What We Do with What We Know Tom Frame and Aussie Unbelief
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VOLUME 4 NUMBER 2 |APRIL 2010 atalyst ASSACCembl Y O F C on F E SS in G C on G re G A T ion S W I TH in T H E U ni T in G C H urc H in A U ST ralia Rewriting our union THE PREAMBLE AND THE BASIS OF UNION PAGE 8 What we do Tom Frame and Newtown’s with what we know Aussie Unbelief Mission BYRON SMITH • 6 IAN BREWARD • 17 JOHN SANDEMAN • 18 Editorial Careful readings Sometimes events overtake plans. (and the rise of ‘evangelicals’ who This ACCatalyst, full of articles about support the progressive cause) and the new Preamble and the UCA basis a fascinating look at what ACC of Union is an example. Events in the members’ hopes and dreams for this form of new discussion of the basis organisation are, in future editions. of union in the wider UCA, and the Any reader who wants at add their need for Synods and Presbyteries two cents worth is very welcome. The to vote on the Preamble and other finishing touches on the ACC state- consitution changes have changed ment on abortion were discussed at our plans. the recent national council. It was We hoped to bring you some fascinating to watch the council take broader content, but it can all wait, so much care to make sure the report because the votes and discussions are got things exactly right. When every happening as we speak. jot and tittle is in place, ACCatalyst So readers can look forward to will bring it to you. Cover illustration lenm/istockphoto.com some criques of progressive religion 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 58 75 ARBN 128 00 785. Editor: John Sandeman ACCatalyst is available as a subscription only Incorporated in NSW. INC 988768. Office: Erskineville Rd, Newtown NSW ($35pa) or by becoming an ACC Supporting Liability of members is limited. Opinions 0 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 835 073 I was not happy with the big hunts- It’s amazing how different people man sitting on my wall. I am not Rubey and can look at the same situation and particularly scared of spiders, but I see totally different things. Some don’t like having them inside, and people always see problems and this spider had annoyed me because I the spider reasons to be afraid. Some people see had already taken it outside once and challenges and opportunities. People it had come back inside again. are all different, and cats, I guess are But it did cause me to reflect for a even differenter (if that’s a word). while on different people’s attitudes There is no right or wrong per- towards spiders. Some people are sonality type, otherwise God would fascinated by the way they move have had to make us all the same, around and the way they get Hilary Sandeman to make it fair. But for Christians, their prey. Others respect there is always hope. Regardless of them for their important how much we tend to see role in the balance of nature. the worst in things, we Some people are uncomfort- still have God’s promises able with them and keep a that he will “Work all safe distance. Still other people things together for good become uncharacteristically violent, for those who love him” and the spider’s life is short thereaf- (Romans 8:8). ter. Figuratively, God can Rubey the cat eventually noticed turn the most hideous spi- the spider too. She reached as far der we face into a tasty snack. up the wall towards it as she could The things that scare us can turn and meowed at me. I was curious would do so I flicked the spider off out to be a blessing, because there to see what her attitude would be. the wall. It landed near her on the is nothing we will ever meet that is Would she be frightened? Would she floor. Rubey pounced. Within seconds outside of God’s control. That’s one delicately pat it with her paw out of all that was left was one spider leg on of the good things about being on curiosity? the floor and Rubey was contentedly God’s side! I was interested to see what she licking her lips. The spider was gone. Robyn aCC NEws Waverley cluster meets The Waverley regional cluster held a cially Elizabeth Adam and Bill Phil- Commentary in ‘A Declaration of highly appreciated seminar in Mel- lips. Three ACC officers spoke, with Hope’ (now available on the website: bourne on 7 February at Mt Waver- ACC Council member Rev Prof. Ian http://www.confessingcongregations. ley UC. This was the first of the four Breward starting the day by providing com/national/resources/doctrine-the- seminars planned for the Melbourne a further explanation of the develop- ology/ area during 00, and with an at- ment of problems in the contempo- ACC chair, Rev. Dr. Max Champion tendance of 85 persons it showed a rary church, and a call to the path of presented an examination of the significant level of support, and also renewal in ‘Reforming 21st Century UCA’s understanding of the status the excellent promotional work of the Church’. of the Basis of Union, highlighting local cluster members. Chair of the ACC Doctrine and the problems that have arisen from Thank you to the members of the Theology Commission, Dr. Rosalie various decisions in ‘Firm Ground or Waverley Cluster who promoted this Hudson explained and affirmed the Crumbling Foundation, the Future of initiative, and the co-ordinators, espe- ACC Theological Declaration and the Basis of Union.’ Peter Bentley member, ask that sufficient time be allowed for discussion and questions Preamble: timetable on the floor of the presbytery. Synod meeting dates: NSW: 0 – 3 April Queensland: 21 -5 May for the changes Victoria and Tasmania: 21 – 6 May WA: 7-9 September A number of changes to the Constitu- ing the UAICC (Uniting Aboriginal Owen Davis ACC SA member tion, including changing the Preamble and Islander Christian Congress) adopted at the time of Union, were which postulate significant knowl- Study tour adopted by the 12th Assembly. As edge of the Trinitarian God before the required by the Constitution, they proclamation of Jesus Christ) – After the 00 ACC conference in have now been sent for the approval 3 October 00. early September, which is being held (or rejection) by other councils of the Proposed change to Clause 39 (this at Camden UC, Revd Colin Seymour, Church. To come into force they need proposes a change to how councils minister at Camden will lead a tour the approval of a majority of the Syn- of the church can ‘stay’ a decision to Turkey. ACC members may like to ods and /3 of the Presbyteries. of the Assembly, and attempts to consider this opportunity. Only two councils of the church have a mechanism for determining Following the Spread of Grace: Ex- can vote on the proposed changes to what matters are vital to the life of ploring highlights of the work of St. the Constitution: Presbyteries and the Church based on responses from Paul and St. John in Turkey - 4 Sept Synods. Presbyteries and Synods) - – 0 Oct 00. It is not possible to suggest any 3 October, 00, Cost $5490 twin share including changes. A council can only Agree or Clauses 36 and 37 (provision for return airfare 5 nights accommoda- Disagree (this means voting YES or allowing co-options to Synod and tion and all meals. For information NO). Each proposal for constitutional Assembly Standing Committee)- contact Rev Colin Seymour; email change adopted by the Assembly 3 December 00. - [email protected]. needs to be determined separately. Please contact your local presby- au; Phone - 046559303; Mobile The closing dates for response to tery to find when the presbytery will 04080973. the various proposed constitutional meet to vote on these matters, and A link providing full details about changes: what material and information will the programme is on the ACC website The Preamble, Definitions and be provided to members and how under congregational news Clauses 49 and 7 (matters concern- long before the meeting. If you are a Peter Bentley 3 cisale/istockphoto.com PubliC squarE by P seudo -M A x imus cades on abortion issues, on religious of Victoria and Tasmania Standing Atheist Delusions homophobia, on the bullying and Committee on 12/8/09 to ‘take no The Global Atheist Convention racketeering of cults such as Scientol- further action with respect to the was held in Melbourne 12-4 March. ogy – or on attempts to infiltrate the ‘New Faith’ campaign at St Michael’s’ Attended by 500 people it caused education system with creationism. which caused uproar at the 008 quite a stir. Prof Richard Dawkins, But elsewhere, let’s try to calm things Synod (see ACCatalyst October doyen of militant atheists, ridiculed down. Let’s not let a little thing like 09) he now puts himself in exalted Christians and refused to distinguish God come between us.’ (The Weekend company. ‘fundamentalist nutbags’ from ‘real Australian Magazine March 7-8) Florence Nightingale and ML King theologians.’ He called Benedict xVI In a world where conflict and ha- could not be accused of such blatant ‘Pope Nazi.’ tred hold sway it is not very re-assur- self-promotion – one saving the lives Media reports made much of the ing, and more than a tad deluded, to of the sick; the other dying so that dichotomy between religion and sci- be told that justice can be achieved by Black Americans could live fuller, ence, faith and reason, superstition enlisting the help of ‘religious pro- more dignified lives.