NCCA 10th National Forum 

Living and Walking in the Holy Spirit: called to transforming discipleship

In the cold but pleasantly sunny surrounds of the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, Canberra approximately 60 people from 11 member churches came together for the 2019 Triennial Forum through prayer and reflection, dialogue and discernment. We gathered to renew the purpose of the Council and provide direction on Council activities and issues of focus for the next three years.

The Great Commission
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

Matthew 28:18-19 (NIV)

(L) Shane Mortimer, Ngambri Man, Welcomes us to country. (photo credit: V deVere NCCA)	(R) Liz Stone, Interim General Secretary delivers Forum overview (photo credit: V deVere NCCA)
(L) Participants listen as reports are presented. (photo credit: V deVere NCCA)	(R) NCCA Ltd Board - not pictured, Bishop John Henderson & Thomas Ling (photo credit: Ji Zhang UCA Assembly)

On the theme, we discussed ideas to deepen the relationships between our churches and Christian faith communities.  We looked at common areas of witness, proclamation and service which need to be transformed in the power of the Holy Spirit.

We heard from International Guest Speaker, Bishop George Coorilos on doing mission from the margins. Metropolitan Geevarghese Coorilos is Bishop of Niranam diocese of the Syrian Orthodox Church in India and Moderator of the Commission on World Mission and Evangelism, World Council of Churches (WCC)

Discipleship is one that is commitment to transforming the world that is so full of injustice pain and suffering.
WCC Arusha Mission Conference 2018 

(L) Bishop George Coorilos encourages us to do mission from the margins.  (photo credit: N Osora NCCA)	(R) Saying Grace at the Welcome Reception Dinner Friday evening. (photo credit: V deVere NCCA)

On Sunday afternoon we walked through paths in the Parliamentary Triangle of Canberra on a pilgrimage of justice and peace with our First Nations. In the chilly late afternoon air, stopping occasionally to pray and reflect as the sun set and turned the skyline to dusk.

(L) Reflection at the first station of our pilgrimage of justice and peace (photo credit: V deVere NCCA)	(R) The last station of reflection on our pilgrimage of justice and peace.  (photo credit: V deVere NCCA)
2019 Forum participants. (photo credit: Ji Zhang UCA Assembly)