- reproduced from the CRP Notices
utterly committed, Bible-believing, creationist; and then go back in the evening
to share in fellowship with trans, intersex, and same-gender attracted people
who are equally caring, equally committed. That may not be unique to the
Uniting Church; but it is something that is deeply embedded in our UCA ethos.
I am grateful that in this church I am encouraged to celebrate the faithfulness
of every member, each inspired and gifted by the spirit, in congregations and
on committees where lay people exercise dedicated, effective leadership.
What a wonderful gift that is!
I am grateful that in this church I am encouraged to work diligently and wholeheartedly
in common cause with friends in the neighbourhood, seeking the
common good with people of other denominations, of other faiths, and of no
faith, working to inform people and politicians of the importance of addressing
climate change?
I am grateful that in this church I can engage in honest, open, robust conversation
with people of other faiths, sharing my faith as I learn from their faith—
and, in the process, learning more about God. Certainly, other denominations
engage in such interfaith conversations, but I am proud that the Uniting
Church has taken the lead on this over many years, in our multicultural, multifaith
society.
I am grateful, especially, that I am encouraged to acknowledge that the Creator
Spirit was active and at work on this continent long before my white forebears
arrived, and that I can participate in worship that affirms and celebrates
that God, known to us in Jesus Christ, has also, so long ago, reached out in
compassionate love to the First Peoples of Australia.
I am grateful that I can live out my discipleship by helping to dish out the free
meals each Wednesday, visiting the nursing home each Thursday (when restrictions
end!), joining in with the youth group on Friday evening, and counting
all of these as equally varied contributions to the mission of God in the
world.
I am grateful for the Uniting Church in Australia.
- Rev Dr John Squires
Presbytery Minister - Wellbeing
The above reflection is written drawing on my experience of the Uniting
Church across multiple locations over many years.
St Margaret’s News 3 June 2020