Mark Wei

2023 NCCA Stakeholder Survey

The National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) has engaged in a process to seek to understand the landscape for Australia’s national churches and explore how we might live our desire to be better together.
Survey closes: 27 October 2023. 
We encourage you to participate in this important survey.   

NCCA Funding

The NCCA has two funding opportunities currently available
Refugee Support Fund Grant: Applications due Monday 30 October 2023. 

• The Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Development Fund:  Applications due Monday 30 October 2023. 

First Nations

The Voice referendum
Music:

• A Song for The Voice – Anglican Church Southern Queensland (ACSQ)
• Spirit Dream & One People One Land – Monica Brown 

Press Release: Faith Leaders for The Voice

Act for Peace

A letter from Janet Cousens, Outgoing CEO, Act for Peace
At the end of this month, Act for Peace bids farewell to its CEO of the last six and a half years, Janet Cousens.
Read her farewell letter, where she reflects on her remarkable journey with Act for Peace and introduces the new Interim CEO. 

Safe Church Program

Climate change and Child Safety
A new study, co-authored by the World Council of Churches shows that climate change poses a growing threat to children’s health and well-being.

Quakers Australia

News from the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)  

• September action: third time asking for ‘Integrity in Public Office’
• Media Release: 4 September 2023 

Season of Creation

Let Justice and Peace Flow  
 “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5: 24)  
Celebrate the Season of Creation. 

• Church and Christian community resources are now available.
• Laudato ‘Si – a second letter is to be released by Pope Francis on 4 October

Season of Creation events

Rev James Bhagwan in Adelaide, SA
You are invited to join Rev James Bhagwan, General Secretary, Pacific Conference of Churches at either of the following ecumenical events:

• Polkinghorne Oration with Rev James Bhagwan – Thursday 5 October 2023
• Breakfast with Rev James Bhagwan – Friday 6 October 2023

Christian Conference of Asia

Asia Sunday 1 October 2023
Theme: ‘God, Renew Us in Your Spirit and Restore the Creation’  
Asia Sunday is to be observed in conjunction with 15th CCA General Assembly.

Ecumenical appointment

New appointment in Rome for former NCCA General Secretary
The NCCA congratulates Rev Tara Curlewis on her new dual roles as the minister of the Church of Scotland’s St. Andrew’s Church and as the Reformed Ecumenical Officer for the World Communion of Reformed Churches.

Anti Poverty Week 2023

SAVE THE DATE: 15 – 27 October 2023
Taking action to end child poverty in 2023 
During Anti-Poverty Week, YOU can help fight poverty & hardship.

Abraham Conference 2023

The Abrahamic Religions in a Pluralist Society: Help or Hindrance to Peace?
….EVENT POSTPONED…. (ADVISED 18 OCTOBER 2023)

October Calendar 2023

Reflection from the President

‘…and after the fire a sound of sheer silence.
When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’
(I Kings 19:12-13 NRSV)
Here is an invitation – to listen for God in the sound of sheer silence!

National Weekend of Prayer, Meditation and Reflection

8-10 September 2023
 “Thus the Lord said, ‘Dispense true justice and practice kindness and compassion, to each other;'”  (cf Zechariah 7:9)
As Australians prepare to vote on Saturday 14 October 2023, Christian and other faith communities will hold a weekend of prayer, reflection and meditation for unity, hope and respect in the lead-up to the Voice Referendum on 14 October, 2023.