model for conservative and progres- Alistair Macrae. sive factions in a church to resolve The story tells itself in these letters the issue of gay marriage or bless- - there’s no need to summarise here. ings. The experiences of confess- When you read the letters carefully ing movements whether Anglican, the tone is fascinating. They reveal Lutheran, Presbyterian can be one Cover illustration© Max Delson Martins Santos a situation where two groups really of victory or defeat, or more often are trying to communicate, but can’t unremitting conflict. come to agreement. You can sense The “confessing movements” is the frustration on both sides. a term used to describe those like Both Champion and Macrae are ACC that seek to reverse the slide in careful, clear communicators. By historic protestant denominations, the end of the letters we have a good towards Liberalism. Believe it or not idea of what each of them thinks, the debate in the UCA is politer than what drives them and how painful others. But still grim. they each find the dispute they are John Sandeman

ACCatalyst is published by the Assembly of Executive Editor: Max Champion Email for ACCatalyst: Confessing Congregations Inc. Managing Editor: Peter Bentley catalysteditor@confessing congregations.com ABN 73 794 518 715 ARBN 128 001 785. Editor: John Sandeman ACCatalyst is available as a subscription only Incorporated in NSW. INC 9887628. Office:2 Erskineville Rd, Newtown NSW ($35pa) or by becoming an ACC Supporting Liability of members is limited. Opinions 02 9550 5358 Member ($35pa concession or $60pa full) expressed in ACCatalyst do not necessarily Website: confessing congregations.com Printed by Brougham Press, Scoresby Rd, Bays- reflect the official views of the assembly. [email protected] water Vic. ISSN 1835 2073

I do for my cat. You see, I chose her. responsibility of taking care of her, I went to the Animal Welfare and I did it because I knew having Being League on 12th March 2002 and her would bring me happiness. looked at lots and lots of cats. God says, “Robyn (or you can put I decided to choose one to keep as your name here) has no idea how chosen my cat, and I chose a fluffy black and much I do for her. white cat whom I named Rubey. “I keep her alive day by day, I My cat Rubey has no idea how much I willingly took upon myself the protect her, I guide her. I provide for I do for her. I spend my money on her and I forgive her when she sins kitty litter and cat food. She doesn’t against me. I spend time with her. I thank me. And I know I must only listen to her prayers and respond. I buy tuna cat food. take her burdens upon myself. If I were to get anything “She simply doesn’t understand all else she would turn her nose I do for her, nor does she fully com- up and refuse to eat it. I feed prehend the sacrifice I made for her.” her, I clean her water dish, I And yet, God says, “I don’t resent empty her tray. I let her out the things I do for Robyn (or for at first light in the morning you!). You see I chose her. I formed when I would rather stay in her and made her and I chose her bed. to be my own child. I willingly took In winter I brush her to upon myself the responsibility of keep her free from tan- taking care of her because I love her Hilary Sandeman gles. Year round, I work and I knew that she would bring me hard to get her fur out of much happiness.” the carpet, off the furniture God’s love for us goes way beyond and my clothes. our comprehension! But I don’t resent the things Robyn ACC News ACC leader included in Canberra line-up Dr Max Champion, National Chair of the ACC joined 200 other denom- inational, church and para-church leaders in Old Parliament House Canberra for “2010 make it count”, organised by the Australian christian Lobby (ACL). The nationally webcast event featured church leaders ques- tioning the then PM Kevin Rudd and

Angela Shanahan Strong speakers for ACC conference This year’s ACC annual conference features a strong line-up of lively and Max Champion, top centre, projected well-informed speakers addressing on the wall of a local Church the conference theme of Marriage and Family in the 21st Century. Opposition Leader Tony Abbott. The conference and the AGM will Both support Parliament being be held September 2 - 4, commenc- opened each day with the Lord’s ing formally with worship at 1.30 Prayer, and continuing marriage as pm on Thursday September 2. Two the union of a man and a woman. speakers will address us during the Mr Abbott said that the cur- main sessions of the conference, and rent media classification system is at the public rally Joanne Lucas (see “broken” in terms of its role in the profile below) will speak on “Build- premature sexualisation of children, ing up a culture of life in a feminist and promised a review, “to ensure world”. proper community standards apply A new feature this year is a choice Steve Estherby to all media”. Both Mr Rudd and Mr of electives, and once again, time for Abbott support school chaplains and state movements to get together. ty of South Australia, and a Masters Mr Abbott’s committed to funding “We are hopeful that members will Degree in Theology from the JPII until 2014. increasingly support these networks Institute for Life, Marriage & Family. The Vic/Tas Moderator Isabel and consider how they can serve the Since 2007 she has been the Thomas Dobson made it clear that confessing movement locally”, says Education Officer for the Life, Mar- the UCA chose to distance itself ACC secretary Walter Abetz. “The riage & Family Centre for the Catho- from the event in a recent issue of whole conference and AGM will lic Archdiocese of Sydney. Crosslight, the synod’s official paper. build on previous conferences where l Angela Shanahan has an Honours Responding to a letter to the editor a growing warm fellowship in Christ Degree in History and is well-known she writes “The UCA is committed to has been evidenced and will help for her writings in the areas of the being involved in ecumenical activi- members be encouraged to faithfully decline in fertility and social and ties which respect and honour the witness to the Gospel.” family affairs. She has been a regular distinctiveness of particular Chris- SPEAKERS columnist with The Australian since tian traditions. Participation in such l Steve Estherby graduated from 1994 and is a contributor to many events as the webcast reduces the Sydney College of Divinity with a other papers and journals such as likely access of individual churches BTh. He served as a minister of local The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, and the National Council of Church- UCA congregations for 20 years be- The UK Spectator and Quadrant. es Australia to political leaders before taking on the role of NSW State The conference will be held at cause they think they have dealt with Officer for Family Voice, and is Camden Uniting Church, NSW 2-4 the churches through addressing the well-known in reforming circles for September 2010. ACL and its events.” his past leadership roles in EMU, Registrations close: 28 August This difficulty does not seem Reforming Alliance and the ACC. 2010 The complete brochure with to have occurred to the heads of l Joanne Lucas has a Bachelors De- travel details is available at www. churches who attended the Canberra gree inPsychology from the Universi- confessingcongregations.com event. cisale/istockphoto.com

Public Square by P seudo -M a x imus

our Judeo-Christian heritage.” Bishop beyond, Christians must learn to cast True Believers Robert Forsyth, though, is confident a discerning eye over the policies of that she respects the beliefs of others all parties. It is no bad thing if the Why is it that those who are scepti- (The Sunday Age, 18 July, p7). No PM’s atheism unsettles the faithful cal about God are praised while doubt Richard Dawkins, author of and forces a re-thinking of what it climate sceptics are vilified? Denying The God Delusion, sees her rise to the is to be a “Christian” in Australian the existence of God is a guarantee highest office as a timely sign of the political life today. of popularity among cultural elites. decline of religious bigotry. Climate-change deniers, however, are What are Christians to think? Is an Pro Sex assured of becoming pariahs. atheist PM any more of a danger to If it is a question of evidence then civilization than politicians for whom “Sex: the Bible says go for it” was the the fraudulent claim that faith, unlike the Christian faith is synonymous front page heading in The Age (26/7). science, is irrational needs to be de- with fundamentalism or tolerance? Reporting on a national conference bunked. Genuine faith in God is not Perhaps, perhaps not! A friend once on religion in the public square Bar- a superstitious, immature or timid bought a car from a Christian used ney Zwartz quoted Sydney sexologist flight from the world of reason but a car salesman and wished he’d been an Patricia Weerakoon that “Neurosci- ‘faith seeking understanding.’ honest atheist. entific studies suggest that ‘life-long Moreover, as faith is a response to Christians and Jews have lived heterosexual monogamy’ is most the truth revealed in Christ, people under political systems which were likely to provide both sexual satisfac- of faith should be vitally interested in variously religious, Christian and tion and excitement.” scientific truth. atheistic. Cyrus was hailed by proph- Countering the accusation that reli- Therefore, we should sift the ets as an instrument of God’s will. gious people were necessarily “fearful, evidence to test scientific claims. We Paul urged the fledgling church to be ignorant, defensive, repressed and should also have a healthy scepticism good citizens and obey the Roman hypocritical” about sex she said that when claims about irrefutable evi- law. Millions have died at the hands “a biblical understanding of sex was dence are accompanied by apocalyp- of atheistic tyrants. deeply positive – ‘do it, God made us tic fervour about being “the greatest We should be as wary of Christian for it’ – while also being honest about moral challenge of the twenty first politicians as of atheists, particularly human imperfections and limita- century.” when their respective “faiths” are used tions.” Inflated claims not only harm the to buttress their political ambitions. In what Melinda Tankard Reist scientific enterprise, they distract At the same time we should scritinise describes as “a pornified world,” this is us from the task of affirming that what they say about freedom of reli- a timely reminder of the place where our humanity has been redeemed gion, marriage, refugees, euthanasia, the beauty of sex is best enjoyed. And in Christ. In a world where human abortion, poverty and the environ- it is a summons to withstand the dignity is abused surely this is our ment. pressure to demean sex and trash greatest challenge? Time will tell if the PM’s atheism marriage and also to stand with supports or opposes the rights and re- brothers and sisters whose misguided sponsibilities which are grounded in sexual commitments have harmed Atheism in politics our created and redeemed dignity as them and others. embodied in the humanity of Christ. PM Julia Gillard’s decision to take It is heartening to see that she has Left-wing bias? the oath of office without reference joined former PM Kevin Rudd and to God or the bible has caused quite opposition leader Tony Abbott in sup- Mark Aarons, son of communist a stir. Pastor Danny Nalliah decried porting marriage remaining between strongman Laurie Aarons, has her atheism, claiming that, unlike a man and a woman. revealed that some former Labor Tony Abbott, she is out to “destroy In the run up to the election and party figures were also communists. xxx

This explosive news has shocked Bob Carr, former Premier of NSW, but not surprised supporters of the much ma- ligned Democratic Labor Party who aired these concerns from the 1950s. The Aarons’ expose would be of little more than historical interest if Headline in thepunch.com.au it were not for the silence of left wing commentators, long accustomed to beings, the vast majority of whom be patronised by cheap promises and berating right wing bigots for the ills have suffered unspeakable evil. Their slogans designed to do nothing more of modern society. plight should not be used to exploit than win votes. It is not that they regard themselves ugly fears for political advantage. “It is time to hear the deep aspira- as communists per se. Christians must uphold their dignity tions and vision of the candidates and As Angela Shanahan notes, “Aarons’ in the public arena and insist that the parties that are asking for our revelations might just seem interest- they be called what they are – dis- votes. Now is the time for authentic ing historical revisionism if it had not placed men, women and children leadership that offers genuine hope been for the eventual morphing of the seeking refuge. for a vibrant and flourishing future.” communist cause into something far His concern is supported by more subtle, more fluid and, because The bland leading Michelle Grattan (State of the Nation of its subtlety, more dangerous. in The Age, 28/7, pp 4&5) who notes “Australia didn’t succumb to politi- the bland that “to survive and win, politicians cal communism, but the Long March must respond to public opinion. (through the institutions) is still We share the UCA President’s disap- This can make for bland leaders who going. Its focus is different: it is the pointment at the tone and quality seemingly stand for very little.” most basic structure of society itself. of political debate in the election An unhealthy reliance on “consul- It is the family.” (The Weekend Aus- campaign. tation” and “consensus” discourages tralian, Inquirer July 10-11, p7) He said “I’m hearing plenty of them from exercising firm leadership In view of these disturbing revela- sound-bites but no real substance. to the detriment of the public good. tions it would be refreshing if Uniting Australians are looking to our politi- The question for the electorate, the Church declarations on social jus- cians to display real leadership and media and the churches is how far we tice, in addition to identifying flaws talk honestly about their vision for have contributed to this blandness? in right wing conservatism, were to our country. Is it any wonder that our leaders shy uncover the flaws in left wing pro- “Instead we’re seeing cheap political away from controversy when, as the gressivism. point-scoring that’s not connected to TV ‘worm’ shows, we are anxious The failure of Assembly leaders any substantial vision for our future. about any statement that strays from to make a submission to a recent … Australians deserve better than to the safe middle ground? Senate inquiry on marriage and the absence of any mention of the family, abortion, euthanasia and freedom of religion in official statements on the Ian Clarkson state of the nation does not inspire confidence. It’s all good. simply this ‘it’s all good’. I was con- Stop the misery vinced that by God’s mercy, despair Years ago I was pastoring with a may be for a moment but not for a “Stop the boats” is the ugly catchcry of Melbourne outreach church prima- lifetime, and I wanted to hold out the major parties. rily amongst the broken people of this same hope to others. The plight of asylum seekers, as the so-called subcultural groups: It wasn’t a cliche then, as it isn’t many have said, has been ignored by addicts, bikers, the depressed now and once when I said it in PM Gillard and Opposition Leader and those with personality split- the presence of someone in a hard Abbott in their “race to the bottom” offs. By God’s grace I had, though place they said, it’s not always good. on “border protection’ and ‘sustain- not knowing it at the time, been My reply was if it is not now, it will able population.” prepared for this by personally be. There is scope for debate on how experiencing an awful period of Well it seems the phrase has best to process applications for depression, despair, hearing voices gone around the world. It’s all asylum, discourage people smug- and understanding a little of what I good. A friend of mine who was glers and plan for future growth. The think Paul referred to as being ‘as- manager for an itinerant gospel misery of tens of millions of refugees saulted by lions’. singer spread it into Asia and the around the globe cannot be ended by Two facts, Gospel facts, were USA. and I noticed the other day the policies of the Australian gov- eventually the means of my de- Toohey’s beer were using it and ernment. Responsibilities must be liverance. Mercy and hope. As I right now Domino’s have it on their shared and shysters exposed. ministered amongst these people a pizza boxes: it’s all good, with a Such considerations do not justify simple clear phrase formed in my registered trade mark sign next to the portrayal of ‘asylum seekers’ en mind all those years ago. it, would you believe! masse as “illegals” who threaten our A phrase that frequently punctu- But the ‘it’ refers to everything for security. ated my conversations and became all time—and there is only One who As the Uniting Church and others something like a mantra. It was can patent that! rightly say, they are fellow human Confessing Movement

US Presbyterians accept gay ministers (maybe)

James Tillman LifeSiteNews.com Meeting in Mid July, the 219th Gen- eral Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) voted to postpone a proposal that would have changed their definition of marriage to be a covenant between “two people” rather than between “a man and a woman.” They also voted, however, to per- mit practising homosexuals to be ordained as ministers within PC(USA). Looks like the deep south: Christ Church Savannah Kwong Yee Cheng The assembly’s subordinate committee on civil union and marriage issues had voted 34-18 to change the definition of marriage. Cindy Bol- Church of Wesley and bach, the moderator for the general assembly, said that the failure of the committee’s proposal in the wider as- Whitfield goes liberal sembly showed that delegates wished to discuss the subject further. Bolbach personally supports A church that lists both John Wesley Church seem to be losing most of the same-sex “marriage” but has said she and George Whitfield as former min- numerous property cases, which are does not believe the denomination is isters is at the centre of one of the based on state rather than national ready to accept it yet. The proposal latest Anglican property court cases law. Pastor Robertson of the Angli- was postponed for two years, after in the US. can group told a local TV station, which it will be considered again. Christ Church Savannah in Geor- WTOC, the legal battle has nothing The gay-ordination proposal, gia looks just like a historic Southern to do with the building itself, but which passed 373 to 323, must still US church should—a white temple the teachings of the gospel preached be approved by a majority of the 173 with neoclassical columns. It will inside. local Presbyterian presbyteries or most likely be occupied by an Epis- “It’s not about the beauty of the ar- churches before it takes effect. This copal Church congregation again. An chitecture, or the glory of the stained is the 4th time PC(USA) has ap- evangelical group aligned to the new glass,” he said. “It has a lot more to proved the ordination of homosexual Anglican Church in North America do with the substance of the gospel ministers; each of the previous times that has occupied the church for the and our call to be stewards, not only it has been rejected by local presby- last three years has lost its case in the of the physical space, but of the mes- teries. Georgia Court of appeals. sage we’ve been given.” PC(USA) has permitted the bless- The evangelical local churches that Pastor Robertson’s group plan to ing of same-sex couples since 2000, have broken from The Episcopal appeal to the State Supreme Court. and has endorsed civil unions for same-sex couples since 2004. Carmen Fowler, president of the Presbyterian Lay Committee, said Methodists’ patchy growth pattern she believes such initiatives are to blame for the denomination’s falling New stats released by the United to 1,090,863. But in the USA and membership. Methodist church paint a picture of Europe the Church is in decline. In The Presbyterian church has been a church that is growing. Between the US there has been a fall from rapidly shrinking for the last four 1998 and 2008 professing member- 8,360,000 to 7,770,000 a fall of decades. In 1965 it had about 4.25 ship globally increased more than nearly 600,000 million members; it now has about 14% or by more than 1.38 million. According to The state of the 2.1 million members. In West Africa the church in- Church report in recent years, the To Bolbach’s contention that the creased five times from 316,000 rate of decline has grown steeper. church has become paralyzed, Fowl- to 1,600,000. About half this was Recent votes on issues like gay mar- er said that that is what happens through a merger. In the Congo riage show that the non US groups when the church body is separated the increase was from 630,000 are far more conservative. from its head: Jesus Christ. Abortion in the Australian Community An official Assembly of Confessing Congregations statement prepared by the ACC Social Responsibility Commission. In this ACCatalyst we present the official summary and key passages from the full text found at www.confessingcongregations.com

bortion is a divisive issue in the Australian community and within the Christian Church. For those directly involved, in particular the pregnant woman, this inflamed atmosphere serves only to increase the suffering and distress of the situation. The fetus1 is genetically separate from the preg- Anant woman yet is undeniably ‘of’ her, and the onus of responsibility for its development is primarily the woman’s. The ACC believes that human life in the image of God begins at conception, and affirms the intrinsic moral value of that life from the point in the biblical witness of humankind’s creation as male and female in the image of God. 1. Summary

he full form of this statement can be found at www. confessingcongregations.com. It discusses the situ- T ation and laws regarding abortion in Australia and appropriate attitudes and actions, including (a fuller ver- sion of) these affirmations: l Christians understand all humans to be made in the image of God, who is both the origin and destiny of all human life. We affirm the sacred and intrinsic value of all human life from conception. l Christian attention must always be directed to the vulnerable, the suffering and the weakest members of the human family. This includes the fetus and a mother who is under serious stress. l When we consider the morality of abortion, we note the This year’s Christmas poster for ChurchAds.net in the UK responsibility of each Christian to form or inform their will make a powerful point about unborn children. conscience and determine their actions in the light of the teaching of God’s Word. sumption may be challenged in the most serious situations l The sacredness of human life requires a ‘principle of as when the life of the mother is seriously endangered. presumption for life’, i.e. that wherever possible the life of l We strongly resist the idea of abortion being considered the unborn child ought not be taken. Nonetheless this pre- a morally appropriate ‘lifestyle choice’. Nor should it be regarded as an alternative to contraception. community to premature babies capable of being born l For some people, in certain contexts, giving birth and and surviving. parenthood may appear impossibly difficult. Also, calling late termination “abortion” brings it into l Life for the unborn child is always to be sought but we line with the legal definition, i.e. “By ‘abortion’ we mean resist laws which prohibit all abortion. Yet the law has an an intentional termination of pregnancy by the act of important role in regulating abortion. Hence we resist any person by any means”.6 It has been said that “one (a) the changing medical definition (to include later babies way to soften resistance to the unacceptable is to con- in utero); fuse it with the acceptable”.7 (b) the more and more liberal in- There is one terpretations of existing law; and (c) changes to abortion laws which surgical The Law Regarding Abortion have the effect of leading towards abortion on request at any stage of abortion for Abortion law in Australia is under the jurisdiction of pregnancy. every 2.8 the various states and territories and although there was l We recognise the community’s previously a general similarity the Australian Capital responsibility for attitudes and births in Territory (in 2002) and Victoria (in 2008) removed behaviours which influencet he abortion from the criminal code and moved to a sub- context of many pregnancies and Australia. stantially different position. Previously in Victoria, abor- hence its responsibility to care tion practice was largely based on the 1969 Menhennitt for all those involved. It is important that Christians offer ruling of the Supreme Court (with the similar Levine pastoral care and support. ruling in New South Wales and with similar practices l We affirm the need for the Church to exercise a healing in Queensland and Tasmania) which said that abor- ministry for those who suffer the consequences of abortion tion was legal if it was necessary to preserve the physi- and for a ministry of education in homes, schools, churches cal or mental health of the mother. Abortion for fetal and health centres about sexual relationships, marriage, abnormalities was permitted on the grounds that the family planning and parenting. birth of an abnormal baby was likely to cause stress to the mother. Subsequently this judgement was liberally interpreted so that abortion for any degree of maternal The Situation in Australia stress became legitimate and effectively allowed abortion on demand. Some statistics are a cause for concern. In October 2008 the Victorian Parliament passed the 1. In Australia “termination of pregnancy is estimated to be Abortion Law Reform Act which totally decriminalised the outcome of around 1 in 4 pregnancies. Around 1 in 3 abortion and which changed the definition of abortion women will have an abortion in their lifetime.”2 to include those over 24 weeks gestation. 2. An estimated 90,000 surgical abortions per year are Consequently, abortion can be performed on request performed in Australia. This does not include chemically up to 24 weeks gestation and after 24 weeks with the induced abortions or abortions that are privately funded. consent of two doctors and the reasons can include There is one surgical abortion for every 2.8 births in Aus- “social circumstances”. tralia. Legislation in one state or territory is frequently 3. The Pregnancy Advisory Service of the Royal Wom- followed by pressure for similar laws in others. Many en’s Hospital, Melbourne conducted an audit of 3,827 Christians and other people have deep concerns that calls by pregnant women over the 12 months 1/10/06 more liberal interpretations of the law, that have the ef- to 30/9/073: 90% of women requested an abortion; 9% fect of leading towards abortion on request at any stage were ambivalent or undecided. of pregnancy, may be proposed in other states. It would l 54% sought abortion because the pregnancy came “at be prudent to study what happened in Victoria in an at- the wrong time”. tempt to prevent it being repeated in other jurisdictions. l 18% requested an abortion because they already “had The Victorian law has another area of concern in that enough children”. doctors who hold a conscientious objection to abortion l 39% had already had termination of a previous preg- must refer a patient to another practitioner who does nancy. not hold such an objection. Whilst Parliament allowed The medical definition of abortion in Australia has its members a “conscience vote” on the legislation, the recently been modified. For many years an abortion Act does not allow doctors and nurses to practise ac- was defined as “expulsion or removal of an embryo or cording to their conscience if they have a conscientious fetus from the uterus at the stage of pregnancy when it objection to abortion. Some believe that referring to is incapable of independent survival” (i.e. at any time another doctor for the purposes of an abortion is tanta- between conception and the 24th week of pregnancy).4 mount to performing an abortion themselves. After this time it was called “termination of pregnancy” rather than “abortion”. (Also a distinction was 1The term “fetus” will be used and taken to include “embryo” to avoid the possi- recognised between “abortion”, a procedure deliberately ble confusion that a change in that terminology implies, as some people suggest, a change in moral status. carried out to end the pregnancy, and a “miscarriage” 2 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecolo- as an accidental or spontaneous occurrence.) However, gists (RANZCOG). Termination of pregnancy. A resource for health professionals. Nov. 2005 p 2. now the use of the word “abortion” has been changed 3 Rowe H G, Kirkman M, Hardeman EA, Mallett S and Rosentahl D (2009) Considering Abortion: a 12 months audit of records of women contacting a and is not limited to a pregnancy before the fetus is Pregnancy Advisory Service. MJA, 190 (2) p 69ff. viable. “Abortion” and “termination of pregnancy” are 4 Oxford Concise Medical Dictionary 5th edition 1998. Our italics. 5 The RANZCOG defines termination of pregnancy “deliberately ending a used interchangeably to refer to ending a pregnancy at pregnancy so it does not progress to birth”. The Royal Australian and New any stage (as in point 1 above).5 Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG). Termination of pregnancy. A resource for health professionals. Nov. 2005 p 7. The effect of this change in terminology is to extend 6 Law Reform Commission. Law of Abortion. Final report. p 17, marginal note. the widespread acceptance of‘abortion’ by many in the 7 McCormick R, The Christian Century No 108 (1991): 1134. Eyewitness Engaging the basis

Walter Abetz reports from the avoid it ourselves. The graphic hypothetical illustration of Ben going into a brothel, and then bemoaning the UCA Basis of Union conference fact that brothels endanger his marriage, was greeted with much laughter. It made the point. We can always Melbourne 9th-11th July, 2010 play the role of victim out of intellectual laziness. Alex Jensen’s paper pursued this matter at some depth —we he conference was mooted initially as need to understand developments in academia so we a meeting of theological faculty staff know how the proclamation needs to be phrased in or- from around Australia, but it was der to address those who oppose Christ’s Lordship. opened out to ministers and leaders I am encouraged by the start which a self-selected in the church. The paragraphs of the group of Uniting Church members have made, in work- Basis of Union which were the focus of ing towards renewal of the Uniting Church’s self-under- the conference were paragraphs three, standing. nine and eleven. Paragraph three was seen as the core, a statement of the core belief of the Other ACCers: Rosalie Hudson Tchurch as church, and the allegiance of the church to her Lord, the crucified risen Christ. Rev Professor Norman Young set the tone by empha- The foci of the conference were sizing the UCA came into being not as a human work l the theological responsibility of the Uniting Church (ecclesiastical carpentry); rather as expressing God’s gift l the theological commitments of the Basis of Union already at work in the unity of the Father and the Son. l establishing a context in which theological discussion The four questions confronting the church: between scholars, teachers and leaders can develop 1. Is our message unequivocally centred on Jesus Christ? l stimulate serious theological reflection in the wider 2. Have we sought the aid of our confessing forbears? Uniting Church about the role of theology in the church’s 3. Are those who cherish the past ready to confess anew worship, witness and service Jesus Christ? l elucidate some key phrases of the Basis of Union. 4. Are we facing the world or just facing one another? The presenters and conferees fulfilled these aims mag- Ben Myers asked ‘What does it mean for the church nificently. to address the risen Christ?’ This question is pivotal for The theological responsibility of the church is to pro- the church’s focus on scholarship as well as in its discus- claim Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, in fresh words sion of legal matters. Para 11 of the Basis is an unfolding and deeds that engage with our society. Paragraph three, of the implications of the resurrection. An informed nine and eleven were entirely appropriate for this kind faith remains ‘poised and attentive to Christ, to steel the of analysis. Jesus Christ is the Lord of the church, and it church to faithfulness’. was asserted that paragraph eleven must be read in the Bishop Steve Pickard as one of the ‘ecumenical lis- light of paragraphs three and nine. teners’ focused on the constant tension regarding the The theological commitment of the Basis of Union is givenness of the gospel and the need for innovation. to proclaim the risen crucified Lord, in the context of the Regarding the former he drew attention to the beauti- one holy catholic and apostolic church. The focus of the ful language in the Epistle of Jude: “contending for writers of the Basis was on locating the Uniting Church the gospel”. He finds as an Anglican bishop that “many within the world-wide church, rather than establish- churches prefer the pain of dying to the cost of living”. ing a particularly Australian church. This raises some questions about the wisdom of the new preamble. The Ian Breward commitment of the Basis is to proclaim the one Lord Jesus Christ, within the parameters set by Scripture and I felt that it was good to have such a conference and that Creeds, noting that the creeds must be read in the con- useful perspectives were offered on multiculturaliam text of Scripture, not as stand-alone documents. and relativism, as well as the issue of christology. The post-modern slogan, “Well, that’s just your per- Nevertheless, I think there were issues which were not spective” was carefully critiqued by Rev Dr Geoff Thom- dealt with, which should have been. Does the Basis have son, and dismissed as incompatible with the Basis of continuing theological authority, because it is a confes- Union. There are boundaries which must be respected, sional document? What does it teach us about theologi- if the Uniting Church is to remain within the one holy cal method and accountability to uphold the substance catholic and apostolic church. of the faith? How do we deal with the gaps which the Dr Ben Myers’ colourful analysis of the need to pro- Basis does not deal with because of the theological and claim Jesus Christ in fresh words and deeds reminded us social changes of the last 50 years? How does the UCA that we need to have no fear about the influences of post deal with those who significantly depart from the Basis? modernity, as long as we were able to recognise it and How do we deal with changes in hermeneutics? Dear Alistair/ Dear Max Letters exchanged between the chair of ACC, Dr Max Champion and UCA National Assembly President Alistair Macrae tell the story of delicate discussions about a same sex blessing.

9 June, 2010 ‘Marriage’ produced by the Assembly Working Group on Doctrine (2008) upholds the 1997 statement and the Declaration of Purpose in the UCA Marriage Service. Dear Alistair* Any departure from this understanding of the covenan- I write on behalf of the National Council of the As- tal or sacramental nature of marriage would separate sembly of Confessing Congregations within the Uniting the UCA from the classical theological tradition ground- Church in Australia (ACC) to express our deep concern ed in loyalty to Christ as attested in Scripture. about a ‘special event’ at the forthcoming ‘Daring to Join’ It would further jeopardize our relationships with conference in Melbourne. other churches, specifically calling into question on-go- The publicity on the Uniting Network Australia (UNA) ing dialogue with the Roman Catholic, Lutheran and website indicates that a “Sacred Union Ceremony” will Orthodox Churches. [Max gives background of diag- be held on Saturday 12 June at 4pm at Brunswick Unit- logue between the churches]. ing Church. It would be most unfortunate if the UCA were to lose According to an article in the Sydney Star Observer sight of what the Rev Dr Robert Johnson, then General on 4 June this ceremony is part of a political campaign Secretary of the Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and to normalize gay marriage within the Uniting Church Tasmania, said in The Age (2 August 2003) after the (UCA). 2003 Assembly. In relation to “gay marriage” ‘it should The Rev Leanne Jenski is quoted as saying: “We hope also be noted that the Uniting Church does not and has to make our relationship legal in marriage one day, like not endorsed gay marriage. We have stated that mar- other couples who’ve been together for a long time and riage is a sacred union between and man and a woman, have a right to get married.” alone.’ The Rev Dr Robert Stringer, co-chair of UNA, is re- It is therefore most unfortunate that, when UCA ported to have said that “the church had ignored gay and leaders insist that the decisions of the 2003 and 2006 lesbian couples ‘too long’” and that “it was hypocritical Assemblies have not changed our understanding of to accept gay and lesbian ministers but not recognize or marriage, you will be attending a conference at which celebrate their relationships.” “Gay and lesbian couples a ‘sacred union ceremony’ will have been held to affirm demonstrate the same love and commitment as straight same-sex partnerships in a way that mimics marriage couples,” he said, and “The Uniting Church needs to re- between a man and a woman and, according to key fig- consider its entire understanding of committed relation- ures in the UNA, opens the way to the UCA’s acceptance ships and marriage.” of ‘same-sex marriage.’ The participants hope that the liturgy devised by the It is impossible to avoid the conclusion that holding UNA for the ‘Sacred Union Ceremony’ will be included this ceremony, at which ministers are being encouraged in the official liturgies of the UCA. To this end ‘a booklet to robe, is a blatant political act by the UNA designed including the liturgy for Sacred Union ceremonies will to gather support beyond the UCA and to apply pres- be launched during the conference’ and a copy handed sure for the acceptance of ‘same-sex marriage’ within the to you ‘the day after the blessing so the church can con- UCA. Unfortunately, your presence at the conference, as sider using it officially.’ President, gives the ‘special event’ an authority it would The UCA’s strong affirmation of marriage as ‘the freely not otherwise warrant. It conveys to the rest of the UCA, given consent and commitment in public and before and our ecumenical partners both here and overseas, as God of a man and a woman to live together for life’ well as the wider public, your tacit approval of the cer- (1997 Assembly) excludes the possibility of celebrating a emony and your willingness to contemplate a dramatic union between people of the same sex. The Doc.byte on shift in the church’s understanding of marriage. If due process is to be followed by the UNA, then its * These letters have been slightly edited for length. suggestions to alter or expand UCA liturgies should be 10 forwarded to the Assembly Work- ing Groups on Doctrine and Liturgy before being considered for public worship. In this case, the process has been subverted in what looks like an attempt to gain political advantage, and reverse the onus of proof, over those who uphold the church’s fine teaching on marriage between a man and a woman. If the UCA is to change its understanding of ‘sacred union’ to include same-sex relationships, then it must be done after a thorough examination of the theology of marriage – a task on which the Assembly Working Group on Doctrine has already started. As President, it is your responsibility to ensure that radical changes to the church’s ethics and liturgy are not adopted in practice before this vital work is complete. One of your primary duties as President is to be the public representa- tive of the UCA (Regulation 3.6.13). That means representing in public the decisions of Assemblies. If you agree to receive this liturgy after it has been used, thereby implicitly encouraging the use of the ‘sacred union ceremony,’ you will not be representing the decisions of Assemblies as they cur- rently stand. In view of the seriousness of the issues raised by the ‘Sacred Union Ceremony’ I urge you, as President, to counsel the organizers of the conference to cancel the ‘special event’, to advise the media accordingly, and to request the UNA to discuss the pro- 10 June, 2010 by email posed liturgy with the relevant Assembly working groups before any future ceremonies are held. Dear Max, It is not helpful to Uniting Church members or for our Thank you for your letter of Thursday June 10. It is relationship to sister churches for you, as President, to important that I reply promptly to your letter but I need be seen to be siding with one group on this fundamental to be brief. I am about to travel interstate then to the and sensitive issue. If you agree to receive the liturgy USA so I’m pressed for time. after it has been used, thereby publicly implying that My main concern is that you interpret my attend- you do not disapprove of the ‘Sacred Union Ceremony,’ ance for Eucharist and dinner on the final evening of it would be construed that you have allowed the church’s the Uniting Network conference as endorsement of the official position on marriage to be distorted or weakened ‘sacred union’ ceremony planned for the day before. by a pressure group within the church. This is not true at any level. In order to avoid the impression that you, as President, To my knowledge Presidents always receive invitations are encouraging division within the UCA and among to attend this Conference which I believe takes place major representatives of the One Holy Catholic and Ap- every two years. Presidents attend in a pastoral capacity ostolic church, I urge you most strongly not to attend the as they do at many gatherings of Uniting Church people. conference and to counsel the participants to desist from I accepted the invitation to attend part of the Confer- what would be an extremely divisive action. ence before I knew anything about the proposed cere- Failure to do so will disappoint a great many UCA mony. When it became clear that the ceremony had been members and confirm the impression that, while no of- programmed to take place on the Sunday night, the only fence is to be caused to proponents of same-sex unions, time I could be there, I indicated that I could not be in the same does not apply to those who uphold the ecu- attendance at such an event precisely because it might menical faith on marriage. Although your presence be interpreted as a tacit endorsement of the ceremony. will be welcomed by those who are intent on re-defin- Accordingly they reorganized the program and moved ing marriage, in clear breach of the unified witness the ceremony to the Saturday evening. of Scripture, as affirmed in the Basis of Union, it will I understand that I will be presented with a copy of dismay evangelical, reformed and orthodox members of the liturgy they used. Again, there is no way this can be the UCA and our ecumenical partners, thereby gravely interpreted as endorsement of the ceremony. I am given weakening the already shaky reputation of the UCA as a all manner of things when I attend various functions genuinely confessing church. and this will be no different. I will certainly read the With regards, liturgy with interest to help me understand what they Rev Dr Max Champion have done. National Chair, ACC If there is an expectation that I then present it to the 11 Assembly Standing Committee for approval I will, of isters in same-sex relationships that participation in a course, advise them about the processes by which mem- service to bless their relationships could result in disci- bers of the Uniting Church can bring proposals before plinary action by the Church. But it is regrettable that the Church for consideration. Using the President as a the liturgist, the preacher and the minister of the church courier is not one of them! were not similarly warned – or chose not to heed it. The President’s role in such situations is to faithfully The initial question asked of the couples clearly paral- convey the teachings of the Church. With regard to your leled the question asked of a man and a woman in the concerns about marriage, as you indicate, the Uniting marriage service, namely, ‘will you love him/her, comfort Church’s understanding is clear and unequivocal. The him/her, honour and protect, etc.’ matter is certainly not before the Assembly Standing The couples signed a register, which, it was announced, Committee and there is no intention to generate debate would be included in the marriage register of the Bruns- on this matter. wick church. Witnesses came forward to sign a certificate I hope this gives you some level of reassurance Max. for each of the couples which clearly paralleled a mar- Please do what you can within your own networks to dis- riage certificate and was held high, to the applause of the pel any unhelpful misinformation about these matters. congregation. Yours sincerely, in Christ, A three tiered wedding cake was on display at the front Alistair (Rev Alistair Macrae, President National As- of the church which had a female couple on one side and sembly Uniting Church in Australia) a male couple on the other. In the interests of the unity of the Church I urge you to circulate a public statement to UCA members, our ecu- 11 June, 2010 menical partners and the secular media which: 1. Outlines the background to the controversy and the conduct of the service (as indicated above). Dear Alistair, 2. Re-affirms the UCA’s commitment to the unique dig- Thank you for your prompt reply of 10 June. nity of marriage between a man and a woman alone. Naturally, I am aware that the President attends many 3. Acknowledges that the Assembly has not determined church functions in a pastoral capacity and is handed a theological basis for changing the UCA’s commitment all manner of material. My letter also assumes that you to marriage or establishing a ‘sacred union ceremony’ for would not be attending the ‘ceremony’ itself. These con- same-sex couples. siderations are not at the heart of the letter. 4. Repudiates the decision of Uniting Network Aus- The facts are these: tralia to conduct a ‘sacred union ceremony’ at the ‘Dare to l A ‘Sacred Union Ceremony’ has been publicly adver- Join’ conference. tised as part of a conference which is taking place under 5. Indicates that the national committee of UNA, the the auspices of the Uniting Church in Australia. minister of the Brunswick Church, the liturgist, the l Prominent leaders of Uniting Network Australia have preacher and the ministers who took part in the liturgical publicly stated that they intend to press for the ‘right’ of procession have been asked to account for their actions same-sex couples to marriage in the UCA. under the Code of Ethics. Therefore, the ‘ceremony’ must be viewed as a political In view of the mantra of UCA leaders since the 2003 attempt to change the church’s doctrine of marriage. Assembly that nothing has changed in our understanding As President your pastoral responsibility is not prima- of the relationship between the sexes and that, were it to rily to listen to what all groups within the church are say- change, sound doctrinal reasons would have to be ap- ing – as important as that is. You are called under God proved by Assembly, we urge you to repudiate the holding to clearly uphold the doctrine of the church and to warn of the ‘sacred union ceremony.’ individuals and groups about beliefs, practices and serv- With regards, ices which seriously endanger the unity of the church. Rev Dr Max Champion We therefore believe that, for the sake of the unity of the church, it is necessary for you to use this occasion to publicly state [Max makes similar demands to the next 20 July, 2010 letter....] Be assured, Alistair, that we have no interest in ‘unhelpful misinformation.’ A copy of your letter will be Dear Alistair, circulated to our extensive network of supporters and On 21 June, before leaving for the inaugural meeting friends together with UNA publicity and this reply. of the World Communion of Reformed Churches, you With regards, Rev Dr Max Champion promised to make a fuller response to the concerns of the Assembly of Confessing Congregations over the holding of a ‘sacred union ceremony’ at the Uniting Network 20 June, 2010 Australia conference on 12 June. What was said on that occasion, and in a subsequent article in the Sydney Star Observer on 24 June, makes Dear Alistair, it absolutely clear that the ultimate goal of the Uniting Thank you for your readiness to respond more fully to Network is the acceptance of same-sex ‘marriage’ in the our concerns in due course. Uniting Church in Australia. Nevertheless, we are disappointed that, despite our Therefore, unfortunately, no useful purpose can be misgivings, and those of many other members of the served by holding joint conversations. UCA, the ‘sacred union ceremony’ went ahead and that As it is more than two weeks since you returned from there has not been a timely statement from you setting abroad, and more than five weeks since the ‘ceremony’ out the Uniting Church’s position on the matter. took place, it is incumbent on you, as President, to re- The conduct of the service only heightened our con- spond fully to the issues raised as a matter of urgency. cerns. We welcome the fact that you had warned min- It is clear that you and other Assembly leaders, at short 12 notice, can respond very quickly to many statements invited to attend the Uniting Network Conference and which are made by politicians. Thus, your silence on a have done so in a pastoral capacity, as we do at many matter which goes to the heart of the faith and practice gatherings of Church people. of the Uniting Church as a truly ecumenical church Uniting Network also indicated that they would gives the unfortunate impression that, in comparison to present me with a copy of the liturgy at the dinner which other issues, the future of marriage is relatively unim- they did. Again, no endorsement of the liturgy was portant. implied. I look forward to your reply in the very near future. I Leading up to the weekend I met and had phone know that ACC members, other members of the UCA, discussions with the minister who preached at the cer- and our ecumenical partners will be interested in what emony. I reminded him of the Assembly policy relating you have to say, particularly as the issue will be high- to pastoral responses to same sex relationships, namely, lighted in the August issue of ACCatalyst. that any responses should not resemble a marriage cere- With regards, mony, I was assured that in the conduct of the ceremony Rev Dr Max Champion it would be made explicitly clear that the ceremony was ‘not a marriage ceremony’. It will be a matter of personal judgment as to whether the ceremony resembled a mar- 20 July, 2010 riage ceremony. As you indicate there appear to have been some elements in common; but in very obvious ways, by any church definition, it was clearly not a mar- Dear Max, riage sevice and did not pretend to be. I write in response to your letter to me of 20 June The President’s role in such situations is to faithfully 2010. convey the teachings of the Church and this is what Let me first express my regret that you disregarded I did. With regard to marriage, the Uniting Church’s my request to delay circulating your letter of June 20 in teaching is clear and unequivocal. The latest authorita- relation to the ‘sacred union ceremony’ until you were tive statement was affirmed at the 1997 Assembly and in possession of the full picture. I indicated that there this definition is now reflected in the Uniting Church were some errors of fact and some inaccurate supposi- Marriage Service. tions in that letter. To quote from that Assembly resolution: “Marriage for I regret too that your letter failed to refer to my offer Christians is the freely given consent and commitment to convene a meeting between you and leaders of Unit- in public and before God of a man and a woman to live ing Network in order to more fully understand their together for life. It is intended to be the mutually faithful intentions and the facts of what occurred. This is what lifelong union of a woman and man expressed in every I meant when I urged you to follow “biblical coun- part of their life together. In marriage the man and the sel about resolving disputes within woman seek to encourage and enrich each other through the Church”. I was love and companionship.” referring to The Assembly Standing Committee has received no in- Jesus’ advice dication from Uniting Network that it intends to change that if one this understanding. ... follower has a In my experience “Uniting Network” like the Assembly dispute with of Confessing Christians, is committed to transparency. another they As I understand it they are looking for ways to encour- should go and age gay and lesbian members of our Church to live in see that person ways that reflect gospel values of love and fidelity. face to face In your letter you mention an implied “equivalence” before pursuing of same-sex unions and marriage. I am not sure what other processes you mean by this. Clearly Uniting Network would like (Matthew 18: official recognition by the Church of the legitimacy of 15). Instead you same-sex covenantal unions. My advice to them is that if chose a path that they want clarity in this matter they should consider the appears inflam- usual church processes for introducing it through the matory and Councils of the Church for discussion, discernment and divisive. debate. You may remember that last time this was on the To reiterate the history of this matter: Assembly’s agenda (1997) the debate was closed before Uniting Network invited me to attend their biennial this particular matter was discussed. Conference in Melbourne. I had already committed to You request that I ask participants to account for attending the Tongan National Conference in Sydney their actions. If there are concerns in the church about so I indicated that I would attend on Sunday evening. whether a Minister has adhered to the Code of Ethics Uniting Network then reported that they planned to the steps are clear about how that matter is raised and hold a ‘sacred union ceremony’ on that Sunday evening. determined. It is not appropriate for the President to When I learnt about the nature of the ceremony I said participate in that process as there always remains the that I could not be present for such a ceremony as some possibility that the process might be subject to a request members of the Church might interpret my attendance for a Presidential Ruling, or may require a pastoral as an endorsement of the ceremony. intervention arising from the issue’s consideration by the Accordingly, they changed their program and shifted President. the ceremony to the Saturday afternoon. I indicated Please circulate this response to the people to whom that I would be happy to attend their Conference for the you sent your letter of June 20, 2010. final dinner and Eucharist. Yours sincerely in Jesus Christ, As I pointed out to you, past Presidents have been Rev Alistair Macrae 13 Election 2010 A call to Repentance

factional power brokers rose against him. The Prime Several ACCers emailed this Minister of this nation was sacked at the behest of these people—the MP’s of course, had to take their instruc- election comment to ACCata- tions from these people, after all it is these factional lyst. Finally we tracked down leaders who determine MP’s pre-selection! Those who remember the ALP’s outrage at the sacking of Gough the author Dr David Logan Whitlam have every right to see Rudd’s sacking by that Pastor of Armidale Community same ALP machine as hypocritical. Don’t be fooled, despite the Gillard appointment, we Church who has been amazed still have a very unstable and potentially volatile situation. Julia Gillard is a member at how his email has taken off. of the Left faction, yet she Love or has come to power due to the guess that we’ve all formed our opinions support afforded to her by the loathe about the bloodless coup that took place in Right and Centre-Right fac- Canberra recently and maybe some sort of tions. If she loses popularity Rudd, he statement has already been made in your or upsets the Right, she could had strong church about the events that took place and easily face the same fate as their consequences. I do believe that these Rudd; for if they withdraw their morals and events may be more historic than the media support for her, she will fall as a Christian commentators realise—but for different rea- did Rudd. She must govern to sons from those that they espoused in their journalistic please the Right and Centre base. Ianalysis. Right and yet maintain her left Whether you considered Kevin Rudd to be the best credibility. By the way, the ALP Right are the ones who thing since sliced bread or the worst thing since Adolf control the ALP in NSW, and that should be enough to Hitler, he was our Prime Minister and WAS elected by frighten anyone! the Australian public into that role. It is technically true Love or loathe Rudd, he had strong morals and a that we elect local members who then elect their own Christian base. The new PM lacks credibility in both of leader and the leader of the majority party becomes PM, these areas. however it is indisputable that the last election was a Presidential style election and we were told that a vote ome say that it is good to have Gillard for a Labor candidate was a vote for Rudd and a vote for because she is a female—our first female a Liberal candidate was a vote for Howard. Rudd’s face PM. But is gender really important? Has appeared on ALL local promo material. It WAS the ex- the gender of the Premier in NSW or Qld pectation of those who voted Labor into government that suddenly made their respective govern- Rudd would be PM. It was indisputably the understand- ments better? Of course not. Gender is ing of the Australian people that they had elected Kevin really irrelevant, it’s character that mat- Rudd to lead our Nation as Prime Minister. ters. The ALP is a factionalised party—i.e. the factions, not Rudd was replaced by the first PM to be living in a de the rank and file, run the party. Rudd was not a member Sfacto relationship, so her views on marriage and fam- of a faction (a rare thing in itself), however, because nei- ily don’t need to be canvassed; her lifestyle speaks to ther the Right nor Left factions could get their candidate those issues. She is one who declares herself to be non “up” in the party room, the popular Kevin Rudd was religious. Gillard opposed the ongoing funding of school seen as the compromise candidate who could win the chaplains as Education Minister but bowed to Rudd’s election. It worked. But when the popularity faded and wish to provide funding for another round. That fund- the polls went down, Rudd had no factional power base ing will now be at serious risk. Gillard is on record as to protect him and thus the unknown back room ALP one who supports the right of same sex couples to marry 14 or, at the very least, have another “form of committed abuse over his demand that a Moslem woman uncover adult relationship” that would be registered and recog- her face so he could check her license. The influence of nised and grant defacto couples and same sex couples Islam is growing at an extremely rapid rate. the same legal status as married couples. Rudd blocked Spiritually, morally, politically our nation is heading the ACT Government’s attempt to legitimise Gay mar- downhill at a rate of knots. What I am saying is that if riage. It is highly unlikely that Gillard will follow suit. I the church doesn’t wake up and pray and step into the expect to see the ACT Labor government re-introduce void and do so very quickly, our children will live in a this legislation and be able to proceed without the objec- very different Australia to the one we know today. This is tion of the Federal Government. Of course, this would a message that we must heed and that needs to be taken be the thin edge of the wedge—once one jurisdiction to the church across our nation. starts others will follow. Gillard is on record as a sup- Think about this. Julia Gillard’s grandparents were porter of abortion on demand funded by Medicare. This part of the Welsh revival, her parents were raised in a list could go on. God-fearing Baptist home, she had a little exposure to Is she a woman of principle? It is hard to see the one the gospel in a Baptist environment in her childhood. who strongly supported decisions of the Rudd Govern- She now says that she is a “non religious person” a “non ment but is now backing a different horse on these is- practicing Baptist” (whatever that is!). It has only taken sues, as being a person of principle (remember, she was one generation to lose the effect of the Welsh revival, to deputy PM, she was involved in the making of all of the lose Biblical morals and principles. Just one generation. decisions on things such as the mining tax, the carbon trading scheme, the population target, the school hall realize that the picture that I have painted is scheme, border protection etc). negative but the picture is accurate; that really IS the way that the world is, that really IS o what about the Opposition, are they the the state of our Nation. answer? Certainly the Opposition Leader But there is another perspective. If it only has a strong moral and religious base, but takes one generation to kill a revival, then his party is in disarray, filled with infight- understand this, one generation is all it takes ing and instability. Remember, they have to restore the same! We can hold our heads had three changes of leader to Labor’s in despair as we view this South Land of The Holy Spirit two! Don’t be fooled, politically, our na- Ior we can lift our heads and become that generation that tion is in a mess. makes this South Land GREAT. In NSW we have a govern- If not me Yes, politically, morally and religiously, our Nation is Sment that has seen over 200 in deep trouble. But I believe that God has given us the ministerial changes in less than then who? answer. “If my people who are called by my name…..”. a single 4 year term and that The answer is not in our ballot boxes, although we must spells instability. It has been If not now be wise and prayerful about who we will vote for. rocked by in-fighting, ministe- then when? The church must rise up, the sleeping giant must wake. rial resignations and sackings We MUST pray and we must declare the counsel of God because of unlawful conduct.... If not, then without fear or favour. We must take a stand on moral- at least one former minister is ity and godly principles. We must be the generation who now in gaol. And be reminded why not? restores the revival, the generation that rises up in Jesus’ again, NSW is “run” by the same name and will not bow down to any other name. It may factional power base that has elevated Gillard to the not be the popular path, but I believe it is Australia’s last PM’s job. hope. Are the so-called “Christian” parties the answer? I We simply MUST be part of THAT generation the can’t support the so called Christian parties in NSW generation that rises up and reclaims our heritage. To whose only parliamentary representatives conducted a leave it to another generation will be to leave it too late. spiteful, vilifying, unchristian “slanging match” in the To leave it to another people will be to make a tragic media, accusing each other of immoral and unlawful mistake. conduct. If not me then who? If not now then when? If not, then It is more than disappointing to see the Brisbane why not? It only takes one generation and it has to be Courier Mail report (June 23, 2010) that “Mr Nile ours! introduced his private member’s bill, seeking to ban Dr Dan added in a comment to ACCatalyst: I should the wearing of the burqa and other face veils in public, note one thing, lest it be misunderstood. I am NOT saying shortly after 8pm (AEST) yesterday. Greens MP John that Christians shouldn’t be politically active - quite to Kaye said only the four Greens MPs and Family First the contrary, we should be vocal in our opposition to that MP Gordon Moyes voted against introducing (ie dis- which undermines the values and freedoms that we hold cussing) the bill yesterday.” so dearly. The Bill, by the way, was based on the Belgium bill There is simply no point in us being the salt of the earth and was reported to be in response to a robbery in Syd- if we keep ourselves bunkered down in the salt shaker, ney where the robber was wearing a full face-covering there is no point being the light if we hide under covers burqa! The French parliament has just passed a similar that prevent the light from being seen. bill by over 300 votes to 1. The gay lobby and the Islamic lobby have given their What I am saying is simple. Encouraging Christians in constituents far more influence than their relative num- our Nation to vote for one party over another is not the bers in our nation would warrant—Christians should answer. We’ve gone beyond that. Our Nation is in very reclaim their lost ground and their lost voice in our deep trouble. nation and this would mean some political lobbying etc. Islam is gaining a strong foothold—you may have read However we will lose this battle if we fail to first pray and recently of a policeman who was charged with racial fail to “seek The Lord while He may be found”. 15 Local Church Lay ministry in Grenfell Working together is the key to ministry in this country community, reports Elder George Walker.

ur small town, Grenfell, on the south west slopes of NSW Ohad its beginnings, like many other country towns, with the dis- covery of gold, which took place here in September, 1866. By four months later 10,000 people had arrived. Within one month of the opening of the goldfields, Rev. Butler, a Wesleyan minister from Bathurst, was preaching on the field and within two months lay people led by Mr. H. Burrell, a chemist, had commenced a Wesleyan Sunday Grenfell Uniting School. An issue of “Mining Record” dated June 20, 1867, included the farmers’ sons finding better paid jobs Sydney with Kerrie being accepted following: elsewhere. Also we have one of the into ministry training at UTC. We “The Wesleyan SS thanks all who oldest populations in NSW. now have five regular preachers responded with a supply of books for During the last 20 years the vacan- and five others who give the mes- the Sunday School library.—signed cies between having settled ordained sage occasionally. Four families take H. Burrell, Supt., J. McGrath Sec.” ministers has progressively length- responsibility in turn for our third In February 1867, the Primitive ened until today it is three and a Sunday Contemporary services in Methodists erected a small iron half years since Rev. Charles Vesley the Hall. Our congregation has been building at a cost of $150 and start- (former RA Executive member) fairly steady around fifty for the last ed a Sunday School. On November moved on to military chaplaincy. 10 years. About half the congregation 3rd, 1867, the Wesleyans opened During the periods when we have are on the Bible reading roster and a their first church built of pine slabs been without a settled minister, we significant number take part in lead- and shingle roof and it was filled al- have been blessed with short term ing worship and prayers. Two of our most every night of the week. Until ministries from three weeks up to teenage young men have preached 1892 Grenfell was part of the Young two months and these have been with Biblical insight and confidence Circuit and the Grenfell Circuit was much appreciated. Among these on a number of occasions, one giving constituted in that year. From then has been an English Methodist his first sermon at age 15. Three of till 1990, our Methodist then Unit- minister on Sabbatical leave, Rev. our elders are authorised Lay Presid- ing Churches were supplied with an Eric Pritchard, for 2 months in 1991. ers at the Sacraments and two of us ordained minister continually. At Others have been Rev. Neville Threl- conduct funerals as the need arises. all times with numerous services fall, Rev. Rod James, Rev. Graham Three of us are in the midst of the being held in outlying centres, Lay Checkley and Rev. Ron Loom. Marriage Celebrants Course being Preachers ( Local Preachers under This year we have been inspired by led by Rev. Bronwen Murphy, much Methodist terminology) played a vi- Sunday services from Rev. Bronwen valued Resource Minister for the tal part in ministry. Sunday Schools Murphy, Rev. Lew Born, Rev. Clive Macquarie - Darling Presbytery. also thrived up till fairly recent Pearson and Rev. Bruce Westbrook. Elders and others are active in pas- times. The population of Grenfell We have accepted the periods toral care within our congregation has remained pretty static at around without ordained ministry as a chal- and beyond. A significant number of 2000 people for many years but lenge and a great opportunity for the our people are or have been active in with the continuing poor seasons, lay people of the church to do and community organisations including the number of people on district be “the Ministry”. At the beginning holding executive positions. Fifteen farms has been much reduced with of 2009 two of our active preachers, years ago Mrs Caroline Coombes properties becoming larger and Don and Kerrie Needham moved to commenced a Leisure Group and 16 Ian Weeks and his wife Anne, and with his fellow motorcyclists this continues to provide fellowship, learning a number of crafts and also gentle exercises and this has obvious- ly filled a felt need in the community. It is held on nine Thursday mornings a term with about 50 participants. On every occasion devotions are held during the morning tea break There has been good co-operation among the six churches of Grenfell for a long time and this has grown stronger in recent years. The Min- ister’s Fraternal has been replaced by an Inter-Church Council which meets regularly, with two representatives from each Church. For about eight years we have combined 5th Sunday services with the Anglicans in alternate churches and also cooperate in other ways includ- The return of Ian Weeks ing prayer services during Easter week. ACC welcomes Ian Weeks back to ACC member congregation Gren- Each 5th Sunday evening an a leadership role in the confessing fell for three months from August, ecumenical service is held in each movement in the UCA. Ian had and will also visit ACC congrega- church in turn. For two years we a long-tem involvement through tions in the Central West area, have combined eight times a year EMU (past National President), including Coonabarabran (21-22 with the Presbyterians in our respec- and is now the new convenor of the August), and Orange. Ian will be tive halls for Contemporary Wor- ACC NSW Movement. visiting congregations on his mo- ship with a band made up of young Ian was ordained in the Unit- torbike and has joined the Ulysses people from both churches. Scrip- ing Church in December 1991 and Motorcycle Club. ture in the Public School years 7 and pastored congregations at Berry- Ian has completed the Arrow 8 at Henry Lawson High School is Kangaroo Valley Uniting Churches Leadership program, and is a keen arranged on an ecumenical basis. (1992 – 1998), and Coffs Harbour- promoter of the importance of Our church is very excited that Nana Glen Congregations (1998 Christian leadership, and contin- Rev. Ian Weeks and his wife Anne – 2010). ues his involvement in the wider will be ministering to us for nearly Before his next placement as Sen- confessing and renewal movements three months commencing at the ior Pastor at Belrose UC (Sydney), through the Australian Lausanne end of August. Ian did the last two commencing January 2011, Ian is Committee and the Lausanne years of his High School education at helping the lay-team ministry at World Congress on Evangelization. Grenfell Henry Lawson High School. 17 Local Church

SA nurtures new leaders ACC South Australia is running a ences, he is also a strategic consult- leadership skills, discussion of topi- highly resourced weekend camp ant with Capacity Builders, and SA cal social issues like abortion, ho- in February 2011 for young and Co-ordinator for Arrow—Australia’s mosexuality, euthanasia, gambling, emerging adults who are shaping as peak body for developing young drugs and alcohol. leaders in our churches. We will call Christian leaders. He’ll be joined by Mixed with this will be worship, it the ACC Emerging Leaders Award respected church and lay leaders, prayer times, games, and a Q & A (the award being the free camp). mentors and support staff. session on issues they face. ACC churches in SA are asked to The program features Bible teach- The aim is to send them home in- identify one or more key youth/ ing on topics such as being a young spired, both by what they have seen emerging adults (17-30 year olds). leader in the church (like Jeremiah and heard, and by the ACC as an The local church will present them chapter 1; Timothy), teaching on organisation with which with a Certificate, awarding them to identify. They will attendance at the camp. also be sent home with a The camp is designed for a pack of resources. group of between 20 and 40 The camp runs from – a size that allows attenders to February 3-6, 2011 at bond well with each other and the Longwood camp in with the support group. Stirling in the Adelaide Young Christians today go to a Hills. lot of camps, so this one needs to, To register: Kevin and will, stand out. Fielke, Treasurer Keynote speaker Tim Hein is ACC SA, 8278 2608; lead pastor of CitySoul, a missional patanga@picknowl. church plant in Adelaide’s CBD. com.au Registrations A sought-after speaker for confer- by 7 November 2010 Working on a 21st century Future We publicised the event widely in role from Monday to Saturday that Miriam Imms local media, and were most encour- is of immense importance. Gil asked provides a word of aged to have solid support from ACC us to look again at our people who members from around the Hobart gather on Sundays and consider the encouragement from area. From Saturday afternoon we number we each meet and interact looked at Understanding Our Times with between regular worship times. Tasmania. and Being God’s People in the 21st Even in our small congregations that century. We considered the dramatic number is huge, and of vital impor- Like so many smaller churches right changes to society from the 1970s, tance. Our wonderful Sunday lunch around our country, we look into some of which happened without us was catered for by a well-known pro- 2010 with queries in our minds. even noticing, but have challenged fessional chef, from Café Cezanne, What is ahead? What are our finest the role of the local church. “Healthy in Coffs Harbour, recently come assets? How do we fulfil Christ’s churches”, said Gil, “are still God’s on a ‘seachange’ to the Channel, so command to go into all the world, primary means of demonstrating freeing the ladies to be in the stud- including our local community, and and furthering His kingdom”. ies. Rumpole said he didn’t believe live the gospel? But we are in an era of post-Chris- in co-incidences, and a bishop said, Without the usual regular minis- tendom in which we are actually “Funny thing, when I pray, co-inci- ter, our own Ministry Team takes its both chaplains to the faithful but dences happen!” The Channel Choir role very responsibly. They planned missionaries in a dis-interested enthusiastically joined us for the a whole congregation weekend and world. The way we worship and innovative lunch and sang to us. called well-known speaker and present the gospel needs a fresh look. This is our church at mission, and former EMU field-worker and ACC When we meet, we do so as a when we meet together we need to member Gil Cann from Victoria to group coming not so much to wor- encourage, listen to other’s experi- lead us in a time of study, reflection ship, but in fact, coming from wor- ences, and pray for and equip each and encouragement, over the week- ship. For in our day when most folk other for the week ahead. end of 28 -30th May, in A Vision for we would love to see in the church Miriam Imms is a member of the the Future. are busily out elsewhere, it is our ACC Tasmanian Southern Cluster 18 Diary Acc

What happens next: Bishop Nazir-Ali: l August 20 - NSW ACC Committee 10 am: Haberfield l September 2–4 ACC Annual Con- ference and AGM: Camden Uniting Church NSW ‘Expect the truth’ Theme: The future of marriage in Australia. Main Speakers include Steve Estherby of Family Voice, Roslyn Phillips of Newspaper columnist Angela Shana- Family Voice on a fear- han and Joanne Lucas Education Of- ficer for the Life, Marriage & Family less Islam expert set to Centre for the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney. tour Australia l October 5 - SA ACC Committee 5 pm: Glenunga UC Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali, who will l October 16 – NSW ACC State visit Australia in September, was Meeting: Liverpool UC given a hard time on the BBC TV’s HARDtalk program in March. “The ACC PrayerNet Muslim Council of Britain was furi- ous about the things you said [about The Power of a Praying Church Acts sharia law],” the interviewer told 4:23-31 ( niv) him. “They said what you should Luke tells us that the first response expect from a bishop is more humil- to Peter and John’s persecution by ity ...” the religious leaders of their day, as The bishop has studied sharia for they spoke the message of the gospel 30 years, and he didn’t miss a beat. with great boldness, was to join to- “I think what you should expect from gether in spontaneous unified prayer. a bishop is the truth!” he said. We can take courage and strength Who is this man who speaks out on from this type of model. Verse 24 matters of faith in areas where other “They raised voices together in church leaders fear to tread? Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali prayer to God. ‘Sovereign Lord,’ they Michael Nazir-Ali was born in Pa- said, ‘you made the heaven and the kistan to Christian parents in 1949. he became Bishop of Rochester in earth and the sea, and everything in His father had been a Muslim, but Kent, and later took a seat in the them.’” They remembered the Sov- converted to Christianity. In Paki- House of Lords. Last year Bishop ereignty of God their Father and we stan today, this act would warrant Nazir-Ali unexpectedly stepped can see this kind of praying that God the death penalty. down from the House of Lords and delights to answer. Young Michael professed a per- the Rochester diocese, ten years For the early Christians, the sover- sonal Christian faith as a teenager. before retirement age. He has now eignty of God was not just a point of He trained for the Anglican ministry entered a new phase of ministry to doctrine or point of endless debate. in England and returned to Pakistan, the worldwide church, with particu- No, it was a rock upon which to where he later became a bishop. He lar emphasis on Christians who are build their lives. worked among the poor and dispos- suffering for their faith. Let us join together in unity, re- sessed in the Diocese of Raiwind in Bishop Nazir-Ali speaks the truth membering God’s sovereignty. Pray southern Lahore, but suffered grow- in love on Islam because, as he remembering and being comforted, ing persecution under General Zia’s says, “all my [extended] family are strengthened and empowered know- sharia law. In 1986, after assaults Muslims.” ing that God is in control. and death threats, Bishop Nazir-Ali He also speaks the truth in love That even in the midst of terrible and his family were forced to flee for about marriage, family and homo- things, personally, in community, their lives. sexuality. He brings biblical insights in the Church, and globally God is They found refuge in England, into the real world. Don’t miss the working out His plan to save sin- where the bishop’s intelligence, chance to hear him when he comes ners. Pray in such a way that Jesus administrative skills and theological in September to Brisbane (14th), is exalted. Above all difficulty and understanding proved very helpful Sydney (15th, 16th), Melbourne problems, remember and give thanks to the Archbishop of Canterbury. (17th), Canberra (20th), Adelaide for the salvation he has provided in In 1989 he was appointed General (20th, 21st) and Perth (21st, 22nd). Christ. Secretary of the UK Church Mission His visit is sponsored by Family- Mandy Scott Society (known in Australia as the Voice Australia – for more details, ACC Prayer Network Liaison Officer Church Missionary Society). In 1994 phone 1300 365 965. & “PrayerNet” co-ordinator 19 Jae Head as S.J., Quinton Aaron as Michael Oher and Sandra Bullock as Film Leigh Anne Tuohy

the last communication of a father to a child simply given the initial T. Peyton’s column ‘Heart Healer’ is struggling for readers and it finds new life as she begins to track down who T was, while also revisiting some of her own past family experiences. Ted McGinley plays a journalist col- league with family issues of his own and together they are able to help each other see their need for forgiveness. Interestingly McGinley is better known as Jefferson in probably the most significant “anti-family” comedy, Married with Children, so this is a significant role reversal for him. The connections and plot develop- When chance is not ment in The Note may remind you of a Charles Dickens novel, but all of us know that there are events we cannot blind chance explain by worldly coincidence. While not produced as a Chris- The Blind Side box office receipts. “But love of money tian film, this is a film which raises Out on DVD in August is The Blind tends to triumph over pushing radi- many good questions for discussion, Side, This film is based on the true cal leftist agendas, so family-friendly especially about forgiveness, love, story of Michael Oher (played by films still keep coming out of Hol- relationships and parenting. Hall- Quinton Aaron) who now plays for lywood.” mark publicized the film in2 007 with the Baltimore Ravens as offensive http://www.billmuehlenberg. a website where people could post left tackle. The movie won Sandra com/2010/03/09/the-blind-side-and- their final comment if they only had Bullock the Best Actress Oscar at hollywood%e2%80%99s-dilemma/ a minute. This film reminded me of the 2010 Academy Awards and was In the same year, another film the final words that people on the a major box-office financial success about a disadvantaged and abused hi-jacked 9/11 airplanes left for their surprising some critics. child was released. Precious also won loved ones as voice messages when Michael’s home background was an Academy Award, this one for Best they could not speak to them in per- one of chronic neglect, homelessness Supporting Actress for Mo’Nique who son. Who would you write a final note and lack of education, but he eventu- played the mother of Precious, and to? What would you say? ally ended up in a private Christian the contrast in mothering displayed Peter Bentley school because of his football poten- could not have been more marked. ACC Executive Consultant tial. Here he met the Tuohy family and the mother who would play such Coincidence versus God incidence. an influential part in his life: Leigh The Note (2007) is a DVD release Anne Tuohy (played by Sandra Bul- from Hallmark TV channel. The Muehlenberg’s lock). Leigh Anne, her husband Sean movie is based on the book by Chris- and children Jae and Collins bring tian author Angela Elwell Hunt. She Blindside view Michael into their family and provide adapted the screenplay of The Nativ- Hollywood has a big problem. the start to a life he could never have ity Story, a movie I reviewed in an It is constantly facing a major had otherwise. They enlist Miss Sue early edition of ACCatalyst. dilemma involving two well-es- to provide special tuition (wonderful Many of her books are written as tablished facts. Fact number one: supporting role for Kathy Bates), and modern day parables with a moral The denizens of Hollywood are his grades reach the required level. theme designed to have people think overwhelmingly secular leftists... There is mostly a good portrayal of more about their own life and back- Fact number two: More often the family as they come across as ground. than not, the best money-making a normal family, and their strong In The Note, Newspaper columnist films are those with a pro-faith evangelical Christian faith is not Peyton MacGruder, played by Genie and pro-family message.... presented as weird or unusual. This is Francis discovers a hastily scribbled But if they want to get rich and a key to the integrity of the film and note in the aftermath of a plane crash stay rich, then they have to cater was apparently something that made in the USA. to the tastes of most Americans. Sandra Bullock hesitant in taking on Genie achieved fame as Laura on They really are in a dilemma. But the role. Evangelical Christianity is General Hospital and even made it on love of money tends to triumph not highly regarded in Hollywood, the cover of Newsweek in 1981, with over pushing radical leftist agen- and yet as Bill Muehlenberg shows in her on-screen husband for the most das, so family-friendly films still his perceptive piece on this film and watched daytime drama event in TV keep coming out of Hollywood. Hollywood, presents a dilemma for history. (See web link in Bentley Review) the companies which focus on huge The note found by Peyton was 20