SPRING ISSUE 28 AUGUST 2019

NSW Ecumenical Council Sharing

Photo taken at a meeting of the Multicultural NSW Faith Leaders Meeting at NSW Parliament House on 16 May 2019

NEWSLETTER OF THE NSW ECUMENICAL COUNCIL INCORPORATED

Inside this issue

From the Editor’s Desk ...... 2 Truth Be Told Program ...... 9 “Living respectfully in a pluralistic society” . . . . 18 Annual Fund Raising Dinner 2019 ...... 3 We can support ICAN at Hiroshima ...... 10 NSW Ecumenical Council hosts Biographical note of Dinner for George ...... 18 His Eminence Archbishop Makarios ...... 4 Media Release: NSW Youth Build Cordial Invite: Visit to Sikh Temple ...... 19 Interfaith Bridges ...... 11 Domestic Violence ...... 6 Post-Genocide: Where to next? ...... 20 “We make the path by walking .” ...... 12 Faith Leaders Speak Out ...... 7 Activities of the Council ...... 22 Uluru Statement from the Heart ...... 14 Maurizio Vespa appointed CEO Marshall Islands -a tragic confluence of of St Francis Social Services ...... 8 nuclear testing and climate change ...... 16 From the Editor’s Desk Very Rev Fr Shenouda Mansour

The Council has been blessed to have one of its commissioners to be elected and consecrated as Bishop in their church. Father Narsai of the Assyrian was nominated and consecrated as Bishop by His Holiness Mar Gewargis Sliwa III Catholicos-Patriarch with a number of . Father Narsai received the Episcopal name of His Grace Mar Awraham Youkhanis, and has been appointed as the first Bishop of the newly created Diocese of Western Europe to be based in London. His Holiness Mar Gewargis III Sliwa, Catholicos- Patriarch was the chief consecrator assisted by the Bishop of the Holy Synod. The Ecumenical Council congratulates His Beatitude, His Eminence Mar Meelis Zaia OAM for the election and consecration of Rev Narsai Youkhanis to the rank of Bishop. The Commission on the Middle East extends congratulations to His Grace Mar Awraham Youkhanis, for Bishop of Western Europe – both the Commission and the Council will miss you, our loss is Europe’s gain. The Council extends congratulations to the Greek Orthodox Church in for the installation of their new Archbishop Makarios, who was installed as the 7th Archbishop of Australia and all Oceania on 29 June 2019. The NSW Ecumenical Council looks forward to working with the new Archbishop in the coming near future. At the writing of this editorial, 24 women were killed by the hands of an intimate partner in 20 weeks. The Council knows there is much work in educating, building resources, partnering and networking with likeminded organisations to support member churches on the rise of domestic violence in communities. The Interfaith Commission is encouraged by their continuing work to build bridges and understanding of other faith communities. In this coming month, there is the visit to a Sikh Temple on Saturday 27 July 2019 and the Abrahamic Faith Conference on 28 July 2019. Details of these two events are found on a flyer in this issue. The Council’s Annual Fund Raising Dinner will be held on Sunday 11 August 2019. It will be held at the Assyrian Church of the East hall of St Hurmizd’s Cathedral, . Details of the event are on a flyer in this newsletter issue. Annual General Meeting will be held at St Antonious & St Paul Coptic Orthodox Church on Saturday 17 August 2019. Half the year has gone, and another six months to go before we see 2020. We pray that God grants the Executive Board and the Commissions the wisdom and the grace to continue in work and mission of the Council. Doing the work to sow God’s peace and love so that people will know of God’s gracious love and care for their salvation and eternal life.

2 SHARING | ISSUE #28 Biographical note of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia operates under the auspices of the Mother Church (Griniezakis), was born in Heraklion of Crete in of Constantinople. 1973. He completed his elementary studies in On April 27, 2015, he was unanimously elected his birthplace and at the Rizareios Ecclesiastical Bishop of Christopoulis by the Holy Synod of the School of Athens. He is a graduate of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. In 2008, the Holy and Higher Ecclesiastical School of Athens and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of the Theological School of the National and appointed him representative on the Panorthodox Kapodistrian University of Athens. He completed Committee for Bioethics, whilst in 2018 he was post-graduate studies at the Universities of appointed President of the Synodal Committee for Boston, (Master of Sacred Theology), Harvard, Bioethics of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. (Master of Arts), and Monash, (Master of Bioethics), whilst his doctoral dissertation was He has represented the Mother Church of received and passed as “Excellent” by the Medical Constantinople in various assignments. He has School of the University of Crete. The work was been invited to speak at many Metropolises in published under the title, “Cloning: Social, Ethical Greece and Abroad, He has given lectures at and Theological Components”. international scientific, medical and theological seminars. He is a member of many scientific and Since 2003 he has been teaching at the ecclesiastical organizations and has published Patriarchal Academy of Crete. In tandem, he articles, studies and books. has served as a visiting Professor to various Universities, amongst which are the Theological On 27th April 2015 he was elected unanimously College of Holy Cross in Boston, the University of by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Tartu and the Medical Schools of the Universities Patriarchate Bishop of Christoupolis, as Assistant of Crete, Thessaly and Athens. In May 2015, he to the Ecumenical Patriarch. He was ordained was elected the first Dean of the Department of by His Eminence Archbishop Irenaeus of Crete, Orthodox Studies of the Autonomous Church of on the 16th May of the same year, assuming the Estonia. high responsibilities assigned to him by Patriarch Bartholomew and the Mother Church at the He became a monk and Deacon in 1993, a Autonomous Church of Esthonia, in order to Presbyter in 1997 and an Archimandrite in 1998 organize its theological and catechetical work. at the Holy Monastery of Epanosifi, whilst on Easter Sunday of 2008, Ecumenical He attended the Holy and Great Synod of the Patriarch Bartholomew bestowed upon him the Orthodox Church of Crete in 2016 as counsellor to office of Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne. the Delegation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He served as a Deacon at the Sacred Metropolitan On 9th May 2019, the Holy and Sacred Synod Church of St Minas in Heraklion, Crete, as the of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, following the Parish Priest at the Parish of St Nicholas Harasos favourable commendation of His All Holiness, in Heraklion and at the historic community of Saint Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, having George in Southbridge of the USA. At the Holy appreciated his theological and secular education, Archdiocese of Crete, he served as Director of the his literary contribution, his administrative Radio Station, as President of the Administrative charisma and his ecclesiastical ethos as the Committee of the School for Byzantine Music, as hitherto Bishop Makarios of Christoupolis, Director of the Estia for Ecclesiastical Education elected him unanimously Archbishop of the Holy at the Patriarchal Academy, as a Member of Archdiocese of Australia. the Synodal Committee for “Bioethics and Contemporary Concerns”, Director of the Press Office and Preacher of the Archdiocese from 2002 up till his election as bishop. He founded and runs the Publishing Series “All About Bioethics”, which

4 SHARING | ISSUE #28 SHARING | ISSUE #28 5 Domestic Violence… We need to be part of the solution…

By Rev Fr Shenouda Mansour

In Australia, at least one woman dies each week As men, we need to be ambassadors. As men, at the hands of her current or past partner. For me, we need to raise our voices for the silent majority. that is one too many. Whilst the number “One” may As men, we need to stand by all women who not sound high to you, one a week is a sad to hear. experience all form of violence. As men, we need As men, we need to be ambassadors in protecting to stamp out violent behaviours and attitude women in society. Being quiet about family and towards women. When men speak badly about domestic violence in the home, on public transport their women – their wives and their daughters – and in the public place, may suggest that they we as men, we need to speak out against such are insensitive to domestic violence. It is clear, violence talk and remind them, they are talking education is required for men to know the many about our women. forms of domestic violence, as it is not only Domestic violence affects all communities. There physical violence. is not one community that is not affected. The New According to resource by the Queensland South Wales Ecumenical Council is working very Churches Together, titled, “Questions women ask hard to support its member churches on domestic about Domestic Violence and Christian Beliefs”, violence. If there are any questions on domestic it states six different forms: physical abuse; violence, the Council will be happy to support you emotional and psychological abuse; sexual and your community on this very important matter. abuse; financial abuse; spiritual abuse; social Contact the Chair of Overcoming Family Violence abuse; and damage to personal property. Other Commission NSW Ecumenical Council, The Rev forms that are mentioned by the NSW Police Michelle Jawhary on michellehjawhary@bigpond. Force include threats and harm to pets, stalking, com. and intimidation. All these forms of abuse are We can make a difference…it starts with you and damaging resulting in trauma and fearful living me! experiences for many survivors. It is the women and their children that suffer through the abuse and trauma. The result may end in breakdown of marriage and the breakdown of the relationship, which ends in bitterness, anger, and violence. Then, how are we to deal with domestic violence that is so prevalent in society? Women experience not only at home (domestic), but also outside home. There is work bullying, where women experience a variety of violence that includes, bullying, intimidation, emotional, psychological, and even the threat of dismissal due to family planning, pregnancies and looking after sick children and family members.

6 SHARING | ISSUE #28 SHARING | ISSUE #28 7 Maurizio Vespa appointed CEO Truth Be Told Program of St Francis Social Services

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to clothing. WE are advocates House of Welcome is pleased to launch the Truth Bring along an item of clothing that needs eat; I was thirsty and you gave me something to when they have no voice, and Be Told program. an Africana twist and our incredible tailor will drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; I was WE sit with them when they up-style it with genuine African print fabric while Truth be Told gives schools, community groups naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you need to be heard. There is no greater gift towards you enjoy lunch. It can be as simple as adding and corporate organisations a chance to engage took care of me; I was in prison and you visited healing than to offer a place of safety, peace and a colourful pocket to your favourite t-shirt or with people seeking asylum telling authentic m e ”. Matthew 25:35-36 support. jeans. Learn how to wrap your head with our stories and sharing real life experiences. expert stylists to complete the look. Handmade I feel privileged to have been chosen as the new The volunteers and staff who work with the Presentations can be tailored to suit each jewellery will be available too. CEO for St Francis Social Services, and I would House of Welcome are the instruments of peace event with topics including personal journeys, like to share a personal story. It is about a man and the light of hope and safety, which St Francis experiences seeking protection and information Join us in celebrating Refugee Week. Together captured along with fourteen young men by the of Assisi inspires in all of us. about the broader policy framework. we can share food, beauty, fashion and joy! German invasion of his home village during At the House of Welcome, we depend on the Truth Be Told is changing the conversation, World War II. generosity and support of people. Our united replacing the current one-way dialogue and With the help of local connections and bribes, he voice and advocacy will draw attention and spark amplifying the voices of those seeking protection. was released during the darkness of night, and action. This is why I am honoured to serve St Participants from the House of Welcome told not to return home. He hid in the hills and Francis Social Services, and the work of the employment program, Empowered to Work, travelled into Belgium, to work in the mines until House of Welcome. are being trained and mentored by the Refugee the end of the war. He had no idea that the men “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so Council of Australia in best practice methods to he was arrested with had faced a firing squad. much.” – Helen Keller tell their stories. With professional guidance and This man was my father, and on his return care, they have been empowered to speak their home, he applied to migrate to Australia. In those truth to the public and draw our communities days migrants were welcomed. He was offered together. employment with the Hydro-electric scheme in Get Involved Tasmania. Please contact Leonie Dyer 9727 9290 or leonie. However, peace and safety was still foreign to [email protected] for information him until he truly settled in Australia. on the fee structure for the Truth be Told program My father often talked about how lucky he was; and how to book a speaker. he was traumatised by thoughts that his life “I felt honoured and proud to tell my story. While could easily have been shorter. He always felt I was speaking I was thinking of good memories guilty. from home. The hardest part of telling my story Fast forward to today, and seekers of Asylum are was when I was talking about separating from not given a choice to come here. They make their my mother but I want to inspire people with my way to Australia in the hope of seeking peace, words.” Rebeeha. Program participant safety and not further persecution. The Junks – Refugee Week Event On their arrival, people seeking asylum begin We’re turning House of Welcome into The Junks their next arduous and punitive journey. They for one fun-filled and seriously fashionable are given little or no financial support, may be Friday! ineligible for medical assistance and have very limited access to accommodation. They are NOT Inspired by the vibrant markets of Freetown welcomed, as migrants were in the past. Sierra Leone, we will be hosting a refugee week event like no other. When a seeker of Asylum comes to the House of Welcome and they knock on our door, WE open it and WE welcome. WE offer hospitality and assist with access to accommodation. WE assist with medical support, and when required provide

8 SHARING | ISSUE #28 SHARING | ISSUE #28 9

John Sidoti Minister for Sport We can support ICAN at Hiroshima Minister for Multiculturalism Pope Francis on nuclear weapons: “Weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear Minister for Seniors weapons, create nothing but a false sense of security. We must listen to the voices of Minister for Veterans survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, together with other victims of nuclear testing. May their prophetic voice serve as a warning for coming generations.” Extract from the Pope’s message to UN Conference on Nuclear Weapons, March 2017 By Doug Hewitt MEDIA RELEASE

Newcastle’s Thursday,Doug Hewitt 16is a Maymember 2019 Christians for Peace. Aurora is published by the Catholic Diocese of Maitland Newcastle NSW YOUTH BUILD INTERFAITH BRIDGES

Hundreds of young people will come together with religious leaders from across Sydney to create the first interfaith statement of unity in NSW - the ‘Sydney Statement’ .

Minister for Multiculturalism John Sidoti said the NSW Government was proud to commit $100,000 to support the two-year program which will encourage young people to champion interfaith harmony .

“The recent callous attacks on innocent people in their places of worship shows that there are some individuals in our society who want to divide us,” Mr Sidoti said .

For more than 30 years, Newcastle has held an annual ICAN’s origins date back to 2007 when a group of “The ‘Sydney Statement’ will see young people work with local religious leaders over event to commemorate the dropping of an atomic bomb on Melbourne doctors, who were members of the Medical a number of facilitated sessions to develop the first of its kind Statement that will Hiroshima, the act that brought an end to World War II, but Association for the Prevention of War, were inspired by cost 100,000 civilian lives. Local group Christians for Peace the success of the Campaign to Ban Landmines. Over the include key actions that can be promoted to their peers, religious leaders and faith began the initiative three decades ago with a sunrise ensuing years, the group gained international support in communities . We are proud NSW is at the forefront of promoting intergenerational observance on 6 August in the grounds of Christ Church their attempt to abolish nuclear weapons. Success was interfaith harmony .” Cathedral. Through readings, songs and a silent vigil, the partially realised with the overwhelming backing of the service acknowledged the horrors of war, and its innocent 2017 UN resolution. The Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations Director, Rev Dr Patrick victims. “Nuclear weapons are the most destructive and In recent years, speakers at an evening service on the eve indiscriminate armaments ever created,” Daryl said. McInerney, thanked the NSW Government for its support to promote the importance of Hiroshima Day have addressed the issue of peace in a “Surviving victims of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki of interfaith dialogue . troubled world. Last year, Father Frank Brennan spoke of bombings still suffer from their injuries. Australia’s First the Jesuit perspective on peace, influenced by members Nations people are among victims of British nuclear tests “Many religious communities around the world are facing increasing discrimination and of the order’s presence in Nagasaki during the bombing of at Maralinga in the 1950s. With the re-elected government the city. we must now renew our pressure to sign this UN treaty.” vilification,” Rev Dr McInerney said . Newcastle’s Hiroshima commemoration this year is Sunday Daryl has more than 30 years’ experience teaching modern 4 August 2019. Dr Daryl Le Cornu, history lecturer from history and legal studies in high schools and has written “Our goal is to have religious leaders and communities across NSW endorse ‘The Australian Catholic University, and a board member of textbooks on both subjects. Over his career, he has Sydney Statement’ and commit to it as an ongoing plan for interfaith action . ICAN, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear developed a passion for teaching on human rights, the Communities will be able to access digital and educational resources promoting Weapons, will speak at Adamstown Uniting Church at 6pm. UN, nuclear disarmament, international law, and global interfaith understanding.” In 2017, ICAN was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its governance. He was a curriculum officer with the NSW successful attempt to have the United Nations adopt a Department of Education from 2011-2012. resolution banning nuclear weapons. The citation referred Since 2013, he has been a curriculum lecturer at two Youth Parliament of World’s Religions (Youth PoWR) Coordinator, Ryan Epondulan, to ICAN’s efforts to draw attention “to the catastrophic universities. Daryl has been involved with the UN said the project is an opportunity to empower the next generation of interfaith leaders . humanitarian consequences of any use of nuclear Association of Australia, serving two years as vice- weapons”. This resolution was approved by a majority vote president. He is currently a member of the board of ICAN at the UN General Assembly in September 2017. Australia, and president of the World Citizens Association “Young people have an important role to play in standing up against hatred, violence Daryl urges all citizens to encourage the Australian of Australia. and intolerance to maintain social cohesion in society,” Mr Epondulan said. government to join more than 125 nations and sign the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. The Sydney Statement is funded under the NSW Government’s Community We invite you all to attend Adamstown Partnership Action (COMPACT) Program . The Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim “Our country has been a leader in previous treaties to Uniting Church on 4 August to hear Dr Relations will partner with Youth PoWR and Western Sydney University to deliver the ban biological and chemical weapons, and to outlaw land mines and cluster munitions, but has been slow to add its Le Cornu speak at the 2019 Hiroshima project . support for the banning of nuclear weapons,” Daryl said. observance service. 10 SHARING | ISSUE #28 SHARING | ISSUE #28 11 “We make the path by walking.”

With these words Aboriginal pastor, Billy - for those from Australia and New Zealand Thirdly, they were faithful to family. In a world where for that. Because that is what Christians give thanks Williams, introduced the closing prayer to end a who have joined with us during these twenty family connections were being torn apart, the early for: thanks to an awesome God! By his grace we thanksgiving service at the Danthonia Bruderhof years and now live with us as our brothers and Christians realised that family, too, was a great gift can look forward to the promise of an eternity where near Inverell NSW commemorating the twentieth sisters. from God. They treasured this gift and they lived in all the signs will be good. anniversary of the community’s founding in their families, and in their extended families. They As he noted, “We are on a journey together, and 1999. cared for one another and loved one another. May God bless us in our journey, and may God we want to go forward with confidence courage, bless your community on that journey, as we Twenty years is hardly a blip on the history patience and joy.” We all know and understand that in this place and journey together in faith in Christ and look to the of Australia’s settlement; certainly it is all but in this time we must hold very firmly and strongly coming of that Day. Continue to do the work you Armidale Catholic Bishop Michael Kennedy invisible set against the 60,000 years of Aboriginal to these three loves, these three fidelities, and we do in a way that brings honour and glory to our picked up the theme by reading a celebratory presence in Australia. But it was not so much must do so together: our love of Jesus Christ, our great God, and to our Saviour Jesus Christ. Thank message from Archbishop Anthony Fisher of the passage of time that was on our minds as love and commitment to every human life, and our you. Sydney, a warm friend of the Bruderhof. He then we gathered with over one hundred friends love to all families. If we remain faithful to these continued, “I, too, join in giving thanks to God and neighbours and others who had travelled three loves, all will be well. Concluding remarks were given by two members from Brisbane and regional Victoria. Rather, we for you, individually and as a community. I thank of the Inverell Ministers Fellowship. Rosemarie were embracing the miracle of Christian love God for sending you to this particular place at this Anglican Bishop Rick Lewers, also of Armidale, Breen remembered how it all began in Inverell and fellowship in the company of those whom particular time. This is my second visit here, and followed by passing on greetings from Sydney in March 1999, when a Bruderhof couple from we would have never met without Danthonia’s I still recall warmly my first visit when I was quite Archbishop Glen Davies and also from another America came to town and approached Council for inauspicious beginning two decades ago. new to the area. I received such a warm welcome mutual friend, former Deputy Prime Minister, John a recommendation for lodging. “Apparently they had then and also today.” Anderson. John had planned to attend the service gone to Council and asked about a place to stay Following a Welcome to Country by Aboriginal at Danthonia but was unable to do so because and Council said, ‘You can go stay with Rosemarie Bishop Michael spoke of three attributes of the Elder Errol Connors of Inverell, Danthonia’s senior “unfortunately for him, someone put another event and Lorie because they are always having odd early Christian church that stand out and act as pastor, Steve Blough, enumerated some of the on today that was in conflict with this one!” people come and stay with them!’” blessings for which we were giving thanks to sign posts for us today, pointing us to the way we God: should live. Bishop Rick continued: It was a time of great blessing to us. We were not sure what was going to happen out here, but we The first was their faithfulness to Jesus Christ. The signs – your signs – are wonderful, aren’t they? - For the warm welcome and friendship of our knew we had met people who were true Christians. Even though they had not met him in the same But not all the signs of our age are wonderful. And neighbours, who have remained with us and Fr McCabe, who is here today and was the Priest way as the Apostles, those Christians of the early there are some signs appearing on the horizon alongside us through all these years; in Inverell at the time, welcomed them very warmly centuries clearly had met the Lord in their heart that are disturbing and concerning for us as God’s form the start. - for the warm and deep fellowship with the and in their soul. They had encountered him; they people. Your signs are beautiful and they reflect a Inverell Christian community, and for the loved him deeply and passionately. And so they deeper beauty that I would understand is worked in Now the churches all work together because we are blessing of the reconciliation between us in followed him and were faithful to him even to the you by the greatest sign of all, and the person who all on the same path. I want to say thank you to God recent years; shedding of their blood, the giving of their life. The actually died upon that particular sign, the sign of that those two people came to Inverell. I’m so glad most important thing to them was Jesus Christ. the cross. that you are here, just being part of the community. - for this beautiful land that we live on that has It is the work of God: walking together on this nourished and sustained us, and for the rain Secondly they were faithful to life in a world and a We are a people who have been crucified with journey of life. that will come in answer to the prayer of his time that saw much of human life as disposable – Christ. We have been buried with him and will people; to be treated as you wished, to be extinguished as indeed be raised by him. And there is much for us to We all share in this great celebration for this day, you wished. But the early Christians were different. give thanks for. And this community can give thanks and for many more days to come. May we all - for our sign business that enables us to They recognised life as the first gift of God. And for that, the Catholic community can give thanks for continue to grow in the love of God. provide for our children, our families, and our so they appreciated it, and gave thanks for each that, and the Anglican community can give thanks neighbours; human life, and loved it dearly.

12 SHARING | ISSUE #28 SHARING | ISSUE #28 13 ULURU STATEMENT FROM THE HEART

We, gathered at the 2017 National Constitutional Convention, coming from all points of the southern sky, make this statement from the heart: Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tribes were the first sovereign Nations of the Australian continent and its adjacent islands, and possessed it under our own laws and customs. This our ancestors did, according to the reckoning of our culture, from the Creation, according to the common law from ‘time immemorial’, and according to science more than 60,000 years ago. This sovereignty is a spiritual notion: the ancestral tie between the land, or ‘mother nature’, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who were born therefrom, remain attached thereto, and must one day return thither to be united with our ancestors. This link is the basis of the ownership of the soil, or better, of sovereignty. It has never been ceded or extinguished, and co-exists with the sovereignty of the Crown. How could it be otherwise? That peoples possessed a land for sixty millennia and this sacred link disappears from world history in merely the last two hundred years? With substantive constitutional change and structural reform, we believe this ancient sovereignty can shine through as a fuller expression of Australia’s nationhood. Proportionally, we are the most incarcerated people on the planet. We are not an innately criminal people. Our children are aliened from their families at unprecedented rates. This cannot be because we have no love for them. And our youth languish in detention in obscene numbers. They should be our hope for the future. These dimensions of our crisis tell plainly the structural nature of our problem. This is the torment of our powerlessness. We seek constitutional reforms to empower our people and take a rightful place in our own country. When we have power over our destiny our children will flourish. They will walk in two worlds and their culture will be a gift to their country. We call for the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution. Makarrata is the culmination of our agenda: the coming together after a struggle. It captures our aspirations for a fair and truthful relationship with the people of Australia and a better future for our children based on justice and self-determination. We seek a Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of agreement-making between governments and First Nations and truth-telling about our history. In 1967 we were counted; in 2017 we seek to be heard. We leave base camp and start our trek across this vast country. We invite you to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future. We, gathered at the 2017 National Constitutional Convention, coming from all points of the southern sky, make this statement from the heart: Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tribes were the first sovereign Nations of the Australian continent and its adjacent islands, and possessed it under our own laws and customs. This our ancestors did, according to the reckoning of our culture, from the Creation, according to the common law from ‘time immemorial’, and according to science more than 60,000 years ago.

14 SHARING | ISSUE #28 SHARING | ISSUE #28 15 Marshall Islands -

a tragic confluence of nuclear testing cultural fallout. People are reluctant to marry those 111,000 cubic yards (85,000 cubic metres) of from exposed atolls for fear that genetic mutations radioactive debris has been covered by the dome. and climate change will be passed on. Rampant alcohol abuse and a The 18-inch (45 cm) thick dome was supposed to suicide epidemic are emergent problems. U.S. food prevent the radioactive debris from spilling into the aid which is mainly processed has contributed to oceans is not doing its job properly. Radioactivity an epidemic of obesity and diabetes – the No. 1 has penetrated the surrounding soils along with A chosen people nightmarish birth defects, and short and long cause of death. Cancer comes second. When the irrevocable damage and contamination of the term cancers, the people have inherited a world In 1946, after a Sunday church service, the people nuclear testing began, the Marshallese were not wildlife. Millions of dollars’ worth of military gear unmade, remade and then conveniently forgotten of Enewetak Atoll (also known as Bikini Atoll) were aware of the potential dangers. Since U.S. nuclear dumped by the USA into the Pacific will threaten by the USA. Washington has tried to close the told they are a chosen people, like the Israelites, testing began, there has been concern over the surrounding ocean waters. book on a history of destruction and sadness. who would deliver humanity from future wars health risks that occur as a result of fallout and Over the years following the testing, the Marshall When the dome was built in the late 1970s, climate as the US perfected the atomic bomb. Within radiation. Many Marshallese have suffered from Islanders living on the fallout-contaminated islands change and sea level rise were not a factor, so the weeks after the people being relocated, the first forced relocation, burns, birth defects, and cancers. ended up breathing, absorbing, drinking and site was built right next to the shore on the ocean tests began. The so-called ‘promised land’ was a Researchers have conducted numerous studies on eating considerable amounts of radioactivity. side of the island. The Marshall Islands, with an destroyed land. the health effects of nuclear tests conducted by the average height of six feet above sea level, is one Most of the people live in Majuro, and the ocean U.S. in the Marshall Islands. A Report in 2005 found ‘We located the one spot on Earth that hadn’t of the most low-lying countries on the planet. In the or lagoon can be seen from every part of town. that the risk of contracting cancer for those people been touched by the war and blew it to hell.’ intervening years, storm surges have driven sea The people depend on the ocean but rising sea- exposed to fallout was greater than one in three. water clean across some of the atolls. Background levels due to global warming now threaten their ‘The Tomb’ homes and lives. The effects of contamination The Marshall Islands government wants the United The Marshall Islands (RMI), with its 29 coral by nuclear testing and climate change have A hulking legacy of years of US nuclear testing States to take responsibility for what it considers atolls, lie between Hawaii and Australia. In 1914, embraced. Assurances by the USA that the well- is the presence of the Runit Dome on Enewetak as a United States problem. In 1986, the US they were captured by Japan. When Japan was being of the islanders would secured have not Atoll. This Dome, combined with rising sea levels, government made a deal with the Marshall Islands, defeated by the US in 1944, the Japanese bases eventuated. Though an independent nuclear could cause radioactive debris to spill into the where they would take over their own affairs. Some became U.S. military bases. Its remote location, claims tribunal awarded the RMI $2.3 billion ocean. This vast structure looks like a downed UFO. $150 million was paid out but the USA will not look sparse population, and proximity to other U.S. in health and property damages, there was no Locals call it ‘The Tomb’. They fear that its concrete at any more compensation requests. Some in the military bases, made it seem ideal for testing of mechanism to force the USA to pay it. Washington mantel could be torn wide open by a storm surge, US Government believe there is no obligation to U.S. nuclear weapons. Between 1946 and 1958, does not acknowledge ongoing liability apart typhoon or other cataclysmic event and release clean up its mess or fix the dome. What remains is the United States conducted 67 nuclear tests in from the tens of millions of dollars it grants its contaminated contents into the Pacific Ocean. a stalemate. the Marshall Islands, 23 at Bikini Atoll, and 44 near annually to environmental, food and health-care There is no warning on the beaches or the dome Enewetak Atoll, but the fallout was not contained programs. The claim is that the US acquitted itself itself to stay away or even to indicate radioactivity. Whilst the US may have improved the capability of to these atolls. It became the most contaminated reasonably. In 2014, lawsuits against the United The least they could have done is correct their its nuclear weapons, the costs to the Marshallese place on Earth and the people are still dealing with States and the eight other nuclear-armed nations, mistakes. Ironically, its gradual submersion is peoples’ wellbeing was miscalculated in a big way. the fallout more than 70 years later. alleging noncompliance with the Non-Proliferation due to sea level rises from gas emissions by The USA used its power to gain control of this Treaty, were filed. The U.S. Justice Department industrial countries led by the United States. This territory and abused the islands for ‘self-gain’. USA Since 1945, the U.S. expanded nuclear research labelled it a stunt. The suit was dismissed. For the nuclear waste dump in the Pacific is leaking and failures between the 1940’s-1950’s are still felt by and development programs as they conducted international court, it was not an issue because climate change is to blame as well as lack of the Marshallese. 67 tests in the RMI between 1946 to 1958. Their the USA does not recognise its jurisdiction. responsibility. combined explosive power if parcelled evenly over that 12-year period would equal 1.6 Hiroshima- ‘We have basically destroyed a culture.’ ‘We’ve Both problems are at risk of converging because A potential nuclear risk and a climate emergency size explosions per day. The ‘Castle Bravo’ test in stolen their future. When you take the future from a the main holding container for the atoll’s nuclear have embraced. The failures of the past and 1954 was detonated with 1,000 times the force of people, you’ve destroyed them.’ waste is being compromised by rising waters. The present abrogation of responsibility by the US for its the Hiroshima explosion. dome has been compromised by rising sea levels. moral, political and human lapses that have caused The RMI has no permanent oncologists, no way So the Marshall Islands face a double jeopardy. Nuclear issues are forever. social breakdown and cultural ruin are made more to provide chemotherapy for cancer treatment, ‘That dome is the connection between the nuclear and no true consensus between it and the poignant by its refusal to a support a treaty to ban Once subjected to the ravages of nuclear testing age and the climate change age,’ If it leaks it will be USA regarding the effects of exposure to the nuclear weapons. and its effects, the people now face oblivion due devastating for the Marshall Islands and the whole tests. Cancer and birth defects are the modern to climate change. Both are connected. Having Pacific. connections to the past. More insidious is the endured burns to the bone, forced relocation,

16 SHARING | ISSUE #28 SHARING | ISSUE #28 17 PUBLIC FORUM “Living respectfully in a Cordial Invitation pluralistic society” Archbishop Angaelos of London, Tuesday 26 June 2019 Visit to Sikh Temple

Archbishop Angaelos is the Archbishop for the Coptic Orthodox Church in London as well as the Moderator of Churches Together in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The public forum was held at Pitt Street Uniting Church in the CBD of Sydney. The Archbishop challenged us to consider how we can live respectfully in a society that is multi-religious, multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, with diverse genders and is increasingly secular. He based his talk strongly on living and responding from our Christian faith, the example of the life of Jesus and being a moral compass. Our countries and the world have become so more complex compared to the world of 20 or 30 years ago. There is an estimate of 70 million displaced people globally due to war, inter-racial and tribal violence, famine, entrenched corruption and poverty. These factors have forced people to cross borders seeking safety and at the same time this has forced receiving countries to look at their own border security. Global businesses and workforce requirements also encourage vast movements of peoples around the world. New dilemmas arise how to live respectfully with each other in today’s modern, complex context. Do we in Australia understand our privilege and knowing that we have a “home” that others desperately seek? How do we receive each other with love and respect as we can not return to the world of our childhood. Lieutenant Colonel Graham Durston from the Salvation Army responded to Archbishop’s talk, followed by the opportunity for questions. The New South Wales Ecumenical Council thanks the Pitt Street Uniting Church for hosting the event and for their hospitality. Date: 27 July 2019 NSW Ecumenical Council hosts Time:10.00am to 12.00 Noon Dinner for Bishop George Address:4-18 Meurants Lane, Glenwood Thursday 27 June 2019

Metropolitan Geevarghese Coorilos who is the Moderator, Commission on World Mission and Evangelism, NSW 2768, Australia World Council of Churches and Metropolitan, Niranam Diocese of the Malankara Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Church, President of the Kerala Council of Churches is known as Bishop George. The main purpose of his visit to Australia was to attend and address the Triennial National Forum of the National RSVP: Essential to Council of Churches in Australia in Canberra (21-24 June 2019). The NSW Ecumenical Council arranged a dinner and to meet with him informally and to hear his talk on “Mission and Evangelism: turning the world upside”. How do we serve people at the margins and who are the people in the margins in Australia? [email protected] The inspirational talk by Bishop George is a reminder to us who live in Australia of our own mission and evangelism for those who are at the margins of society. Although the societal context in Australia is different from many poor countries around the world, we are to apply the same principle of love and Further Information and enquiries to: respect, acceptance and mercy, compassion and empathy. There is a lot of work in own backyard of Australia. Rev Dr Manas Ghosh Convenor Interfaith Commission NSW Ecumenical Council

18 SHARING | ISSUE #28 SHARING | ISSUE #28 19 can occur due to being in an ethnically diverse committees with our attendance and educating environment like Australia. Forces of change the generations to come. Active participation in and discontinuity are irresistibly powerful in the organised activities within a community group Post-Genocide: Where to next? diaspora, with Australia’s ethnic diversity and promotes cultural preservation. It is also worth The Genocide of the Pontic Greeks by the Ottoman Empire – 1914-1922. subsequent assimilation a real barrier to continuity concentrating on safeguarding culture through By Chrysanthi Diasinos of culture, leading to traditions changing or an integrated educational approach, to ensure diminishing altogether. In a multicultural country, continuity within the diaspora and share our it is encouraged that we celebrate what might knowledge with those for whom this issue is become lost: an ancient, rich array of cultural otherwise of no concern. traditions. What more needs to be done? We need to share Ethnolinguistic vitality declines noticeably in the everything good about our culture. Share our diaspora, but, through music and dance, even traditions with others different to ours, and perhaps language is preserved. The Pontic Greek dialect is most significantly, share our traditions with people spoken fluently by a select few in Australia and not whose ancestors also experienced the same effectively transmitted to younger generations. This fate in the same Genocide – the Armenians and is concerning when, according to linguist Klaud Assyrians. Hagege, ‘The death of a language means the loss Although our culturally diverse ethnic groups of a way of interpreting the world; it means the fall are historically linked, they also share the same of the culture connected with this language’. The contemporary obstacles which motivate the most effective way of preserving this unique dialect maintenance of our cross-generational cultural has proven to be through music, song and dance. identities. To share is to survive and to thrive, Dance is an expression of emotion and intangible particularly in this multicultural country of ours cultural tradition that perpetuates community that values diversity. Collaborating with other identity for future generations. It is a beautiful community groups strengthens bonds and expression of culture which is seen by many as intercultural understanding. This contributes in a an ‘authentic’ experience directly linking us to meaningful way to recognition and the thwarting Listening to these words as we commemorate the as a contributing factor to diminishing cultural ties our ancient, culturally-rich homeland. Dance is of denial. We ought to learn from the Greek 100-year anniversary of the Genocide’s second and understanding. It is very difficult for a people to therefore a context saturated with meaning and heroes of our history, for example, General Yiannis phase, the resilience of our people is ever-clear. develop its culture without recognition of its past. historicity that must be preserved. With the ever- Makriyiannis, one of the most praiseworthy people Though we live in the diaspora where cultural How can you move into the future without knowing decreasing cultural expression of language, dance of the 1821 revolution. He believed in helping practices are waning, we should take courage from where you’ve come from? Since denial clearly becomes an important means whereby heritage is Greece because the cause was just and fair, observing all that has continued in terms of our induces cultural loss, preservation should be a clear preserved and enjoyed within community groups just as God is just and fair. So, in this honest and traditions. Thus, the centenary of the genocide has motivation as we advocate for Recognition and and when shared with others through performance. righteous desire to acknowledge past genocides, come to symbolise, as I see it, the strength of our Reconciliation. By strengthening our communities It is indeed a celebration of our resilience as a we can combat present and future ones also. We communities and educating ourselves and others we can oppose community in Australia. make the decision whether to be proactive and a macro-level ethos of criminal impunity. as we endeavour to preserve that which our actively preserve cultural traditions or be idle and The diversity of our music, dance and songs ancestors were killed for – their Faith and their Becoming accessories to the fact of genocide does watch our unique presence disappear. To resist the should be shared with others! Everyone can be Culture. It is important to reflect on the past 100 not merely rest in accepting or condoning denial, processes of forgetting, assimilating and distancing involved in the process of re-awakening language, years, so that we may learn from them and grow. but in allowing thousand-year-old cultural traditions in the diaspora, we all need to participate in this dialects, traditions and the beauty that our It is time to ask ourselves, where to next? We all to be lost, just within the span of a few generations. cause of genocide recognition. Preservation ancestors experienced, whether it be through understand that continuation of culture, particularly By forgetting our traditions, culture and memories begins. research, participating in events, supporting when facing post-genocide diaspora-living, rests we could unfortunately reinforce the ramifications of with each generation that follows. But as time genocide. passes, there is a very real possibility of younger Therefore, the diasporic movement for political Australian-born generations losing the cultures and recognition should go hand-in-hand with the memories of their ancestors. The question now is, promotion of our authentic cultural traditions. Many will we continue to remember and reconcile, or deny ask, why bother remembering genocides of the and disappear? And, perhaps more importantly, how past and asking for them to be recognised? This is will we continue to remember, to celebrate, to get understandable and may stem from not knowing the involved and to engage with our traditions that shape consequences of genocide, but we should alter this our individual and collective identities? deficit view and come to understand and accept our So, what are the barriers to cultural preservation? important role in preserving people’s culture. In so How can we overcome these to ensure that our doing, we can honour the lives lost. traditions do not diminish, but rather flourish? Studying the epiphenomenon of cultural loss as a As folk culture is not traditionally produced outside result of diasporic living reveals genocide denial its country of origin, cultural change and loss

20 SHARING | ISSUE #28 SHARING | ISSUE #28 21 ACTIVITIES OF THE COUNCIL ACTIVITIES OF THE COUNCIL

Book Launch Linking Hearts – Muslim Women Association The 21: A Journey into the Land of Coptic Martyrs The NSW Ecumenical Council has been invited to participate on the Ambassador Reference Executive Board of Linking Hearts – program against domestic violence in support of women and their children. The first meeting occurred on 4 July 2019 where the first inaugural meeting of the board met to share and talk about dealing with domestic violence. The broad range of men and women coming from the many different communities reflected their own personal and community experience. Listening to the many different voices is providing a framework for the future. Pastor Bill Wiser and his wife Grace Wiser from the Bruderhof Community Australia in Inverell. They spoke as the book was published by the Bruderhof Publishing House , Plough.

State Ecumenical Council Officers at Archbishop Angaelos has launched the book, The 21: A Journey into the Land of the Coptic Martyrs in London, Washington, New York, and now in Sydney on 25 June 2019. The book was written by Martin The National Council of Churches Triennial Mosebach a German Catholic who went to Egypt and interviewed the martyrs’ family members. Archbishop Forum in Canberra, 21-24 June 2019 Angaelos gave an insight on modern martyrdom by the 21 martyrs who gave their lives up without fear on the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture Libyan beach. The book on the 21 Martyrs has given a grounded understanding on faith in modern context. It is to stand for your faith without fear. The State Ecumenical Councils, Presidents and General Secretary attended the National Council of Churches Triennial Forum in Canberra. Heads of Church, June 2019 Meeting The gathering was fruitful listening, engaging, interacting and networking with new and familiar folks. The Forum’s theme, Living and Walking in the Holy Spirit: called to transforming discipleship”. Bishop George gave reflective talks on transformation, mission and evangelism. The workshops conducted were of value.

\The Heads of Church Meeting was held at Pitt Street Uniting Church on 25 June 2019. Archbishop Angaelos of London gave a brief talk on his experience of Religious Freedom in the context of the United Kingdom and in London. The Heads of Churches had a fruitful discussion on this topic as it was a major concern for the member churches from many different points of view.

22 SHARING | ISSUE #28 SHARING | ISSUE #28 23 ACTIVITIES OF THE COUNCIL

IFTAR Dinners 2019 JOINAn THE invitation ECUMENICAL NETWORK NSW

Become an Ambassador for Christ… AN ECUMENICAL FRIEND

Members are invited to meet with overseas visitors, attend ecumenical dinners and other times of celebration. You will receive regular updates on ecumenical events and the News Letter. The Globe is now in Australia. Experience the Ecumenical movement. Experience the voice of Christ, “that they may all be one…that the During the month of May 2019, the Council was invited to a number of IFTAR Dinner. The dinner events world may believe” (John 17:21). brought opportunity to build relationship and bridges with the Muslim communities in Sydney. It also brought opportunities for future partnering and networking. The table discussion with other Muslims on their faith and work within their communities were valuable in understanding and valuable in bridging Be updated and join! better relationships and communities. Members are asked to pledge to contribute regularly. Together for Humanity, NSW Parliament House Send your details to the General Secretary at [email protected] Postal Address: NSW Ecumenical Council, Locked Bag 199, QVB, NSW 1230 R to L: Rabbi Zalman Kastel (National Director Together for Direct Deposit: NSW Ecumenical Council Humanity Foundation), Mrs Kate Xavier (Senior Education Officer, (ANZ Bank) BSB 012 006 Account No. 5256 42292 Catholic Education Office), Fr Shenouda Mansour God loves a Cheerful Giver 2 Corinthians 9:7

How you can be involved! Pray with Jesus ‘that they may all be one’! Participate Engage Join one of our Commissions or working groups Let us know what is happening in your area or through your church Join us as a volunteer Help promote ecumenical activities in your area or Resource through your church Support our work financially A luncheon was held at NSW Parliament to bring 120 different community leaders to hear the work and Help arrange an ecumenical forum, dinner or other Check out our website at www.nswec.org.au activities of Rabbi Zalman, National Director, “Together for Humanity”. A special guest speaker gave the activity in your area (NSWEC representatives are always keynote speech, Deng Adut, child soldier, refugee, now a lawyer in Sydney, author, volunteer assisting You can a big difference! willing to share something of our work or to help in other disfranchised youth and refugees and NSW Australian of the year for 2017, spoke eloquently about his experience as a young child soldier. His speech gave the elements in the importance of showing love ways) Join the Team and make it happen and living in love towards those whom you hate. Deng Adut grew up to hate Muslims to kill Muslims. This for the Kingdom of Heaven! conversion happened when he came to Australia, and the language of love that Australia offered and gave him. It changed him. Deng has established the John Mac Foundation, named after his brother died Editor: Very Rev Fr Shenouda in Sudan. The foundation funds university students on their education. The majority of students Email: [email protected] are Muslims. NSW Ecumenical Council Ph: 8259 0819 Fax: 9262 4514 Website: www.nswec.org.au 24 SHARING | ISSUE #28 NEWSLETTER DESIGNED BY CLOUD9 MEDIA | cloud9media.com.au