The National Churches of Pakistan have requested a Pastoral Solidarity visit, through the Christian Conference of Asia.

It is next week in Lahore, city of the terrible Easter Sunday terrorism this year.

I am part of the small delegation, having tried to support the Pakistani Australian Christian community with Church services, CBD rallies, advocacy to Government as regards both their refugees as well as the misuse of “blasphemy" laws and other human rights violations .We have also been supporting some Pakistani Christians who have sought asylum in Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Dear friends

During this past week, I attended the funeral of Jenny Johnston, a woman who lived and breathed ecumenism. I first met her twenty years ago when I attended meetings of the New South Wales Ecumenical Council. Ove more recent years, my contacts with her were few and infrequent. Nevertheless, at the Thanksgiving Service to celebrate her life, as I heard people speak of her life, I knew that my brief experience of Jenny was similar to what many experienced over her thirty years’ involvement in ecumenism. 

Common Grace have announced the appointment of their new CEO: Scott Sanders. NCCA is particularly pleased to hear of Scott’s appointment as his role was seed funded by the NCCA Glenburnie Program.

Scott previously worked for Agency and World Vision and brings to the organistation his strong theological credentials, including a degree from Morling College, and a deep passion and love for the Australian Church to live out its call to love, serve and defend the vulnerable and marginalised in our community.

Social justice in an ageing society

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference launced the 2016-17 Social Justice Statement in Sydney on 6 September. 'A Place at the table’ celebrates the value and dignity of older people in Australian life.

The Statement calls for justice for the elderly and recognition of the substantial contribution they make to society which should not be viewed in economic terms only.

We pray with and for the elderly 

Christmas Bowl 2016

Help plant seeds of hope this Christmas

In a world where too many people are facing pain, suffering and injustice, the Christmas Bowl appeal is still an essential act of compassion, just as it has been since its humble beginnings in 1949.

This year, we’re helping hard working families in Zimbabwe who are struggling to feed their children after suffering the worst drought in 35 years.

This Christmas, one third of families in Zimbabwe will be suffering severe hunger. 

Safe Church update

Blue Knot Day

24th October 2016

Blue Knot Day is the Blue Knot Foundation's national awareness day celebrated in October every year. On this day, we ask all Australians to unite in support of the 5 million Australian adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse.

Collaborative Ministry

Collaborative Ministry is recognising the vast expertise and experiences that are involved in the area of safeguarding children, young people and the vulnerable in church contexts. It is recognising the historical achievements and persistence in this area, and the gift it is to us going forward, and it enables a wider scope of influence to build a culture of safe church.

Collaborative ministry brings denominations together to better share resources and cultivate mutual respect for one another; it draws us to work in unity for a common purpose and common goals. 

Susan is a very special person who happens to be in a very special position – she gets to work two jobs! For three days of the week she works with the MAC (Marketing and Campaigns) team as the Data Coordinator. Here she works with the team to prepare data files for their campaigns and help report on the results of their work. These reports show what does and doesn’t work and helps guide the team in future decision making.

On the other two days Susan works with the PPT (Programs and Policy) team as their Performance Effectiveness Officer. 

Jenny Johnston passed away at the Mater Hospital, Newcastle on Saturday 24 September after a long battle with cancer. The funeral service for Jenny was celebrated at St. Anne’s Anglican Church, Strathfield Thursday, 29th September 2016.

Jenny was an active and passionate ecumenist serving on the NSW Ecumenical Council for thirty years. Jenny had been integral to the frequent visits to Australia of Br Ghislain and members of the Taizé community.

Visit of the WCC Gen Sec

Rev Dr Olav Fykse Tveit , General Secretary of the World Council of Churches will visit Australia this month.

From Tuesday 11 until he flies back to Geneva on Monday 17, the General Secretary will have many opportunities for public engagement in most of our Australian capital cities as his schedule permits. 

A public lecture on the Future of Jewish-Catholic relations

Two scholars, Fr Philipp Renczes SJ and Rabbi Fred Morgan, will look at the latest Vatican document - The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.

When:        Sunday 30th October 2016 at 3pm to 4pm,

Where:       Simonds Hall, Catholic Leadership Centre 576 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne (Cnr Hoddle Street)

Sydney’s Youth Model Interfaith Harmony, Justice & Compassion to the World

“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”

Martin Luther King Jr

In early September over 300 young people from diverse faith backgrounds met in Sydney for the largest interfaith event for young people in Australia. Youth PoWR (Parliament of the World’s Religions) saw youth vote on and commit to a message of common and critical concern; ‘Towards a More Compassionate & Just Society’.

Anti Poverty Week was established in Australia as an expansion of the UN's annual International Anti-Poverty Day on October 17.

In 2016 Anti Poverty Week will be held from the 16th to the 22nd of October.

Calendar of Activities in 2016

Welcome to Australia and Settlement Services International (SSI) invites you to be part of the Walk Together 2016. To walk alongside them and the Australian community in demonstration of the spirit of inclusiveness that SSI work tirelessly to achieve.

Date:      Saturday 22 October

Where:  Walk from Belmore Park (Central Station) to Victoria Park (Broadway).

A training day of learning and sharing, facilitated by Mr Budi Thajono, Asia Pacific Coordinator for Franciscans International.

Learn about the United Nations and how to engage with them on human rights.

Date:          Tuesday 8 November

Where:       Mary Mackillop Place 7-11 Mount Street, North Sydney