Uniting NetworkUniting Network
The third Daring Conference was held in Sydney from 5th to 8th June, 1998. Main presenters were Rev Dr Carter Heyward, an Anglican Theologian, Rev. Dr David Bromell, who serves in the Methodist Church in Christchurch New Zealand and Rev. Dr Dorothy McRae-McMahon from Sydney.
Some of the material and outcomes of the conference may be viewed at the following site -
The Conference organising committee is to be congratulated on preparing a stimulating and engaging conference. The conference has demonstrated the potential of queer members of the Uniting Church in Australia to be a major voice in the life of the Church.
A Statement to the Church was made from the conference -
A new constitution and working structure for the Network was adopted at the conference. This gives UN a representative base from which to move into the future. Malcolm and Dorothy are our new co-convenors and Darren and Karen are the Uniting Network Secretary and Treasurer, respectively. The Executive Committee is comprised of the those officers plus the Newsletter Editor and one nominee from each State group.
This is the projected title of a collection of articles to be published in a magazine format that provides affirmative resources for gay and lesbian people in the Uniting Church. Contributions ranging from biblical or justice perspectives as well a personal stories, liturgies and prayers are invited that provide appropriate models of liberation for members of the Network.
Contact Rod Pattenden PO Box 379 Paddington NSW 2021 for further information.
The report and the resolutions of the Assembly Standing Committee are online. They may be viewed from this hot-link.
The Uniting Network Executive has finalised our response to the 3FP's Report. It is available for viewing at the following hot-link:-
Comments and recommendations from the Social Responsibility and Justice Commission of the UCA are available for reading at the following link.
It is with deep regret that the Assembly Standing Committee recognises that instances of abuse, harassment and vilification have occurred in the church since the 1997 Assembly, arising from differences of conviction on homosexuality.
Monday 22nd June, 1998, saw the UCA celebrate its twenty-first anniversary. In his pastoral address to the Church to mark the occasion, Rev John Mavor, President of the UCA's national Assembly, drew attention to the Church's record in social justice as "signs of maturity". In witnessing to the Church's willingness to encourage the nation to "act justly", Rev Mavor outlined the following topical trends:-
a willingness to say "sorry" to the Aboriginal people who suffered as part of the "stolen generation".
a commitment to enter a covennt with Aboriginal people, with the development of new liturgies that have an Australian accent.
A belief that the nation should act justly.
A determination to be a multicultural church in a multicultural nation.
While Rev Mavor acknowledges that this list could go on and on, the absence of reference to the Church's struggle to bring love and justice into the lives of homosexual members of the Church and their families and friends, is deplorable. As a measure of church maturity and its willingness to act with love and justice, such an omission demonstrates the timidity of church leaders to indeed "act with justice". While it believes that the nation ought to act justly, the Church cannot do so itself in relation to its homosexual members! As Rev Mavor's pastoral letter demonstrates, understandings of what is "multicultural" is defined in terms of racial identity only. Human identity expressed in terms of diversity of human sexuality is ignored.
It is of significance to note that while Rev Mavor's public ecumenical and cultural interests focus on faith-sharing with "partnerships with churches overseas", he does acknowledge a commitment to "greater spirituality and deeper devotion expressed through prayer." It is to be hoped that the UCA's relationships will extend to include the cultural needs and a publically affirmed covenant with its homosexual members in this country as well as overseas.
Rev Robert Stringer has released a statement from the Social Responsibility and Justice Committee of the Uniting Church that affirms and supports an inclusive church. The statement points out that the UCA has gained increased community support and improved evangelical opportunities through its positive and credible leadership in facing issues of sexuality. These are presented as affirming and hopeful outcomes for homosexual persons. Key attitudes of compassion, justice making, and courage in facing isues of sexuality are presented as signs of hope that have brought the church grreater community credibility. The report says:-
Known as SEQUIN - South East Queensland Uniting Network will be part of the new voice of UN in QLD. At the moment Bob Harriman will be the contact person for SEQUIN and will act as a reference, distribution, resource and liason person.
SEQUIN will gather together a list of safe places for worship and will network with MCC, Anglican and Catholic groups for shared gatherings.
Interested persons may contact Bob Harriman, PO Box 10020, Brisbane 4000.
Please give SEQUIN your prayerful support.
Some of the most excellent resources for relevant information and study and action are now available at the following web sites.