The Revd Professor James Haire, a well-known figure in Australia, and a leader among Christians, is the new President of the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA).

The Council exists to strengthen the cause of Christian unity. 15 major Australian churches form its membership. It works to bring churches closer together and helps them find a common cause and a common voice. There has been a lot of growth in relationships between Australian churches.

"Australia is a pacesetter in ecumenism," said Professor Haire. "In the Asia region, we're one of the very few countries where the Roman Catholic Church is a full member of our council of churches. We Australians are very bad at giving ourselves a pat on the back. But in this area we really are at the cutting edge," he said.
Next week Professor Haire ends his term as President of the Uniting Church in Australia. He has been named as incoming Director of the National Centre for Christianity and Culture in Canberra, and Professor of Theology at Charles Sturt University.

The General Secretary of the NCCA, the Revd John Henderson, said the NCCA is delighted that Professor Haire has accepted the honorary position of President and that he and the Council look forward to the energy and wisdom that Professor Haire brings to his leadership in ecumenical affairs.

For further information contact :

• The Revd John Henderson - General Secretary, NCCA
  Tel: (02) 9299 2215 or 0419 224 935
• The Revd Professor James Haire - President, NCCA
  Tel: 0409 363 362