April 2006

Mvume Dandala A Penny for Pancakes leads Assembly your thoughts galore Bible studies Page 6 Page 3 Page 5 Prison policy: have we got it wrong?

By Bruce Mullan

It’s not only the total number of residents that’s exploding in sunny Queensland, the prison population is booming too, but the nagging question remains as to whether there is more to prison than punishment and whether this is the best way to keep the community safe in the long-term.

lobal trends are moving towards “decarceration” as the most eff ective Gmechanism for combating crime. Meanwhile, the Queensland Government pursues a “lock ‘em up” approach with the intention to build a new 4000 bed “super prison” at a projected cost of $2.2 billion. Th e Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that in Queensland there are 177 per 100,000 of population currently in prison with an increase of 212% between 1994 and 2004 – nearly fi ve times the national increase in the same period. Th e Department for Corrective Services describes its strategic approach as “strengthening community safety through managing growth in prisoner numbers” but groups such as the INCorrections Network and Sisters Inside are convinced that increasing prison beds is not a viable solution and that effi cient and eff ective alternatives exist. Heather den Houting from the Queensland Synod’s Offi ce of the Social Responsibility Advocate is convinced that there are alternative programs such as victim- off ender mediation that do work. “Here in Queensland we have some “I was in prison and you visited me” Matthew 25:36 fantastic programs in the youth justice sector which are using the community conferencing process.” Prison Ministries Senior Chaplain Mrs Churches in Queensland have responded Beatriz Skippen says about 500 inmates both by providing pastoral care for prisoners will leave the prison system in South East Read more about and their families and by engaging in dialogue Queensland each month. prison issues with the state government about prison and “Th at’s about 6000 in a year. With some rehabilitation issues. estimating a recidivism rate of over 50% we Th ere are currently around 80 volunteer can expect to see about 3000 re-off ending and accredited chaplains from many within two years,” she said. Page 2 Editorial denominations who are giving an average of “It seems that much more needs to be Page 3 Faith goes with culture three to four days per week in the various done to assist inmates in making a successful for Indigenous prisoners correctional centres around Queensland. transition back into the community.” Page 8 Living life on the If they were all remunerated at the rate of Queensland Uniting Church Moderator outside a minister’s stipend this would translate to Rev Dr David Pitman has spoken with around $1.8 million per annum. Premier Peter Beattie about the “super Page 8 Does the correctional Th is represents a signifi cant investment in prison” proposal as well as rehabilitation and system really correct? the care of prisoners and families. prisoner release schemes. Senior Prison Chaplain Mrs Beatriz Skippen Page 9 Wake up and smell the Churches have also pressured the State Th e rate of imprisonment is not beyond coffee Government and the Department for government control and is infl uenced by of the responsibility for failing to implement Corrective Services to reassess their current political choice and departmental policy as successful strategies to reduce prisoner Page 9 Christians can’t policy direction. well as crime rates and court decisions. numbers. condone the death Th e UnitingCare Centre for Social Justice Over the course of a decade Queensland While Minister for Police and Corrective penalty in Queensland was instrumental in the has gone from having an imprisonment Services Judy Spence predicts a further 90% Page 9 Thanking the sky pilots production of the INCorrections report which rate that is below the national average to increase over the next ten years, such growth called for major reforms in the way prisoners having one that is signifi cantly higher and in prison numbers is neither inevitable nor Page 16 Journey asks are rehabilitated into the community. the State Government must own its share obligatory. ... PAGE 3 Moderator’s From the Editor

Imagine being imprisoned for history of Australian correctional message thirteen years. How much would institutions. I’ve read about faulty society have changed in that time? DNA evidence convicting people In 1992, the last time you were for 13 years. I’ve heard stories of Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom a part of society, the Australian abuse of the justice system and of Prime Minister was Paul Keating power. ichard Lovelace, 17th enjoyed was expressed through fi nd themselves at the mercy and Queensland’s Premier was I’ve read the inside stories Century English soldier and prayer and the singing of hymns. of insensitive and uncaring Wayne Goss. Mobile phones were from people like award-winning Rpoet, was twice imprisoned By God’s power, they were bureaucracies. rare and resembled a brick and journalist Bernie Matthews who for his royalist sympathies during also set free from the physical It happens when the innocent the Internet was just catching on. studied while in prison and has the time of Oliver Cromwell. confi nes of that prison and were and the vulnerable become the Fittingly, the 1992 Academy Award experienced the true cruelty of the During the fi rst of these able to continue their apostolic and targets of bullying and abuse. winning fi lm was Clint Eastwood’s worst aspects of the prison system. sojourns in prison he wrote the evangelistic ministry. It happens when people are Unforgiven. Mr Matthews’ story on the poem, To Althea - From Prison, And there were others who persecuted for their beliefs. Imagine living in a hostile and power prison chaplains have and which includes the famous lines: were also freed from their personal And there are the prisons of our angry environment for thirteen the great respect a lot of prisoners prisons at that time. A young woman own making. years and walking out the door to have for them can be read on Page Stone walls do not a prison make, was both healed and released from We can be locked in and limited freedom with little preparation 9. It is a moving account of what it Nor iron bars a cage. the bondage of slavery, and a prison by our infl exibility and unwilling- for the outside world. Perhaps the feels like to be in prison and have Th e poem is about the way in guard and his family came to faith ness to change, by the smallness of feeling would be like abseiling, as someone care for your physical, which the human heart and spirit in Christ and were baptised. our faith, by our contempt for those you stand at the edge of a cliff and emotional and spiritual health in a can be set free by the power of love Eighteen centuries later, Charles whose convictions are diff erent to take the fi rst step off . practical way. and so transcend the particular Wesley drew on the images and our own, by our refusal to forgive Tasks that most people do Many prison chaplains have said circumstances of a person’s life at metaphors of that story from Acts those we feel have off ended us, by everyday, like grocery shopping or that a lot of prisoners should not any given time. 16 in order to testify to his own our greed and materialism, by our catching public transport, become be there. Th ey were in the wrong Th e poem concludes with the experience of the freedom that fear and insecurity. daily challenges. place at the wrong time, or they words: faith in Christ brings to our lives. Th e Bible includes many stories In this edition of Journey, we are did something without thinking. that illustrate the nature and impact focusing on prison ministry. Th is Th at is not denying people need If I have freedom in my love My chains fell off , my heart was free, And in my soul am free, I rose, went forth, and followed Th ee. of all three kinds of prisons. is one of the few ministries we are to be accountable for their actions, Angels alone, that soar above, Th ese stories are illuminating specifi cally told to do, along with but don’t we all? Enjoy such liberty. Th ese stories remind us that there and confronting because they looking after the poor. To be released from prison, are varieties of prisons. Th ere are reveal with disturbing clarity how Prison ministers are a special inmates need to provide an address. Paul and Silas had a similar the prisons that society constructs God’s ways are so diff erent from breed. Th ey have a sense of calm Without family or friends and with experience when they were for the purpose of punishing those our own. about them. Th ey deal with society’s limited accommodation for people imprisoned in Philippi. Th ey too found guilty of breaking the laws God’s purpose for us in Jesus is so called ‘worst criminals’ and treat leaving prison, some inmates have were surrounded by stone walls of the land. that we should be set free to enjoy them like the real people they are. nowhere to go and so remain in and iron bars, their legs locked in Th ere is major focus in this issue the fullness of life that is his free Inmates are someone’s daughter jail. chains. of Journey on that kind of prison. gift to us. or son, mum or dad, friend or Reading this edition of Journey, In spite of their predicament, We have to have them, but there By God’s grace, we can embrace partner. Some inmates practise you might ask yourself how you the inner freedom of the spirit they are critical issues regarding their and experience that freedom in religion, including Christianity. and/or your congregation would management and eff ectiveness that every area of our lives. How challenging is it for us welcome a former prisoner. Would cry out for urgent attention. People incarcerated behind as Christians to relate to these their conviction make a diff erence? Th ere are also the psychological, prison walls can know that people without judging them on What if they were a sex off ender? emotional and spiritual prisons in freedom. their convictions? For me, it is very Th ey are tough questions to which human beings sometimes People subjected to the willful hard. answer. try to confi ne each other. and destructive behaviour of others In my research I have read a lot Mardi Lumsden Th at happens when people can know that freedom. on the way prisons operate and the Associate Editor are subjected to discrimination People locked into prisons of or prejudice that is motivated by their own making that can know diff erences in race or culture or that freedom also. religion or personal circumstances. Why? Because “the Lord is It happens when individuals the Spirit, and where the Spirit of Sign of the Times Moderator Rev Dr David Pitman are denied natural justice or the Lord is, there is freedom. (II Corinthians 3:17) ev Don McKay makes sure nothing gets wasted at Samford Valley RUniting Church. When they needed a sign last Easter, Don whipped Stay in touch during the tyre off his beloved restored Bulldog tractor to advertise the 2005 the 11th Assembly Easter Services. Th e tractor has looked a bit strange since, with one green tyre and one black one. On-line subscription is now available to a range of news Journey is published 11 times a year for the Queensland Synod of the Uniting Church in Australia. services in the lead up to, and Opinions expressed in Journey do not necessarily refl ect those of the editor or the during the 11th Assembly policies of the Uniting Church. meeting. Th ese include: Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement; inclusion of advertising • A daily newsletter for material is at the discretion of the publisher. members which will also be Journey cannot guarantee the publication and/or return of submissions but makes made available on the Assembly every eff ort to do so if requested. website each day, • A daily news alert sent by Editor Bruce Mullan e-mail each night with news, Associate editor / advertising Mardi Lumsden stories, reports and resolutions, Designer Osker Lau • A daily media resource kit Production: Communications Services Unit Printing: Rural Press (QLD) Printing, Ormiston, for congregations who would Circulation 15,500 like help to communicate with ISSN: 0817-4466 local media. Closing date for editorial and advertising for May Journey is 13 April For more information or to sub- Next issue of Journey will be available in churches on Sunday, 7 May scribe to either the Daily News alert or the Media Resource Communications Services Unit Kit visit the 11th Assembly Uniting Church in Australia Queensland Synod website http://assembly.uca.org. 60 Bayliss Street Auchenfl ower QLD GPO Box 674 Brisbane QLD 4001 Ph: 07 3377 9910 Email: [email protected] au/11thassembly Fax: 07 3377 9796 Web: www.journeyonline.com.au and follow the links. Youth worker Devon Bull (left) and Rev Don McKay

2 Journey, April 2006 Faith goes with culture for Indigenous prisoners

n June 2004, there were 5,048 this as they follow other infl uences Indigenous people in prisons and forces in their lives.” Iacross Australia (21% of all Pastor Corowa also found that prisoners), and Indigenous people Aboriginal and Islander men have were 11 times more likely to be tremendous respect for church and in prison than non-Indigenous chaplains. people. “Th ey were always willing Uniting Church Minister and to be involved in Bible study, Prison Chaplain Rev Dennis prayer, playing guitar and singing, Corowa reports that at Stuart discussions, and cultural groups Prison in Townsville, 60% of the that we have conducted.” prison population is Indigenous. Pastor Corowa believes that we “Th is situation is deplorable but are all wrongdoers and sinners. I have always tried to approach “In approaching ministry with ministry in practical ways,” he said. people in prison we are called to Pastor Corowa felt led by compassion and kindness and we the Spirit to work with the men recall the passage from Hebrews through cultural activities although 13, ‘Remember those who are in this was not always seen as an prison as though you were in prison acceptable chaplaincy activity. with them. Remember those who “I feel that many urban are suff ering, as though you were Aboriginal and Islander people suff ering as they are.’” have lost their sense of identity and pride in their heritage so we respond to this by demonstrating that the involvement of the church is not only spiritual but encompasses a cultural dimension as well.” He describes it as an holistic approach where Aboriginal prisoners are empowered to express their gifts and skills in culturally appropriate ways such as song, dance, art and storytelling. Pastor Corowa has found that Assembly Bible study leader Rev Dr Mvume Dandala because Aboriginal and Islander men in prison are isolated from family and community life, they World renowned Christian leader to have time to think about their lives. Rev Dennis Corowa has both “Th ere is the possibility of Aboriginal and Islander family heritage and has ministered in the present 11th Assembly Bible studies greater opportunity to experience Townsville community since 1989. the presence of God anew in their After an extended break from isitors and members of the studies would draw heavily on his and explore the missional nature lives. prison ministry he has once again 11th Assembly can look passion for mission, evangelism, of our Assembly theme,” said Mr “Most of our people have taken up the role of prison chaplain forward to an exciting social justice and human need. Henderson. experienced Christian teaching and in 2006. Pastor Corowa’s totem is V milmarjl - the barramundi. Bible Study program headed “Mvume is the current General “In the World Council of infl uence but people often suppress by one of Africa’s most gifted Secretary of the All African Churches he’s regarded as being in evangelistic preachers, Rev Dr Council of Churches (AACC), the vanguard of the new African Mvume Dandala. an ecumenical fellowship formed world leadership of the ecumenical A South African Methodist, in 1963 to represent more than movement and of the church who served as the Presiding Bishop 120 million Christians from 133 worldwide.” of the Methodist Church in churhes in 39 African countries. “He has a proven record Southern Africa during and after “Mvume is leading the AACC of courage and determination the apartheid era, Mr Dandala in the battle against HIV/AIDS in leading the church in South 3AVING promises to bring a fresh take on on behalf of the millions who Africa and all over Africa to the Assembly Th eme, God’s Word, suff er and thousands of children address issues of injustice and MADE God’s World. who have been orphaned. human need.” Uniting Church President- “He is also deeply committed Full details of the Bible Study EASY Elect Rev Gregor Henderson to the world ecumenical and program for the 11th Assembly will said although exact details of the mission movements and is really be available on the website in the coming month. Assembly Bible Studies were still a excited about helping members http://assembly.uca.org.au/ well-guarded secret, Mr Dandala’s of the Uniting Church unpack 11thassembly

he new 2006 Gifts of Love Boys Home in Fiji. $20 will provide Catalogue is now available vocational training at the Nandyal Kathy Stephen T Customer Service Officer from Uniting International Training Centre in India. $180 will Mission (UIM). make safe drinking water available Th is booklet is not just a and accessible in rural villages in !5#)34ERM$EPOSITISTHEIDEALWAYTOINVESTYOUR catalogue but a glimpse into the Zimbabwe. MONEYANDWATCHITGROW WITHTIEREDINTERESTRATESAND TERMSFROMTHREEMONTHSTOlVEYEARS range of projects of our Partner Th ere are many great gifts to 9OUCANHAVEYOURQUARTERLYINTERESTPAYMENTSADDEDTOTHE Churches that the Uniting Church choose from that will really make ACCOUNTBALANCE ALLOWINGYOURSAVINGSTOCOMPOUND OR in Australia is supporting. a diff erence. PAIDINTOANOTHERACCOUNTASAREGULARINCOMESTREAM Th ese partnerships work towards To see more information about the 2IGHTNOW SAVINGSBETWEEN AND INVESTED empowering and encouraging FORlVEYEARSWILLEARNYOUINTERESTOFPERANNUM PAID work of UIM or download a PDF QUARTERLY WITHREGULARSTATEMENTS communities and focus on Southern copy of the 2006 Gifts of Love 0HONEMEAT5#)3ONFORANAPPLICATION Africa, Asia and the Pacifi c. Catalogue at www.uim.uca.org.au or FORMANDBROCHUREWITHTHELATESTINTERESTRATES A gift of $7 will provide clothes email [email protected] or call for school children at Veilomani (02) 8267 4269. / Ê1 / Ê 1,   6 -/ /Ê- ,6

Journey, April 2006 3 Cromwell College students learn the secret to success

he one thing Matt Noff s of allows them to consider who they the Ted Noff s Foundation want to be as an adult.” Twas not going to tell Matt referred to what he students at Cromwell College calls “the Four Th ings” (Family, during his presentation entitled Education, Mentorship and ‘Sex, Booze and Honour Rolls’ was Meaning) to assist and support not to drink. young people. Th anks to a UC Foundation “If these ‘four things’ exist as grant, the co-ed Uniting Church support networks surrounding residential college on campus at the them, their physical, emotional and University of Queensland brought mental health should be in perfect Matt up from Kings Cross, Sydney, shape for their new transition into to talk to fi rst year students about adulthood,” he said. their newfound freedom. “My time at Cromwell, truth be “Th e most important thing for told, was the single most enjoyable young people leaving home and presentation I’ve ever done! It was entering the wider world is support. intrinsically motivating to see the In this particular circumstance, energy that was pouring out of young people going to University are those guys… It made me realise in the process of re-evaluating their what an exciting time University identities – they are re-searching is for a human being who has now (and researching!) themselves,” realised their capacity in the world said Matt in refl ection. and wants to harness their potential “Support to do this ‘re-searching’ for the future.” is important because it calls for new For more information on Cromwell College senior David Stone, Matt Noffs and freshman Adam Bartels. ways of living life, it acts as a safety Cromwell College go to Photo and story by Mardi Lumsden net, it evaluates their progress and www.cromwell.uq.edu.au Youth worker’s doco leaves viewers breathless entenary Uniting Church “While these stories contain Mr Bray said he is looking for youth worker Jason Bray sadness and heartache, by the end further distribution of Breathless. Claunched his debut fi lm of the fi lm the viewer will also “Th e documentary is in the at the Palace Centro cinema, have gained a sense of hope and process of being released to social New Farm, in February to a full admiration for the strength of our workers and the general public in house and with endorsement from subjects,” said Mr Bray. Queensland.” Queensland Governor Quentin “Th e Uniting Church For more information or to order a Bryce. Queensland Synod is excited by copy of Breathless, visit Breathless is a documentary this creative endeavour which seeks www.redearthfi lms.com/breathless dealing with the issue of chemical to infl uence many workers across By Mardi Lumsden sniffi ng, known as chroming, the youth sector as well as bring that is plaguing homeless, low- the issues of homelessness, drug income and Indigenous youth in use and marginalised youth into Queensland. the public eye.” Told through the voices of a Th e fi lm is confronting in its mother whose 17 year-old daughter straight up manner and includes died from chroming, a homeless a scene where a group of young man, a street kid and many others, girls describe the diff erent kinds Breathless introduces the homeless, of hallucinogenic benefi ts achieved marginalised, abused and addicted from inhaling diff erent coloured living in South East Queensland. paints. Neil Waldron, Naomi Waldron and Adele Garnett from TEA Party, visiting the Quakers Meeting House TEA Party on Tour

oowong Uniting Church “For most of us, it was the fi rst Early Adults went ‘on tour’ time that we had sat still for an Tduring January to explore hour in many years. It was relaxing, local churches. thought-provoking, and at times Film maker and youth worker Jason Participant Naomi Waldron for us, a little boring,” said Ms Bray at the launch of Breathless. said the aim was to “experience a Waldron. Photo by Mardi Lumsden wide range of worship styles and At New Hope Brisbane, a group hopefully take back some fresh, new who meet at La Boite theatre ideas for our planning meeting.” in Kelvin Grove, TEA Partiers Th e tour started at St Mary’s attended a mini-conference Catholic Community at South that featured videos of famous Brisbane, known for its strong and inspiring American pastors social justice agenda. Next on the discussing spiritual leadership. list was the Progressive Spirituality Th e experience of visiting several “JUST MARRIED” (at the Albert Street Uniting Church) is a painting by Network hosted by West End worshipping communities proved Internationally known Queensland naïve artist, Katy Edwards. Uniting Church, which engaged to be rewarding and opened their It is a scene close to her heart, as she and her husband were married there, the young people in conversation minds to new ways of worshipping, and also her parents, sixty years ago. about the relevance of Christian some of which they look forward It is available in print form as a limited edition of only 500, signed and traditions and doctrine to modern to incorporating in the TEA Party. numbered, from any good framing shops in SE Queensland, or by safe thinkers and society. “We recognised that there ordering through her award-winning website - www.katyedwards.com A visit to the Quakers Meeting are lots of diff erent ways to be Price - about $120. House at Kelvin Grove saw the Christian, and that as long as group sit in a circle in silence people agree with the principles of If you are interested in the original painting, Katy would be happy to hear broken only by prayer or thoughtful the Gospels, the rest doesn’t matter from you by email [email protected] comments for an hour, a challenge as much.” for people in today’s busy world. 4 Journey, April 2006 Pancake Day proves fl ipping good fun

By Mardi Lumsden

he annual UnitingCare Cross acknowledged sponsors Waxy, the KidsGames 2006 mascot Pancake Day held on and supporters and Queensland T28 February was a huge Moderator Rev Dr David Pitman Churches are success with around 660 groups gave thanks. running Pancake Day events. Stepping up to the fl ipping Th e number of groups challenge were ex Brisbane Lion ready to play participating was more than double Richard Champion, Australian that of the 2005 event which had softballer and Olympic bronze he Winter Olympics, 282 offi cial groups. medallist Brooke Wilkins and Commonwealth Games Queensland Pancake Day current Brisbane Lion Anthony Tand the World Cup are Coordinator Bernie Williams said Corrie. Mr Corrie proved too fast just minor lead-up events to that last year’s Pancake Day raised for the competition, leading the KidsGames, organisers claim. around $45,000 for UnitingCare pack with a whopping 194 fl ips in Th e big event will see thousands organisations and expected this two minutes. of children playing and learning year to possibly double that with Pancake Day was celebrated all together in holiday programs from the proceeds in Queensland going over the country to raise money 25 June to 2 July 2006. to Blue Care and Wesley Mission for UnitingCare, one of Australia’s Opening ceremonies will be held Brisbane. largest not-for-profi t organisations in eleven districts across Brisbane Th e annual corporate breakfast which in Queensland oversees and neighbouring areas and the was held at the Carlton Crest Hotel Crossroads (QLD), Lifeline week of games and Bible teaching in Brisbane with guest speaker Community Care, Blue Care, will conclude with a spectacular Heather Foord, 4BC’s Rupert Uniting Health Care (including closing ceremony at the RNA McCall as MC and an all-star line six hospitals), Wesley Mission Show Grounds. Ex Brisbane Lion Richard Champion fl ipping for UnitingCare. up in a pancake-fl ipping contest. Brisbane, Wesley Mission Ipswich, Operations manager of Photo by Osker Lau UnitingCare Director Anne and the Centre for Social Justice. KidsGames Terry Williams said churches that ran KidsGames programs back in 2003 experienced signifi cant growth and forged 60 year history of camping at Alex Park stronger links with their local schools and communities. 2006 marks the 60th anniversary of a main auditorium and dining area “Th ere were 2,400 children one of Queensland’s longest serving was offi cially opened in 1989. involved in the fi rst Brisbane and most popular campsites, Manager of Mission Support KidsGames with 70 church Alexandra Park. Enterprises Mr Mark Lee said that and community groups off ering Purchased by the Youth eight two-bedroom bungalows programs in 55 locations,” he said. Department of the Presbyterian have recently been constructed “Twelve of these were Uniting Church, Alex Park was offi cially beneath the forest canopy, each Churches.” opened and dedicated during an with fi ve beds, ensuite and timber Training and resources are all evening dinner on Good Friday, 19 deck entrance. provided and churches need to April 1946. “Landscaped gardens and register as soon as possible. Located directly opposite the fl oodlit pathways connect the If you are “Ready to play” visit Alexandra Headland surf beach, individual bungalows with the www.brisbanekidsgames.org.au the camp originally consisted of conference room and the main or give the info line a call on 173 acres of natural coastal forest building,” he said. 3632 2255. and a couple of timber structures. “Th e new bungalows raise the Today, a little over 24 acres standard of accommodation at the remain of this once expansive centre and have increased the bed Want more news? seaside parkland. capacity to 250.” Over the years, the campsite has A dinner to mark the 60th undergone a number of changes and Read it all at Anniversary of Alex Park will be held www.journeyonline.com.au developments and the current 168 on Good Friday evening, 14 April bed Alex Park campsite consisting 2006. For more information phone 07 5443 8966. of two accommodation blocks and Alex Park then and now

EDUCATION AND VALUES FOR LIFE Clayfi eld College Girls: Prep to Year 12 07 3262 0262 Boarding: Girls over 10 years. www.clayfi eld.qld.edu.au Boys: Prep to Year 5. Somerville House Day and boarding school for girls 07 3248 9200 Preparatory to Year 12 www.somerville.qld.edu.au Brisbane Boys’ College Boarding and day school 07 3309 3500 for boys in Years 4-12 www.bbc.qld.edu.au Sunshine Coast Grammar School Co-educational day school 07 5445 4444 Preschool to Year 12 www.scgs.qld.edu.au Moreton Bay Boys’ College Day school for boys 07 3906 9444 from Prep to Year 7 in 2006 www.mbbc.qld.edu.au

Presbyterian and Methodist A ministry of the Uniting and Presbyterian Churches, providing excellence Schools Association in education in a Christian and caring environment. www.pmsa-schools.edu.au

Journey, April 2006 5 A penny for your thoughts

riting an autobiography communicates with a special sign University degrees, including a Wcan be a hard task. Penny language called fi nger-spelling. Masters degree. Harland, a Knox Uniting Church Ms Harland and her co-writer Launched by former footballer Moorooka member, embraced the and carer Sarah Patterson have Wally Lewis, A Penny for your idea and launched her book A Penny truly captured what life was like for Th oughts is an inspirational tale of for your Th oughts in October 2005 a highly intelligent young woman persistence, challenging norms and despite her multiple disabilities. who was shunned for wanting to being led by faith. Penny Harland has been both be educated past the expectations Read Emma-Kate Moore’s review deaf and blind since early childhood. of people with disabilities. of A Penny for your Thoughts She suff ers from balance problems Supported by her family, on page 13. and a muscle-wasting disease and Ms Harland has acquired three

Assembly volunteer program coordinator Mrs Jos Bush Volunteers will help the Assembly work Penny Harland communicates by fi nger spelling. Photo by Mardi Lumsden he Queensland Synod Fellowship Mrs Jos Bush sees the is looking for volunteers role of volunteers as vital to the Tto help host the Uniting organisational management of the Church National Assembly at the Assembly gathering. University of Queensland campus Mrs Bush sees the Adult in July. Fellowship making a unique Th e Assembly meeting’s and valuable contribution to the administrator Mr Tony Litfi n says volunteer program. A growing faith experience for young people volunteers will undertake a range “Let’s face it, we’ve been of tasks to ensure that interstate organising and staffi ng activities ometimes misunderstood Queensland Chrysalis Chrysalis veteran Amaya Coit and international guests have throughout the life of the church and often not known committee member Andrew told how Chrysalis had been a a memorable, comfortable and since whenever,” she said. Sabout, Chrysalis weekends Johnson told how people often meaningful part of her life and welcoming stay. “Th ere are many people in introduce young adults to won’t say much about what happens had helped her experience God in “We will be in the spotlight and our church committees and in Christianity as a lifestyle. on the weekend because they believe diff erent ways. this is an opportunity to show the local communities who have the Th e highly structured three that people have to experience “Chrysalis has also helped me friendly, courteous and smiling knowledge, training and expertise day experience is designed to Chrysalis for themselves. by giving me the courage to love face of our Queensland Uniting we need in our volunteer teams. strengthen and renew the faith “It’s because the experiences others with agape love, to be a Church,” he said. “I will give my energy, my skills of young Christians and, through on the weekend have a power and servant to others and help them Mr Litfi n said that volunteers and my total commitment to this them, all those with whom they uniqueness that are diffi cult to experience God’s love and grace in will off er administrative assistance, task and I am thrilled to be in come into contact. describe,” he said. a safe environment,” she said. be guides and stewards, serve on action.” “Chrysalis has also helped me the information and registration To be part of the Assembly to make some amazing friendships desks, handle luggage and assist volunteer program contact that, although time may pass and with transportation. Jos Bush on 07 3341 5042, lives regain normality, continue to Coordinator of the volunteers email [email protected] inspire and grow.” program and Queensland President or write to 16 Bonython Street Th e Chrysalis program is an of the Uniting Church Adult Rochedale South QLD 4123. off shoot of the Walk to Emmaus Child Care Centres or movement and is designed for Independent Living Units young people from 16 to 22 years on Church property? of age from any denomination. Helping others to hear is good news Mr Johnson said the focus of Chrysalis is commitment to Jesus Deaf Ministries International clinics, farm projects, dormitories Has your parish, school or agency Christ through the local church. (DMI) is a Christian Mission and training centres have been considered leasing your surplus land for the “Th e aim is to inspire, challenge, to the deaf in several developing established to bring aid and establishment of a Child Care Centre, or for and equip young people from the countries of Asia and Africa. education to deaf people. Low Care accommodation for seniors as local church for a closer friendship Th e ministry commenced in In countries where deafness is an income stream as well as expanding the with Christ, and for Christian Korea in 1979 by Neville and Lill otherwise hidden, children with Mission of the Church? action at home, church, school, and Muir who continue to coordinate hearing loss are provided with in the community.” programs in the Philippines, food and clothing, the tools for a Inquiries and brochures on both concepts to For more details about Chrysalis Taiwan, Japan, Myanmar, productive, meaningful future and National Child Care Centre Pty Ltd visit www.chrysalis.emmaus.org.au Th ailand, Kenya, Uganda, a sense of purpose. 1300 364 064 or email: [email protected] email [email protected] Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi For more information see the or contact 07 3847 3113 from their base in Victoria. Deaf Ministries International or 0417 783 495. Th anks to DMI, churches, advertisement on page 12. schools, small factories, hearing 6 Journey, April 2006 Growing boys into men

By Bruce Mullan

ure and steadfast is still the motto of the Boys’ Brigade Sand, despite the changing times, the organisation continues to fi nd a place in the lives of thousands of young Australians. Th e movement has changed dramatically since 1883 when young Sunday School teacher William Alexander Smith formed the fi rst Boys’ Brigade company in Glasgow, Scotland. Later to become Sir William, Smith was concerned that the boys in his Sunday School class couldn’t Rev Dr Greg Jenks and Rev Rex Hunt at the Celebrating a Progressive settle down enough for him to Easter workshops. Photo by Tony Robertson teach them about Jesus and how to be better people. Mr Smith was an Offi cer in Re-thinking Easter the Volunteers (similar to Army Reserves) on the weekend and By Noel Preston could get many men to do exactly as he wanted when he drilled them ‘re-think’ of the meaning of “Many have coped by a and decided that if boys in Sunday the cross and resurrection ‘suspension of belief ’ for an hour School were as well trained and Aand our understanding of or two each week…Th e urgent behaved like his Volunteers through the Jesus story was the key aim questions for the church right now doing drill and other activities, he of the “Celebrating a Progressive in the twenty-fi rst century is: How would be able to teach them. Easter” workshops organised by long can we count on suspended Executive Offi cer of the Boys’ the Progressive Spirituality disbelief to shore up its outworn Brigade in Queensland, Gordon Network and the Queensland myths? Wallace, said that Queensland branch of the Centre for Progressive “Th e Jesus movement now had the largest Boys’ Brigade Queensland Boys’ Brigade President Mr Rod Adam Religious Th ought (CPRT) on the needs people of extraordinary contingent in the nation with fi rst Sunday in Lent. religious insight who in intentional 1400 men and boys participating Mr Adam, a member of the Th e Sunday Times (UK) recently Participants wrestled with ways can stir up goodness, struggle in 38 Queensland Boys’ Brigade Samford Valley Uniting Church, reported that the Boys’ Brigade implications of contemporary for justice, speak up for those who companies. said it is imperative that signifi cant in Scotland was considering New Testament scholarship and stutter or do not speak the languages “All of those companies are adults are able to take the time admitting girls for the fi rst time progressive theology for the rituals of power, band together to stand church based and about one- and interest to listen to boys and but Mr Wallace said that while the and observance of Holy Week and resolutely and non-violently before third of those are associated with to understand and affi rm them in Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Brigade Easter. evil, and refuse to be absorbed into Uniting Church congregations,” their developing manhood. in Queensland work closely Rev Dr Greg Jenks, a fellow it, or intimidated by it.” said Mr Wallace. “Research shows that all young together there was no intention to of the Jesus Seminar, examined Mr Hunt sounded a warning, Queensland Governor and people need acknowledgment by amalgamate. Mark’s Gospel record which he confessing that he constantly Brigade Patron Her Excellency Ms caring adults if they are to develop “Both movements still believe argued draws on cultural myths wrestles with the question, “How Quentin Bryce recently presented into rounded, capable adults very much in the benefi ts of a of the ancient world to recount a far do we push all this? When do 11 Queen’s Awardees with their themselves and there are few places single-gender organisation.” story of a “Divine/Crucifi ed Hero we depart from the tradition to badges but President of the Boys’ in today’s busy lifestyles where they For more information about the who is ultimately a threat to the become a mere ‘cult’?” Brigade in Queensland Rod Adam will experience this in any long- Boys’ Brigade contact Mr Gordon Roman Empire and indeed to the In answer to his own question says the focus these days is much term way.” Wallace Phone: 07 3855 5211 powers that be, or any empire”. he observed that we need to be able more relational. Mr Wallace agreed. “Mothers Fax: 07 3855 5244 or Speaking later at the West to discern the diff erence between “Th e emphasis isn’t on producing particularly bring their eight and email [email protected] End Uniting Church, Director of “traditionalism” and “tradition”. Queen’s badges but on developing nine year old boys to the Boys’ or visit their website at www.brigadeaustralia.org CPRT in Canberra Rev Rex Hunt The Progressive Spirituality Network boys’ self identity and growing Brigade and say ‘I want you to do said that throughout the last 500 meets each Sunday night at the them into manhood,” he said. something with my boy’.” years of church history, people have West End Uniting Church. wrestled with the clash between For more details visit the Bible and modern science. www.progressivespirituality.net

QUEENSLAND CHURCHES TOGETHER Don’t listen to rumours! Position Vacant Have you heard only one opinion about the Reforming Alliance? Field Worker, QCT-Christian World Service Why not make up your own mind? We believe the 11th Assembly will determine the future of the Christian World Service is a programme of Queensland Uniting Church within the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. Churches Together and the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA). Proposal for the Eleventh Assembly For further information visit our website: The Reforming Alliance initiated proposal www.reformingalliance.org.au CWS promotes awareness of global justice issues and raises on sexuality has now been presented to or for a copy of the latest RA newsletter funds for ecumenical projects overseas and at home. CWS the Assembly from Presbyteries in N.S.W., Contact: advocates on behalf of those aff ected by poverty, injustice Queensland, South Australia and Victoria, and by [email protected] and division both globally and locally. Refugees and the Queensland Synod. PO Box 968, Newtown 2042 displaced people form a particular focus of the work. (02) 9550 5358 It will be considered at the 11th Assembly in We are looking for a FIELD WORKER for QCT-CWS for four days Brisbane: 5 – 11 July 2006. Advance Notice: a week. The Reforming Alliance will hold a Special If approved it will provide a clear statement of Annual Meeting and Joint Summit with For details and job description please phone 07 3369 6792 the position of the Uniting Church, and negate EMU: 11- 12 July (immediately after the 11th or email [email protected]. the confusion created by Resolution 84. Assembly) at King’s College, University of Applications close April 19. Queensland

Journey, April 2006 7 Does the correctional system really correct?

By Bruce Mullan Th e Department was defensive of its work and critical n November 2004 the results of of the INCorrections research a comprehensive investigation methodology, and it labelled the Iinto prison release practice and report as containing old, recycled policy in Queensland was released. and unsubstantiated claims. Given that 99.9% of prisoners Independent investigator in the Queensland prisons will one and former Director General of day return to life on the “outside”, Corrective Services in Queensland the INCorrections study initiated Mr Keith Hamburger defended by the UnitingCare Queensland the report at a community forum in Centre for Social Justice focused October 2005 saying he had great on the impact of the correctional personal and professional respect system on community safety. for the people responsible for the Speaking with ABC Radio’s INCorrections project. Steve Austin at the time the report “We have a report in which a was released, Former Supreme tremendous amount of intellectual Court Judge and special adviser capital has been invested by very to the project Hon W C Carter committed, professional, learned QC stressed that almost every and highly respected people who prisoner will one day return to think deeply about social issues the community – “perhaps to an and who have come to conclusions address near you”. about the state of corrective services “Th e question is how do we best in Queensland,” he said. organise that process in the interest As department head responsible of community safety to ensure that for implementing the Kennedy when those people do come back Reform agenda from 1988 to 1997 into the community they are better Mr Hamburger pointed out that Ex prisoner Marc Renton fi nds a welcoming church after release. Photo by Osker Lau adjusted, better equipped, better if it was possible to punish crime able to handle the problems of life, away, the United States of America and better able to get on with their (with four times the imprisonment lives in a way which is off ence free,” rate of Australia) would be well Living life on the outside he said. on the way to being a crime-free Th e report’s author, Tamara society. “To be a prison minister I’d say gave Mr Renton “direction” in his Walsh from the Queensland Mr Hamburger said it is the would be a very daunting task at life. University of Technology’s Law care and support for off enders By Mardi Lumsden the start. A lot of diff erent things “Who understands a prisoner? Faculty, said the aim of the report that “distinguishes a humane and are going to happen every time Where do you go? What do you was to investigate whether the civilised corrections system that fter thirteen and a half years they come in. A lot of prisoners do? You think everyone is looking correctional system was actually reduces crime, from a prison system in prison, Marc Renton don’t like them. A lot of prisoners at you. I went straight to the ‘correcting’. of inhumane human storage that Awalked free in January of won’t even talk to them. When you Uniting Church. “We call it the ‘corrections system’ increases crime.” this year and headed straight for a sit there talking to them you’ll hear “What a good church! I was and we hope it will be doing some Th e INCorrections report church. sneers in the background.” welcomed straight away. Without ‘correcting’,” said Ms Walsh whose concludes that while prisoners agree Not just any church, he To live anywhere isolated from that, it would have been very report made 50 recommendations that prisons should not be fi ve-star headed for the Uniting Church the outside world is diffi cult, but diffi cult. It is unfortunate there is for improvements to the resorts and acknowledge that they congregation led by prison chaplain prisons can be boiling pots of anger, not more funding that goes into Queensland correctional system. deserve punishment, the fl aws in Beatriz Skippen. frustration and despair. Large prison ministry.” Former Director of the Centre the current correctional system With little preparation for the numbers of inmates, including Mr With a large number of inmates for Social Justice Rev Dr Noel and current recidivism statistics outside world, Mr Renton feels Renton, suff er mental illnesses such being repeat off enders, we need to Preston described the prisoner demonstrate that “correction” is not lucky to have met chaplains inside as depression while in prison. ask if prisons are the best thing to rehabilitation process as completely occurring. prison who helped him prepare for “To start with, you are in an deal with crime in society. ineff ective. It calls on Queensland prisons to the next stage of his life. abnormal environment. People “Something has to be done “Th ey come out unprepared and protect prisoners from brutality and “I think I’m blessed actually,” Mr have a lot of stereotypical ideas of but what do you do? If you follow more likely to be a danger. More sodomy, provide drug treatment, Renton said while celebrating the what a prison is like and all of those the Christian model, forgiveness than 60% go back to prison and medical treatment and counselling work of former prison chaplaincy stereotypes are wrong. A lot of the should be enough. But you are this is the highest rate in Australia,” and create a system of progressive head, Charlie Greer (aka Charlie things you hear about do happen, looking at a system that looks at he said. increase in liberty and participation Chaplin). but they happen out here as well. It retribution and punishment, and Mr Carter, who is also a former in the community. “Th ere has been no real transition is not a very nice place, but prison what is justice? It is about bringing Chair of the Parole Board, told Ms Walsh says she hopes that in for me. I think the Holy Spirit ministers help. balance, it shouldn’t be about of dramatic changes to release the future the Department will be has been with me the whole time. “If you are lucky enough to be retribution. programs after the 1988 Kennedy more willing to listen to the stories Prison ministry is a very important led back to the Lord, it doesn’t “Whether they like it or not, Report was implemented. of the prisoners in its care. tool for rehabilitation. matter if you are in prison or out 99% of the prisoners are going to be “Th e implications for the “It is they who know the system “It’s hard to explain the overall here. It is all the same, you are still released back into the community. community were absolutely best and it is they whose lives are eff ect prison chaplains have on free.” It is how you release them back in monumental because here there most aff ected by it.” people. It would be hard for me To Mr Renton, prison chaplains the community that will aff ect the was a new process within the to translate it to you until a door are a perfect example of what it is community. system. We had a corrections is slammed shut behind you and to be a Christian. “Th e only solution is to look at system properly so-called,” he said. you are there alone. Th e prison “Have a look at what Jesus did. the reintegration. How do we re- “If we could use the custodial ministers come in and there is a Who did he talk to? Adulterers, establish prisoners? How do we system as an opportunity to light. Th ey have an ability to lead prostitutes, tax collectors and so put them back in the community? introduce programs to correct, then people back. If it wasn’t for them, forth. Prison ministers come in How do we reduce their chances of the person could go out hopefully a I’d still be lost.” and they act like Jesus acted. Th ey re-off ending? changed person.” It was only a few months ago take the time. Like on Christmas “Th ese are the things that need Th e INCorrections report that Mr Renton fi rst met chaplain day, where was Beatriz? In prison to be looked at. Th at should be indicated the the gains made in Beatiriz Skippen at a Bible study in having a church service with us! the focus. You are detained for ‘x’ the early to mid-1990s had been prison. I’m sure a lot of other people would amount of years, what’s the plan? signifi cantly eroded. “Th ere is a saying in jail, a prison have preferred to be at home with Everyone needs a plan.” After a delay of almost a year, minister is called a sky pilot. God their families.” Mr Renton began a science the Queensland Department of calls them and puts them in the Prison ministry and the ability to degree while an inmate and is set Corrective Services released a right spot. pursue his faith while imprisoned to complete his studies this year. written response to INCorrections in September 2005.

8 Journey, April 2006 Christians can’t condone the death penalty By Andrew Johnson n 2 December 2005 a a reason for capital punishment. It bell tolled 25 times in has been described as the “ultimate” Wake up and smell the coffee OMelbourne while a young deterrent yet the statistics do not man was hanged in Singapore’s bear that out. In fact the Bible Changi Prison. He was a convicted reminds us that from Adam and By Duane A Vachon drug traffi cker, caught carrying Eve onwards people have rarely he problems in fi nding Despite the rhetoric that there 400g of heroin. Th e pictures on the considered the consequences of accommodation faced by are programs in prisons to do this, television were heart wrenching: their actions. Tthose who have served the reality is that it simply does not a mother embracing her son Protection of innocent people prison sentences highlights what happen. If you need confi rmation following his brother’s execution. is also cited as grounds for capital happens when the corrective of this, all you need to do is look Capital punishment has been punishment. Th e death penalty services system is allowed to be at the recidivism rates in this the subject of much debate over does provide protection for the hijacked by political parties who, State. Th e idea of using programs many years. Th e Van Nguyen case community from one individual. It with no real agenda, use law to determine how an inmate has again brought this issue to the does not protect the innocent who and order as their mantra to get progresses through the system is forefront of public debate. So, how have been sentenced to death. Life elected. just plain stupid. should Christians approach capital imprisonment protects those who Of course this problem is also You can’t force anyone to punishment? are wrongly convicted. compounded by endless bleating rehabilitate. Unless they have a Th ink back 2000 years. Jesus was Finally, rehabilitation is not the by advocates of victims’ rights real desire to do so it simply won’t sitting in the temple teaching and goal of capital punishment. Some groups. A media that would be happen. Th is, combined with the while he was there, a woman was transformation may occur in a one of the most dysfunctional and fact that many of the programs are brought to him by the Pharisees. person who is on death row but it ineff ective in the entire world tops outdated or facilitated by children He was told she had been caught is certainly not the aim. all this off . who have only just fi nished their in the very act of adultery and was So, what did Jesus say? He said, Th e current government in schooling and who in most cases reminded of the Mosaic Law that “Whoever is without sin cast the Queensland has allowed and are serving their internships, would the penalty for adultery is stoning. fi rst stone.” He challenged the indeed encouraged this situation suggest that a great deal of money Th e Pharisees ask, “Now what do Pharisees to condemn the woman, to reach crisis point. It has been and resources are being frittered you say?” and they all walked away. Jesus decided that victims should have away by the current correctional Th e question resonates for us. was left alone standing with the the right to see the off ender serve system and the bureaucrats What do we say about capital woman. He asked if anyone had his entire sentence in prison. Th is administrating it. punishment in a world dominated Sentencing has widely been seen condemned her, no one had and he totally overlooks the fact that it will Unfortunately, we have allowed by talkback kings declaring, ‘An as having four roles: punishment, concluded “Neither do I condemn deny the off ender the opportunity ourselves to be hoodwinked into eye for an eye’? Th e Mosaic Law deterrence, protection, and you. Go your way, and from now to have some kind of supervised allowing the government to turn prescribes the death penalty for rehabilitation. on do not sin again.” release back into the community. our prisons into appalling places some 37 off ences including being Punishment has always been Jesus sees the chance for Putting aside any concept of that achieve nothing other than to a wizard yet we would not advocate an argument for the death penalty. rehabilitation and redemption of justice, which as we all know deprive those who enter them of death to all magicians. Th erefore Th is has often been motivated all. No one is beyond God’s love. is pretty thin on the ground in hope and to turn angry people into the Law of Moses is not helpful (although rarely stated) by revenge. As Christians we should be Queensland, common sense would angry, bitter people. Th en for some to a Christian understanding of Leviticus 19:17 says “you shall asking how we deal with those suggest that no off ender except strange reason we throw up our capital punishment. not take vengeance…against any whom society believes are beyond those the State doesn’t intend to hands in horror when we fi nd these Jesus explicitly calls us beyond of your people, but you shall love saving. We need to be a prophetic release should spend their entire people are released worse criminals an eye for an eye when he says, your neighbour as yourself ” - a voice to the community about the sentence in a maximum security than when they entered prison. “But I say to you, do not resist an command which Jesus reiterates in values of Christ. Our approach to prison or for that matter any prison Duane A Vachon MPsych (Clin) evildoer.” “Th e Golden Rule”. capital punishment demonstrates at all. MTh is a member of the American Some Christians have claimed Many have argued the only way Christ to the world. If anything they should be Psychological Society and is that Jesus was saying Christians to properly punish murder is to Andrew Johnson is a member paroled sooner rather than later, currently working towards his PhD shouldn’t impose the death penalty, take life, but arguments like these of Broadwater Road Uniting because once they are paroled from in philosophy. Duane has been in but that the state needs capital led to torture. All human forms Church and serves as a Social prison, they can spend the rest of prison for a decade and has written punishment in order to maintain of punishment are fl awed and Responsibility Advocate in the their sentence being helped to more than 200 articles for various good order. Th is approach comes inadequate, therefore ultimately Queensland Synod. reintegrate back into society. publications. to the heart of our understanding the responsibility lies with God. of what sentencing is about. Deterrence has also been cited as

Fr Brosnan’s fi ght against social brown paper bag was thrust inside. Thanking the sky pilots injustice left a lasting impression Just as quickly as the cell door By Bernie Matthews inside the walls of Pentridge, as it opened it was slammed shut again. In Australia the social revolution did on the streets of Melbourne, A bag of fruit with a card He’s here to help them all that he came to a grinding halt with the but those impressions blended attached rested against the wall. I can, decision that Ronald Ryan would with a decade of change that ended looked at the brown paper bag for To make them feel wanted he’s a be another casualty of a legal in 1969 - the year I went to prison what seemed like an eternity before good holy man. system that embraced the death for armed robbery. I crawled over and read the card. Sky pilot, sky pilot, how high can penalty. Th e controversial hanging During the summer of ‘71 I Th e card said: “Merry Christmas you fl y? occurred inside Pentridge Prison was classifi ed as “intractable” and from Th e Sisters of Mercy.” It was You’ll never, never, never reach the on 3 February 1967. transferred to Grafton Jail. At Christmas Day 1971. sky. One of the many outspoken the time I was serving 28 days Th at brown paper bag fi lled Th e lyrics of Eric Burdon and critics of the death penalty in solitary. Nothing ever changed with fruit was one of the most Th e Animals echoed a message relation to Ryan’s execution was a in solitary at Grafton. Oatmeal memorable Christmas dinners I of hope throughout the 1960s sky pilot, universal prison jargon mush for breakfast. Oatmeal mush have ever eaten in my life. while Th e Beatles, Jimi Hendrix for a priest, nun or chaplain. Father for tea. And silence. Total silence. In retrospect, it does seem ironic Bernie Matthews is a and Th e Rolling Stones carried John Brosnan, the sky pilot of Punishment for breaching the that those unassuming men and convicted bank robber and a thundering vibration of social Pentridge, ministered to Ryan silence rule was brutally extreme women of the cloth achieved more prison escapee who has revolution into the streets. during his last hours. inside Grafton Jail. with their compassion and caring intermittently served time in It was an era that gave birth Fr Brosnan was a prison chaplain. As the days whittled away in than was ever achieved by the full Australian prisons since 1969. to the Age of Aquarius. Hippies. A man of the cloth. A sky pilot. And solitary I realised it was nearly brutal weight of any prison system. He is now a journalist. The full Free love. Flower power. And a to all those who walked the yard in Christmas and 1972 was just Perhaps that is why poignant text of this article is avaiable military madness that condoned Pentridge during the 1960s he was around the corner. One day the memories of the sky pilots still at http://www.onlineopinion. a massacre in a Vietnamese aff ectionately known as Broz - the screws (prison guards) opened the linger long after the prisons have com.au/view.asp?article=477 hamlet called My Lai. priest with compassion. solitary confi nement cell and a been vacated and demolished.

Journey, April 2006 9 Wave of generosity swept

through the Uniting Church Preston book launch

In early April Zeus Publications By Bruce Mullan (07 5575 5141) will release Beyond the Boundary: a memoir exploring ormer Director of Uniting Immediate aid in South India ethics, politics and spirituality by Noel Church Overseas Aid saw school kits given to children Preston. (318pp. RRP $28.95 with F(UCOA) Rev Bill Fisher and students in examination years Forewords by Tony Fitzgerald QC was amazed and overwhelmed by provided with supplementary AC, Dorothy McRae-McMahon the generosity of Uniting Church education and special coaching. and John Uhr). members in response to the tsunami In Sri Lanka kerosene lamps Noel Preston writes from that devastated communities were provided for families in the vantage of a varied career around the Indian Ocean on 26 refugee centres, and boats and challenging social boundaries of December 2004. nets were provided to restore the Queensland society through the “Th e $2,484,000 donated livelihood of fi shing families. sixties, the controversial Bjelke- exceeded our expectations by a Other works undertaken in the Petersen years, and the aftermath large magnitude,” said Mr Fisher. longer term included the repair of of the Fitzgerald Inquiry. Th e money was all channelled houses, the provision of bicycles “Th ough this story traverses through the Uniting Church in for transportation, and repair of more than half a century, it is Australia’s partner churches and infrastructure through dredging signifi cant how many of the events the relief eff ort provided immediate of canals, digging ponds, clearing discussed and issues examined assistance at local levels within land and repairing roads. are contemporary and relevant to hours of the tsunami. It continued Mr Fisher said that he had seen society in the fi rst decade of the through to rehabilitation and God working for good in the midst twenty-fi rst century. Racism, anti- restoration of the livelihood of of tragedy and expressed the thanks war resistance, unaccountability in people and to the reconstruction of Uniting Church Overseas Aid government, the role of education, of houses and community to the members of the Uniting the church and homosexuality, infrastructure. Church for their very generous fundamentalism and the interplay Mr Fisher said in the fi rst year support. between religion and politics – to UCOA had been able to expend “Your generosity has meant that say nothing of the challenges of 83% of the funds received. the lives of tens of thousands of personal vocation and integrity “A further 10% has been people have been touched in a time in public life – are central themes committed to projects but not yet of momentous suff ering,” he said. of today’s current aff airs, just as expended and the remaining 7% “We will never know how much they are of this book.” (from Th e which has not been committed diff erence has been made in the Preface.) is expected to be expended by lives of individuals and families.” Tuesday May 2, 6.30pm in the April 2006 on projects that we For more detail on UCOA’s tsunami Avid Reader Bookshop, Boundary are currently discussing with our relief effort, visit their website at Street, West End: Beyond the http://uim.org.au/ucoa/tsunami. Children from the devastated province of Aceh. partners.” Boundary: a memoir exploring ethics, Photo courtesy of Gavin Melvin politics and spirituality will be launched by Her Excellency the ministries, and to be committed Samuel Kobia, as the group’s general Governor Ms Quentin Bryce AC together to the reconciliation of secretary, participants said they will (RSVP 3846 3422). the world.” look to the WCC to articulate the Sunday May 14, 6.30pm a WCC wrap-up Th e gathering urged an easing of voice of the global south in coming Dedication of Beyond the Boundary: Th e World Council of Churches of the WCC,” stated a policy the region’s debt burden, describing debates about globalisation and a memoir exploring ethics, politics ended its seven-yearly assembly document presented on the last it as “unjust, illegitimate and economic injustice. and spirituality will be held at the with calls to reach out to Roman day of the grouping’s February immoral”, noting that according to Th e mid-point of the WCC’s West End Uniting Church, Sussex Catholic, Pentecostal and assembly in Porto Alegre. UN statistics, 40 per cent of Latin Decade to Overcome Violence Street. In association with the Evangelical churches that do “Our ultimate vision is that we Americans live in poverty. initiative was marked by a Progressive Spirituality Network not belong to the Geneva-based will achieve, by God’s grace, the With Brazilian Lutheran Walter thousand-strong march through the evening chaired by Rev John grouping. visible unity of Christ’s Church and Altmann elected as moderator of the streets of Porto Alegre led by Woodley will feature readings and “Th e quest for the visible unity will be able to welcome one another the WCC’s main governing body, Archbishop Desmond Tutu. commentary by the author and a of the church remains at the heart at the Lord’s table, to reconcile our alongside Kenyan Methodist, time for response. Scholarship program helps send right message

he East Timor scholarship participants when they are studying them home after they are well. program sponsors East in Brisbane. “Sometimes, if the person has TTimorese people to gain Valentino L. Marcal, also known died, we pay for them to be taken CHAPLAIN education, particularly in the as Afun, is one such participant. home to be buried. Or if they are English language. In East Timor, Afun works for well we pay for a bus trip.” UnitingCare Burnside is seeking an enthusiastic and Indooroopilly Uniting Church Yasona, the welfare and Afun says that due to corruption motivated person to fulfil the designated ministry assists the program by providing development arm of the Protestant in government departments it will of Chaplain to be situated within the Social Justice, home stay accommodation for Church of East Timor (IPTL). take a long time before East Timor Partnerships and Communication Program. His organisation currently runs is running smoothly by itself. We are seeking someone with a Bachelor of Theology or equivalent, fi ve projects focusing on education, “According to the Yasona an excellent communicator, with demonstrated understanding of health, small business, agriculture program, we would like to improve social justice issues affecting children, young people and families and and humanitarian aid to assist economics in the villages and demonstrated skills in community development and/or social justice people living in poverty. reduce poverty. Th en we must education. Experience working in a church agency or community Yasona also runs three medical prevent corruption in the church services context would be highly regarded. clinics around the country and a and government. Th e church hides The position is full time and based at Burnside’s Head Office in North mobile clinic that travels to villages corruption. Parramatta with some travel to regional services. each week. “If we don’t have corruption For an information package including the job description and selection “Also, we provide food for many people will have an improved criteria please contact Naifee O’Brien on (02) 9768 6874. Applications families of patients in hospital. economy. With corruption only should be sent prior to Friday 28th April 2006 to Rev Diane Anderson, It is very diffi cult for people from one or two people are rich.” Associate Secretary, NSW Synod, PO Box A2178, Sydney South NSW villages to go to Dili. Sometimes “I hope in 2020 or 2050 East 1235. they don’t have food or mattresses,” Timor will be like Australia. Many This position is of child-related employment and will require a ‘Working said Afun. people living happily. I want East with Children’ check under the Commission for Children and Young people “When the government brings Timor to have a good economy, Act 1998. It is illegal for prohibited persons to apply. someone to hospital from a village, good education and to be safe.” Valentino L. Marcal. it is not their responsibility to take Photo by Osker Lau By Mardi Lumsden

10 Journey, April 2006 Preaching in the marketplace By John Osborne

don’t know if you’ve noticed some to be evangelists, and some this, but work tends to gets a to be pastors and teachers, to Ibad rap among Christians. We prepare God’s people for works of often see it as an inconvenience to service…” I want you to imagine the lives that we want to live for people with these callings operating God. We are busy surviving work in the marketplace. so that we can serve God in the Imagine pastors off ering prayer Church outside work hours. Our and counselling to customers. jobs stress and worry us. Many Imagine evangelists using their within the church are discontented gift to lead people to Christ as with what they do. they travel in business and meet I believe the workplace ministry with people from all nations. of Christians is vital to this nation, Imagine prophetically gifted saints and that God wants to do a new predicting the course of events and thing in this area. We have to advising nations, companies and ask ourselves, “What is the Spirit individuals on what action to take. saying to the churches in regard to Imagine ministers doing what workplace ministry?” this scripture says they will do: Maybe it’s time we stopped preparing God’s people for works asking the “Saints in the of service; training other saints to marketplace” only one question follow in their footsteps; mentoring Jan’s decision: doing theology day by day “How can we get you involved tradesmen, teachers, doctors and in the outreach and ministry of engineers in how to hear the voice For most Christian people, doing theology is part of their everyday lives the local Church?”, and started of God, operate in the gifts of the asking them another question as Spirit, and live for Christ in their an is a working mum who has well “How can we equip you and chosen profession. three children. Her husband is Doing theology with Another person said, “I think your colleagues to take the Church God is calling us to change the Jvery busy in his sign writing the Bible study group that asking Jesus for healing is out there and impact your fi eld way we think about work. God is business and works long hours. just as eff ective as other ways. My and your profession?”. Th ere are calling us to expand our vision of Jan works part time as receptionist Still reeling from the news, Jan nephew has had several diagnoses so many people and places that where ministry occurs and of what and bookkeeper for the business makes an appointment with a child about his behaviours and I’m afraid cannot be reached by traditional a Christian in the marketplace and also as a teacher’s aide at her psychologist which will take place the treatment he received didn’t do church based evangelism. looks like. children’s school. in a few days time. much good.” In Ephesians 4 we read that I believe that the time has come Her youngest child has shown Th at night she attends her Bible Th e group leader said, “But what Christ Jesus “gave some to be for Christians in the marketplace to behavioural problems since he was study group that has been meeting about Job? He prayed a lot and was apostles, some to be prophets, begin demonstrating the kingdom a small child. In kindy there was an together for some years. When faithful to God, but still suff ered of God in a way that the world has understanding that he needed to be the group hears the news, they – it seems as though no one is never seen before. watched all the time as he would immediately respond with warmth immune from suff ering.” I believe God is calling us to push other children off the slide and compassion for Jan. Th ey pray equip and mentor individuals for and disrupt the sleep time. with her and for her family. Jan’s Bible study group is the coming harvest that he wishes He has not grown out of this “Th ank you for your prayers, but engaging in theology based to bring into the workplaces of this behaviour, and now, at primary I’ve been praying for years for God on story telling, refl ecting on nation. school, the teachers are suggesting to look after my children. I can’t experiences from their own lives Let us not be as the Pharisees, that Jan’s son has ADHD. help wondering whether prayers and from scripture. who could not ‘interpret the She has been hoping and are going to be enough,” Jan said. When we ask the question, present time’, and so missed the praying that he might just grow A teacher in the group said, “Where is God in our stories?”, Saviour. Jesus is calling to us, and out of it but this diagnosis aff ects “Getting good help certainly we discover new perspectives he’s asking us: “Who will go and her profoundly – what might worked for a child I taught once. and new questions. preach in the marketplace?” this mean for her family and her After she had been diagnosed and Th e next few issues of Journey John Osborne is a member of child? Devastated by the news, medicated she was really able to will follow Jan’s story as she Aitkenvale Uniting Church and a she wonders if she is a failure as settle down and concentrate.” discusses theology day-by-day student at James Cook University. a mum. How should they manage Another said, “Aren’t we glad with soccer mums, a school He presented these ideas at a the situation? Does God have that we live in a modern age where counsellor, and an elder at her meeting of the North Queensland something to do with this? Isn’t we can understand a bit about what church. Presbytery in March. her son just being who he is and is happening. In biblical times you See the Synod’s Theology and Read the full text on what right do they have to think of probably just prayed and hoped for Worship website: www.journeyonline.com.au medicating him? the best.” www.turn.unitingchurch.org.au for more details. Oxley UC celebrates 20 years of Friday Night Youth Group Prison Ministry: want to get involved? Oxley Uniting Church celebrated twenty years of Friday Night Youth Prison Ministry is looking for volunteers in Group in February with past and many areas: present members of the group coming from all over Australia. Administration; visiting prisons; pen pals; Over 70 people marked the event music groups to participate in church with a barbecue and reminisced services in the prison; people who would like over photographs, memorabilia and to provide transport for families of prisoners videos. Friendships were re-kindled to visit their loved ones; distribution of and life stories shared. Many of groceries to families in need; coordinate fund the people who attended spoke of raising; coordinate banner prayer-groups; their current involvement in local become a chaplain; prayer warriors and congregations and the grounding many, many more. they received in faith through the Youth Group. Contact Beatriz Skippen Th e ministry of Oxley UC is pager 3830 5585 or mobile 0409 080 251, not all in the past though. Oxley e-mail [email protected] continues to support a strong or visit www.ucaprisonministry.com Friday Night Youth Group and other groups for youth and children. Th ey also celebrate the recent employment of Ken Acworth as Amy and Kelly Holcroft: Amy has been a youth grouper and leader for over Youth and Children’s Worker. fi ve years. Current member Kelly in is Year 12. Photo courtesy of Oxley UC

Journey, April 2006 11 What’s On Wednesdays (during Term time), 9.15-11.30am. GUCCE – Gap UC Craft Experience, 1050 Waterworks Road, Th e Gap. Morning Tea and lots of fun and fellowship. $3. Child minding $3/child. Contact church offi ce on 3300 2712 or email [email protected]. March 5-April 9, 5.30pm Sundays. To the wellspring… Meditative worship during Lent using the songs and prayers of the Taizé community. St. Philip’s Anglican Church, 115 Cornwall St, Annerley. Enquiries to James Macdonald 3393 1567. March 31 and April 1, 9am-4pm. 2006 Focus on Mission hosts two daylong seminars with Bishop Tom Wright. Marymac Community Centre, Ipswich Rd Annerly. $30/ seminar. Register by 24 March. Online registration at www.bne.catholic.net.au/mission, ph 3336 9351, or email em.fl @ bne.catholic.net.au. April 8, 7.30am-12.30pm. Buderim Uniting Church Annual Fair in the Church grounds cnr Gloucester Road & King Street, Buderim. Stalls selling books, jams, cakes & sweets, craft, pre-loved jewellery, plants & fl owers along with a huge white elephant stall. Morning tea and a bbq lunch available. McDonalds Farm will be on site. For more details, contact Bob on 5445 6518. April 8-9. Young Adults Mission Immersion Weekend. Margate Conference Centre. Jointly coordinated by YACMU, International Mission in the Queensland Synod, and Uniting International Mission. Cost is generously subsidised by UIM. More information from Mike Jeff rey (YACMU) ph 3377 9782 or Andrew Johnson (Qld Synod- International Mission) ph 3377 9911, or Sandy Boyce, People in Mission Coordinator, ph (08) 8236 4240. April 9, noon-2pm. Barnabas Fellowship meets at Oxley UC hall. Bring Lunch to share. Enquiries ph Mareta 3279 9065 or Ed / Olive 5598 2439 / 0411782439. April 13-17. Easter Family Adventure Camp. Rocky Creek Scout Camp, Landsborough, Sunshine Coast. Caravans, tents & cabins for families & singles to worship out-of-doors, camp-fi res, scenic trips, bushwalking, bush-dancing/table games, stargazing & a mystery event. Contact Rev John Woodley 5495 3360 / 0419 025 150 or John Horchner 5496 8371 or [email protected]. April 13-17. Easter Camp. Alex Park Conference Centre, Alexandra Headland. Cost $135. Guest speaker Nigel Rogers. Have fun, spend time with friends new and old, beach walks, outdoor adventure fun, awesome worship and most importantly a time to renew our faith and deepen our relationship with God. Contact Louise Edwards on 0407 152 863 or email [email protected]. April 14, 6pm for 6.30 start. Alexandra Park 60th Anniversary Dinner. Alexandra Park Conference Centre, Mari Street Alexandra Headland. $25/person. RSVP to 5443 8970 (numbers limited). April 14-16. Australian Gospel Music Festival, Toowoomba. April 20, 8am. Day Tour to Port of Brisbane leaving Moorooka at 8am for Cleveland Museum, lunch at a park and then to Th e Port of Brisbane. $33/person inc morning tea and admission to Museum. BYO Picnic lunch. Phone 3848 6168 or 3838 7588. April 20-August 2, Th ursdays 6.30-9pm. Living the Questions DVD The Newsboys prepare to rock the Australian Gospel Music Festival. Photo courtesy of The Rock Across Australia and Discussion series. West End UC. $30 for 12 sessions. Contact Elaine or Ray Richmond on 3488 2300, email [email protected]. au or visit www.progressivespirituality.net. Bringing the Gospel to the Deaf AGMF heats April 22,11.30am. Th e Australian Nurses Christian Movement (ANCM) and Nurses Christian fellowship (NCF) reunion in Roma Street parklands (grass beside the lake). Past members welcome. Bring up Easter picnic lunch and memorabilia. Enquiries to June on 3205 1478. April 22-23. Gladstone UC 10th anniversary and move to new building It is that time of year again. Not in Dixon Dr. Special guest Rev Dr Dean Drayton. Celebration dinner only is Easter upon us but so too on the 22nd. Sunday worship lead by Dr Drayton, followed by lunch. is the annual Australian Gospel All past and present members of Gladstone Uniting, and any other Music Festival in Toowoomba held interested people invited. Contact Margaret Cathcart 4979 3131. from 14-16 April. April 28-May 1. Bulimba UC 3rd annual Round-About Arts & Crafts Th e largest gospel music festival show. Contact Wendy 3399 8657. in Australia, AGMF 06 boasts a April 29. Paradise Point Uniting Church Garage Sale. Sausage sizzle huge line up of acts from Australia from 6am-12noon. Bargains galore! 126 Paradise Point Parade, and overseas. Th is year headlining Paradise Point. musicians include Rebecca St 30 April, 5.30pm-late. JAM presents Falling Short at Emmanuel UC, James, Newsboys, Hillsong, and 249 South Pine Rd Enoggera. BBQ on sale from 5.30pm. More info MIC to name a few. Local big at www.emmanueluc.unitingchurch.org.au. names playing include Leo Nine, May 6, 6.30pm. Dinner Dance. An evening of fi ne dining, dazzle Soulframe and Compliments of and dance at the Pacifi c Golf Club, Carindale. Th ree course meal, Gus (VIC). All up there are more In the developing countries of Africa & Asia, DMI’s schools provide deaf demonstrations by “Dance Fever” , featuring old-time and new dances. than 170 bands or artists playing children with food, clothing, an education and Christian training. $55/person. Fundraiser for South Moreton presbytery delegates to A commitment of $30 per month enables you to become a DMI child sponsor over the Easter long weekend. attend the NCYC in Perth, 2007. Contact Tanya 0409 326 042. - a vital link in helping us to provide a secure future and an opportunity If you get tired of the music May 9-10. Festival of Banners at Nambour UC Complex, Coronation for growth, for these children who may, one day, become leaders in their there are countless other things Ave, Nambour. Banners from across Australia are now on tour and communities. happening at AGMF 06 including will be on show at Assembly in July. Th eme: ‘Cloud of Witnesses’. snowboarding! Offi cial opening 7pm 9 May cost $7 inc supper and music. 10 May Will you join the team? Delegates and the community open 9.30am-4pm. $4. Craft demonstrations, stalls, food available. Deaf Ministries International ABN: 96832871076 are invited to join a massed choir Want to promote an event? PO Box 395, Beaconsfi eld Victoria 3807, Australia performing on Easter Sunday. Email [email protected] Tel: 9768 9844 SMS: 0402 181820 More details on Page 14. email: [email protected] with the subject ‘What’s on’ or fax (07) 3377 9796.

12 Journey, April 2006 Disclosures: Conversations Gay and Spiritual Reviews By Michael Ford Darton,Longman & Todd Ltd A Penny for Your RRP $29.95 Thoughts By Penny Harland with Sarah Patterson Th is book is confronting, and RRP $29.95 reading it can hurt. Michael Ford interviews 25 people from a wide In A Penny for Your Th oughts, range of backgrounds – men and author Penny Harland (with the women, African, British, and help of co-author Sarah Patterson) American, Greek Orthodox, un- courageously shares herself as she churched, Anglican and Roman tells her lifelong journey of fi nding Catholic. abundant life in the midst of While the brevity of each The Aussie Bible (Well, Jesus: The Complete increasing disability. interview leaves us wanting to bits of it anyway) Guide Penny is both blind and deaf. know more, common to all is a Re-told and presented Edited by Leslie In early childhood she lost both palpable transparency of pain. by Kel Richards Houlden her sight and her hearing, followed The Wonderful World Many of the interviewees have DVD Divine quickly by diffi culties with balance, been savaged by the Church as they Continuum of CS Lewis’ Narnia Entertainment RRP $69.95 loss of coordination and muscle attempted to be both homosexual RRP $25.95 strength. While these disabilities By Linda and Robert and Christian. In Disclosures: Notwithstanding its slightly defi ne her sensory world, they by Banks. Conversations Gay and Spiritual we over-ambitious subtitle, this is an no means defi ne her contribution Bible Society NSW meet Martin, a former candidate A few years ago I took a youth group impressive book. Leslie Houlden to the world at large. A bright and RRP $5.95 or for the priesthood, who was on a chalk chase where we nearly has assembled 117 scholars to intelligent woman with a thankful $50 for a pack of 10 asked to undergo a psychological got into a street fi ght with some produce a 922-page encyclopaedic and cheerful heart, Penny is one examination; Rowland, an African- older boys who were wandering the overview of Jesus’ life, mission, who perseveres and succeeds. More Th is small booklet of fi ve discussion Caribbean member of a British streets. Th at night it so happened context and historical impact. astounding than her completion group studies follows the release congregation, approached by his that devotions were on some of Th e range of the more than 200 of three university degrees is her of the movie Th e Lion, Th e Witch church leadership who attempted Jesus’ most radical teachings. As I alphabetically-arranged entries is unwavering attitude of hope and and Th e Wardrobe which is based to exorcise his demons; and Rowan read the words of Jesus on “cheek vast and transcends the categories possibility. on the children’s book written by Smith, Dean of Cape Town, who turning” and “enemy loving” these usually covered in one volume. Her story is engaging. With C.S. Lewis. Th e studies refl ect a declared his homosexuality openly boys laughed out loud – “as if Th ere are predictable entries pictures scattered throughout the growing interest in the connections in 1994. Smith pays tribute to anyone would ever do that!” on each of the gospels, the social pages I was introduced to both the between Lewis’ Narnia stories and Desmond Tutu, who supported Th e Aussie Bible DVD brings the context of ancient Palestine, and people and places of signifi cant the major themes of Christianity. him, and said “To discriminate Gospel to us in a fresh, disarming the various christological debates times. Her vivid descriptions of Each study is based on several against our sisters and brothers and surprising way that makes us of the early church. Th ere is also a life as a child are delightful in chapters from Th e Lion, the Witch who are lesbian or gay… is as laugh, muse and think again at this wide range of entries which cover their gaiety and innocence. At and the Wardrobe, and although totally unacceptable and unjust as most remarkable of stories. the accounts of Jesus given by times her tone is almost impishly designed for adults, invites each apartheid ever was. Kel Richards, master of words, Christianity’s seminal thinkers in mischievous, feisty and a bit cheeky participant to come to the group For some, the expectation that brings us the “ridgy-didge, fair the medieval and modern eras. in a likeable way! having read these chapters aloud, they will not ‘rock the boat’, and be dinkum” version of events from Refl ections about Jesus in Her story is inspiring. For one preferable to children. complicit with a covert ‘we won’t Palestine 2000 years ago (well, contemporary schools of thought with seemingly much to be upset Th e discussion format follows ask and you won’t tell’ lifestyle eats bits of it anyway) plus a bush poet are well presented with high-quality about, Penny never speaks bitterly. a three-fold pattern, refl ecting the at the heart of their integrity and version of Psalm 23. entries on, for instance, feminist With frank and refreshing honesty movement of the children from the integrity of the Church. Th e Aussie colloquialisms fl ow theology (written by the UCA’s she recollects many dark and their ordinary world into the For others, who are at peace with faster than the Murray in fl ood, full Dorothy Lee), radical orthodoxy diffi cult times – the oppressive world of Narnia through the back their orientation, the suggestion of sheilas, barbies and nick-names. and liberation theology. experience of boarding school, the of the wardrobe, and back again. that homosexuality is ‘objectively It is right up my alley but may not Although the contributors are frustrations of being in the medical Th e “starting from our world” disordered’ lacks academic integrity be everyone’s cup of tea. largely from the UK, USA and ‘too hard basket’, the nightmare of question is designed to connect and is personally insulting. Kel tells the stories in seven Europe, a wider horizon is achieved an eating disorder, the interminable each participant with their own life Even worse is the attempt by minute sections as he sets up a through the inclusion of articles loneliness of living in a dark and experience. Th e next part “exploring some Church leaders to confl ate picnic, cooks a BBQ and cleans the which consider the understandings silent world, the crushing despair of a parallel world” brings aspects of homosexuality with paedophilia, pool. of Jesus in African Christianity, shattered dreams, and the constant the story into conversation with escaping culpability through Great as a discussion starter for Indian Christianity and Chinese battle to create ways of completing selected biblical texts. Th e third scapegoating. a Bible study, or even to enliven Christianity. Specifi c entries ordinary daily tasks. I would have movement “connecting back into Clearly there are weaknesses worship, I reckon every true blue consider the approach to Jesus in enjoyed knowing more about her our world”, off ers questions aimed in reaching conclusions through Aussie church should have a copy. Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam. journey of faith in the midst of at re-engaging our lives in fresh anecdote. However this book Some have remarked that unless Th ese are especially valuable in the adversity. ways in light of any insights we demonstrates there are also very real you know the ‘real’ version you just contemporary context. You get to meet Penny in the may have gained, particularly in pitfalls in arriving at conclusions, ‘don’t get’ what Kel has done. But Th e book is not limited to a pages of her book. I discovered our parenting or ministry with and administering them, without since the book version is a best- narrow academic agenda. Th ere are not only much about her – truly children. empathy for the real human seller there must be a whole lot of helpful entries on the representation remarkable facts – but also some Th e studies are illustrated with realities of the marginalised. average Aussies who do ‘get it’. of Jesus in fi lm, the media, art and of who she is. And I liked what I black and white photographs Disclosures is an important Paul Clark music. discovered. from the movie and include brief book. Whatever conclusions we A series of entries on the main To purchase Penny’s book go to quotations from various writings reach regarding homosexuality, we themes of the New Testament www.apennyforyourthoughts.net. by C.S. Lewis. At the end of the should meet the human face, and Read more at accounts of Jesus (origins, Emma-Kate Moore booklet there are three useful count the human cost. www.journeyonline.com.au teachings, parables, miracles, death, paragraphs on the best way to John Patton resurrection, and achievement) are understand the value of Th e Hotel Rwanda DVD the heart of the book. Despite a Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe Turtle Egg Day certain historicist bias, they give for children, for seekers and for Psalms for the Secular a good overview of the study of Christian adults. River Girl these themes in contemporary If you grew up with the stories scholarship. of Narnia and want to engage the An impressively comprehensive theme of the fi rst book again as an index and a well-organised glossary adult; or if you are looking for a way add to the book’s usefulness. I would to theologicaly refl ect on a great recommend the book not only to children’s book with the Bible in ministers and students of theology, one hand and the book in the other, but also to congregations as a one- then get a group of friends from volume theological resource for use church together because this study by leaders of study groups. is for you. Highly recommended. Geoff Th ompson Jenny Tymms

Journey, April 2006 13 PRAYER DIARY 9 April: St George 16 April: Kenmore and are free to respond with a full St George Uniting Church Th is year has seen much activity range of expression, from laughter has boundaries that are mostly as we prepared for 40 Days of to sorrow to tears and back to unknown. Th e simplest description Purpose. As is so often the case, laughter again. would be approximately 120km there is always more to do than Our vision statement asks for radius from the town of St one thinks and we are almost at the transformation, as we experience George, but it stretches beyond end of the program. We have been and share God’s love for all people. this boundary. We cover 110km challenged to consider the purpose Pray that the Chermside Kedron towards Goondiwindi, 120km of our lives and this has created Community Uniting Church will towards Moonie, 150km towards much discussion and sharing. It not “slide away” into an indiff erent, Cunamulla, 150km towards has also prompted many of us to lifeless wasteland, but will be Mitchell, 110km towards Surat, think about the purpose of our life transformed into a passionate 118km down to the NSW border together as a congregation. community of the resurrection. at Mungindi, and again meeting Please pray for us as we come the border 165km to Hebel. Th e to the end of this incredibly 30 April: Banora Point ‘parish’ takes in the towns of challenging and enlightening time. St George, Th allon, Hebel, In response to God’s call to Our church was opened on 21st Nindigully, Mungindi, Dirranbandi, serve those in need, we also fi nd March, 1993 due to the vision of Bollon, and Weengallon. ourselves overwhelmed by the two congregations - Coolangatta St George is a very young needs of our world. and Kingscliff . Former members of community and our vibrant and Th is year we will raise funds in those two continuing congregations growing congregation refl ects diff erent ways for our local high were founding members. Rebecca St James will also be performing at AGMF. Photo courtesy of that. You can fi nd details of our school chaplain, the breakfast and About 100 people join in www.therockacrossaustralia.com.au ministries on our websites www. lunch program at Carole Park State worship and the congregation Hymns of Praise 2006 stgeorge.unitingchurch.org.au and School, an aged hostel in Khamman, continues to grow. A small Sunday www.stgeorgeyouth.org.au. India, a program working against School is held week by week. R.E. Here is a chance to be thrilled “It’s a heritage that has helped Give thanks to God for his women and child traffi cking in classes are conducted weekly at two and inspired by two and a half our city to grow into a modern, gracious blessings he has brought Bangladesh, scholarships for young local schools, while a third school hours of rousing sacred music, caring, multicultural community on this church. Th ank him for people attending university in East sets aside daily time one week per gospel songs and hymn singing. that is open and accepting of people our members and for the growth Timor and support an international term. Th e fi rst half includes a from all walks of life,” he said. he has brought to us over the last micro-credit scheme. We praise God our teachers 120 voice massed choir with Uniting Church representative year. With growth comes a new Th ese activities are just some of share God’s love in these schools. guest soloists: Ryan Lim, Brad on the organising group and Synod challenge. We’ve run out of places many that are close to our hearts Pray for our teachers in local Kendrick, Ruth Ballinger, Emma Mission Consultant Graham to put people. Pray God would here at Kenmore Uniting Church. schools and our Sunday School Cerqui, Erin McLellan, Daniel Beattie said strengthening bonds of provide funds for much needed Please pray for those throughout team. Baxter and a special appearance fellowship between denominations additional seating. our world who aim to make the Living close to the beaches by the band Family. and building relationships between Pray for our minister, Michael plight of another easier. where Little Nippers clubs are a Th e second half is the Easter church and civic leadership were Brumpton, and his family – that great attraction, and with splendid Musical, You are the Christ. the aims of the inter-church event. God would protect them and guide 23 April: Chermside picnic and fi shing opportunities, “Brash, bold, transparent and “Th e breakfast showed the desire them in his service. Kedron we especially need to remember volatile are all the characteristics of our civic leadership to recognise Pray for our Drug Proofi ng children and pray they will be used to describe Peter, the most and work collaboratively, especially Your Kids program running in Our congregation sits in the middle enthusiastic to attend each Sunday. distinctive of Jesus’ disciples. with the community service work Dirranbandi. It will also be run of north Brisbane, watching change Our congregation has a group Yet the special bond between of the churches in the Brisbane city for the second time in St George. and growth all around us. Our to ensure pastoral care reaches Peter and Jesus is unquestioned. region,” he said. Pray God will use this service to building and its resources have, at everyone. Our Minister visits aged Jesus once asked, “Who do you Nine men, all key leaders in the meet needs and build relationships times, over a thousand people a care villages and conducts regular say that I am?” It was Peter who various denominations represented, that will lead to a commitment to week passing through the doors. monthly services at one of these. immediately replied on behalf led the gathering in prayers for Christ. Our prayer is that our Together with Coolangatta and of the disciples, “You are the the community, and Executive Pray for StGeorgeYouth, a new congregation can embrace the Kingscliff we support Blair Athol Christ!” Chairman of the Australian youth group, currently attracting 18 changes, welcome all people, and Accommodation and Support Th rough the transparency of Christian Lobby Brigadier Jim high school kids. Pray for JAFFA, let God’s love simply fl ow! Services for disadvantaged persons. Peter, we understand in a deeper Wallace was key note speaker. a new monthly kids club. Pray for Please pray for the new With them we supply volunteers way the message of Christ’s our Sunday School. Th ank God for mediation and reconciliation for a bargain shop to help fi nance sacrifi cial love. And through the large number of kids coming process, developed by our own Blair Athol. Please pray for the Peter’s humble response to Jesus’ NCYC issues a call to along to it. Pray for their families, Elders with professional assistance. operations team of the centre and invitation to follow Him, we leadership and their salvation. Th is will be introduced to our the shop volunteers. too are challenged to new levels Pray for our church as Assembly congregation during May and We have an active fund raising of service. Th e eternal question approaches and all the uncertainty June. committee, and social activities such rings forth from Jesus even “To lead is to undertake a associated with that. Pray that this will become a as a musical theatrical performance today: “Who do you say that I journey,” says Th e Hon. Justice vehicle of love which will bring and fete provide fun for the am?” ( John) McKechnie, chairperson about justice and forgiveness congregation and community. Th e Hymns of Praise concert of the National Christian Youth between people. Pray for the dedicated people concludes with the traditional Convention management team for The Uniting Church For the ever-changing who enhance our services with fi nale: Th e Hallelujah Chorus. 2007. in Western Australia ministerial team. Pray that they PowerPoint presentations. At the Empire Th eatre, Mr McKechnie’s vision for will be able to cope with the We give thanks for our Minister Toowoomba, on Easter Sunday, NCYC 2007 is to lead delegates on Associate General Secretary (Pastoral) workload and demands, and see and his wife as they welcome people at 2.00pm this is one of the a journey of transformation. “Th e

The Uniting Church in Western Australia beyond the everyday tasks towards to the manse for study groups. major events of the Australian noun ‘leadership’ has no content is seeking a motivated and skilled a real passion for ministry. Our Adult Fellowship is active Gospel Music Festival. unless the destination is known,” person, lay or ordained, to provide For our “Chatters” Coff ee Shop and appreciative of prayers as they he said. key leadership in the new Presbytery of Western Australia. The person will and “Grapples” Th rift Shop. Pray reach into the community. “For NCYC 2007, the provide pastoral care of all ministry that people will come through their Th e fortnightly Craft Club Churches gather to destination is to transform workers, and leadership in the areas of pastoral relations and placements. doors and experience God’s love, and our weekly Playtots group are pray for the city delegates – youth and adults into and that all staff be encouraged touching the lives of many families, Agents of Change.” This is a full-time position based in the Church Office. The appointee will to share that love in an attitude of and we ask for prayers for each team Acknowledging Brisbane’s Mr McKechnie is part of an also be a member of the Senior Co- service. and for the safety of children. strong and proud Christian experienced team which manages ordination Team, working with the General Secretary in guiding the work For the wonderful children Please pray for all members of heritage Lord Mayor Campbell the direction of NCYC 2007. of the Church Office. and young people who bless us our dedicated leadership team as Newman welcomed over 440 A Supreme Court judge in WA, For an information package, please with their presence in a variety they plan for care and growth. church leaders and ministers to he has previously served as a general contact Revd Dr John Evans, General of ways. Pray that we will have We give praise and thanksgiving the inaugural City of Brisbane counsel regularly representing the Secretary. Expressions of interest to be sent by Friday 21 April, 2006 to GPO Box an environment in our worship in Jesus’ name by the power of the Lord Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast State in the High Court and all M952, Perth WA, 6843. Ph (08) 94861577 services, in which the children Holy Spirit for the ministry and and invited them to share a Western Australian courts and was or email [email protected]. of God learn and experience the witness to the community that we pledge affi rming loyalty to appointed a Queen’s Counsel in wonder and the mystery of God, are able to exercise. Australia and its people. 1989 after 15 years in practice.

14 Journey, April 2006 Who’ll fess up? Klan got it wrong absolutely unique (and, hopefully, uniquely absolute!) contribution to In the February Journey, Dr David Your correspondent (“Stay Out the political debate. Pitman proposed a way forward for of Politics”, Journey, March 2006) Otto Kaiser, a Lutheran scholar, LETTERS the 11th Assembly on the sexuality off ers a sadly defi cient case for what off ers a very useful comment: “Th e and leadership issue in the UCA. is, in origin, a position enunciated Christian church owes as a duty determined by politicians and Part of his proposal was by Luther but one which the father to the secular community, the Thanks for the sexuality to name a few. We just that a register of ministers and of the Reformation never really proclamation of the law and the memories need to look at any newspaper congregations, who are unable to embraced himself (e.g. Luther’s gospel in concrete terms, the wrath to see where moral, ethical and accept ministerial placements or Works, 45, p.83f ). of God against sin and the off er of I noticed with interest the Synod spiritual issues are present in all candidacy of people in same sex Th e ‘Two Kingdoms’ model grace available to sinners; but not photo published in the March parts of our community life. relationships, be set up. of the Church/State relationship amateurish political preaching.” Journey. Having a vision is all well and Whilst this does seem to be a endorsed so enthusiastically by (Isaiah 1 - 12, p.106) Th e gentleman on the far good but what is this based on? panacea, it would be more ‘user- Stan Klan is the classical Lutheran Peter Banney right end of the front row is my If it is based on a tired mythical friendly’ to have a register of position which certainly provided grandfather Rev George Phillips, theology, then it is obvious that it ministers and congregations who the basis for the Bjelke Petersen In brief who by 1955 was retired after 40 will not be accepted nor have any are open to homosexual clergy. years. However, it fi nds little years of service both as a Home appeal to the 20 to 40 year old. Th is is what people in the support among contemporary Although I have great respect for Missionary and Ordained We need to change how we community would expect to see, Australian Lutheran academics. our Moderator, David Pittman’s Minister of the Word with the think to what we know in the 21st the same way that restaurants Stan’s exegesis of the ‘render views, I’m afraid his makeover Methodist church throughout century. Th is means that beliefs promote certain credit cards unto Caesar’ text is simplistic plans could still leave some UC the state of Queensland. must change. Th is means that as being accepted, and some and, in general, his position is members dissatisfi ed. Instead of I believe his last posting was teaching must change if spirituality holiday accommodations promote theologically legless, being notably being ‘Uniting’ we would remain to the Redland Bay Circuit, is to be developed in those who themselves as being fully disabled- defi cient in Christology, soteriology, ‘dividing’. Without a defi nite ‘yes’ and I remember as a child, follow us. friendly. ecclesiology - and probably a few or ‘no’ statement, it appears to when visiting my grandparents, Anyone who studies theology or So, if there needs to be a other ‘ologies’ that escape me at the become a ‘compromise’ resolution travelling with him on the boat religious topics today is presented register, set one up to identify pro- moment. His superfi cial reading which achieves little. to Russell Island when he took with many challenging ideas homosexual congregations so that of Pope Benedict’s encyclical is a Beris Pomroy bi-monthly Religious Education that are based on research and everyone knows where they stand. matter of concern and regret. at the very small island school. knowledge in other academic areas Karen Mitchell We are, of course, bound to When you look at history you can Th anks for the memories of study. Yet we see very little of this eschew biased party-political see why separation of church and Annette Brown challenging thought in sermons I Apology pronouncements and trivial, state has worked well. now hear. incessant, ill-informed ‘nagging’ in As Christians, if we are elected Editor’s Note: Thanks to all Why are we frightened to drag Th e letter from Graham Hall the political arena. But there can to offi ce we can make a defi nite those who wrote in response our religious thoughts out of the ‘Find a new Church’ published be no doubt that, when the Body contribution on an individual to the photograph of the 1955 past into the 21st century so that the in March Journey, the third last of Christ addresses signifi cant basis as we do in society. However, Methodist Synod meeting. The ideas match current knowledge. sentence should have read: “You national issues prayerfully and we have to watch that individual names have been passed on to the holder of the original Th is is the challenge before us if will discover good friends wherever speaks out of considered refl ection freedoms are not lost. photograph. the Uniting Church is to survive. you worship.” Not “good mends”as on the word of God, it makes an Eric Sullivan Alwyn Th omas published. CLASSIFIEDS Time to move on Journey leans left? ACCOMMODATION Historically Speaking Fantastic location for beachfront In response to the letters I read March Journey’s lead story “Should holiday in charming cottage at in Journey, I shake my head in God Get a Vote?” shows just how Currumbin Beach, Qld. Vacancies available 2006. Phone 3376 4247. disbelief that our wonderful UCA far the UCA has gone to the is infl uenced by ideas that are no Looney Left. What about some longer relevant to the society in balance? Th e three authorities cited Bribie Island Holiday Unit. Welsby Court No. 4, overlooking Bribie which I live. on Page 1 are Anglican Labor passage, 2 b’rm, LUG, reasonable I believe it is time to move politician Kevin Rudd, Jesuit rates. Frank & Elva Dixon Ph 07 3264 our theology into the present by educated Professor Wadhurst, and 8080. opening up all of our held beliefs Hindu Mahatma Gandhi. Th e only that underpin the Uniting Church. UCA sweethearts missing are ABC Coolum Beach QLD Holiday It is time to be honest and Radio National and the Australian Renovated 3 bedroom brick house, walk to patrolled beach & shops. match current beliefs with current Democrats! Church members discount. Book on- learning and knowledge so that Must we wait until we are only line: http://users.tpg.com.au/coolumb the church once again becomes 1% of the population before the or call 0418 889657. FROM PADDLEWHEELERS TO THE CITY CATS alive and meaningful to those who UCA hierarchy gets the message follow after us. that the people in the pew are just King’s Beach, Caloundra unit 2 bdrms, fully furnished, ne aspect, sea Today, sleek, fast City Cats, with aboriginal names associated Many issues confront us as part not interested in your political views. Reas rates. Ph 3378 5083. of a modern society living in the agenda? with areas of the Brisbane River, dart to and fro, up and down the 21st century. Issues facing us now Stan Klan Holiday unit, modern, pool. 100m river, while many continue to mourn the loss of the city’s include moves to stop parliament from Kings Beach Caloundra from opening with a prayer, disbanding $300/wk. Ph Ray 0427 990 161. cross-river ferries. religious education in our schools, abortion, medical ethics being London B & B. Easy city access; One special cross-river ferry was the steam-driven paddlewheeler lge double room, ensuite, self- vehicular vessel, the Hetherington, which saw more than 40 years catering. Reas rates. rachel@ brockleybandb.fsnet.co.uk Ph/Fax: service on the river. Named after a Brisbane City Council alderman, JOURNEY 001144.2086946538. the Hetherington initially linked Kangaroo Point to Charlotte Street www.journey.ucaqld.com.au WANTED in the city in a service which operated from 1913 to 1921. Advertise in Journey Share your news and product Spectacles Needed for Salamo From 1925, this slow, but stable lady of the river moved downstream information with over 30,000 Hospital one of our overseas partner to the Bulimba reach, linking Oxford Street, Bulimba to Commercial churches, the United Church of Uniting Church goers across Papua New Guinea, requests un- Road, Teneriffe. Her original passengers were intended to be horse- Queensland. wanted spectacles for the Health Have your say Centre in Salamo in an isolated area drawn vehicles but her latter years coincided with the arrival of the of the Papuan Islands. Please send to car in numbers and the construction of the Story Bridge, which, For rates and information visit the collection point. Mrs Beth Clarke, www.journey.ucaqld.com.au or Letters to the Editor may 14 Cobea Court, Bongaree, Bribie ultimately, contributed to her demise in 1953. Island, QLD, 4507 Ph 3408 3082. call Mardi on (07) 3377 9795. be edited due to space limitations. Email your classifi ed Alex Gow Funerals Advertising and editorial Post: Journey GPO Box advertisements to A Brisbane-owned family business, established in 1840. deadline for May Journey 674 Brisbane 4001 mardi.lumsden@ Thursday , 13 April Email: journey@ uccentre.ucaqld.com.au Phone 3852 1501 0143/C GOW uccentre.ucaqld.com.au or fax 07 3377 9796

Journey, April 2006 15 I was in prison and you visited me. (Matthew 25:36) JOURNEYasks... Where have you met Jesus in prison?

Russell Clark So where have I met Jesus in prison? I’ve I have a passion to see men come to a faith in met him in the company of men living out God. Wouldn’t it be great to see a company their faith in an environment that is angry of men praising God in our churches? I mean and hostile. I’ve found him among inmates real men, men built like front row forwards, who sing out of tune, but sing with such joy guys with tattoos on their arm, men with and enthusiasm. rough hands, men who aren’t afraid to say One particular encounter with Jesus they love Jesus. occurred while sharing with an inmate. Well, I have found such a company of “Russ”, he said. “In here we have a criminal men among the inmates of Lotus Glen. record. Th at record is permanent. Long after Here in prison, the conversation goes beyond we are dead and gone, our fi le is still on the footy and the weather. Christian men record. Isn’t it exciting to know that Jesus has in prison seem to express their faith more already thrown our fi le away and recorded openly than a lot of blokes in church. Why? I ‘not guilty’?” believe it’s because their sins are open for the Isn’t it wonderful that Jesus has forgotten public to read about in the tabloids, and they what the world refuses to forget? have plenty of time to refl ect on their own Pastor Russell Clark is in ministry lives. We ‘more respectable’ men can hide our at Mareeba Uniting Church sins in the cupboard, and fi ll our refl ection congregation and is chaplain time by being busy. to Lotus Glen Correctional Centre.

Pat Imhoff Trish Milne A kaleidoscope of scenes whirls through my Both freely admitted that their tongues Jesus, in his lifetime, identifi ed himself, very memory – moments, places, people - locked had put them in their present situation. In especially, with the poor and the oppressed; in a cell for four hours with two life sentence a setting where denial of responsibility is the the outcast and the under privileged. When prisoners, sitting on concrete steps in intimate norm, this was a breakthrough. Th e love of crucifi ed, who were on his right and left? conversation with one woman while the Jesus I felt for those two women in that place To whom was he still reaching out? To two things of earth grew strangely dim around was indescribable. criminals! us. Moments of prayer that have changed a Where have I met Jesus in prison? In the Meeting Jesus in prison necessitates woman’s anger into tears of healing, or have eyes of every seeking soul. viewing both sides of the same coin. broken the hold of darkness and brought the Pat Imhoff is Chaplain to the Spin up heads to reveal our crowned light of Jesus shining in. Brisbane Women’s Prison. Saviour and Redeemer who ‘bore our griefs’ Prison seems an unlikely setting for ‘holy and ‘took upon himself all our affl ictions’. moments’ when Jesus’ presence becomes so Th e oneness of Christ with each and every real that it almost takes your breath away, person tells me I meet Christ in the ‘potential but “I’m absolutely convinced that nothing for righteousness’ of every human being. – nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, Spin up tails and fi nd that our living today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable Lord’s ministry of holistic healing and or unthinkable – absolutely nothing can get reconciliation continues. Yes, even within the between us and God’s love because of the de-humanising environment of a correctional way that Jesus our Master has embraced us” centre! (Romans 8:38-39 Th e Message). Th e setting Christ is there in the fellowship of a doesn’t matter in the least; nothing can growing faith community in their everyday separate us from the love and the presence words and deeds as they struggle to abuse or enormous guilt issues - anywhere of God. understand and come to terms with the nature there is restoration of a sense of self, the Recently in a small group of women of God’s amazing love, mercy and grace for taking of responsibility and reconciliation gathered spontaneously in prayer, sharing and them; as they strive to turn the other cheek with family members and communities. worship in a gym, I was overwhelmed with and love their enemies; and as they go the “Th ere is so much good in the worst of us Jesus’ lovely presence and blessed because the extra mile or give freely to another. And so much bad in the best of us Jesus in them ministered so deeply to me. I Christ is there in one inmate’s ministry Th at it hardly becomes any of us well know that I do not go to take Jesus into of supplying Christian literature and CDs To talk about the rest of us. the prison; I simply go to meet him there. throughout Queensland prisons so that … we are not asked to judge … Christ is Even solitary confi nement cells are no others may come to know and believe. Many judge.” (Th e Interpreter’s Bible page 563) barrier to Jesus’ presence just popping in tithe their $11 a week earnings. We are commanded to love and serve our with his wry sense of humour to convict and Christ is there when a prisoner gets Lord. convince. I visited some women there and one bashed for making a stance for equity and Trish Milne is Chaplain to had been reading the book of James loudly to social justice, and when others hoard the set Maryborough Correctional Centre and the other, to carry through the concrete wall rations of breakfast cereal. UCA Chaplain to St Stephen’s Private between. A discussion followed with both of Christ is there in the holistic healing of Hospital. them about the issue of ‘taming the tongue’. mind, body and soul after years of substance

journeyonline.com.au Keep up with the latest news, reviews and events every day.

JOURNEYONLINE

16 Journey, April 2006