NEWSLETTER OF THE NSW ECUMENICAL COUNCIL INCORPORATED

Inside this issue NSW Ecumenical Council in Solidarity with Communities in the Middle East and Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Farewell to Ecumenical Team Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Great Reading from the Books of the NSW Ecumenical Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Warm Welcome to New Elected President . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Happening at Fairford University Conference . . . . . . . . . 4

International Speaker to Visit: Arda Aghazarian . . . . . . . . 5

Sharing in the Broader Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

International Speaker Visiting Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Visit to the South Australian Council of Churches . . . . . . . 7

An invitation join the Ecumenical Network NSW . . . . . . . . 7

We are in Solidarity… Supporting Membership Churches against Genocide in the Middle East . . . . . . . . 8

Supporting Eastern Churches during the 3 Day Fast and Prayer Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Other council activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

‘Achieving Peace with Justice’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-12

Act for Peace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

SPRING ISSUE 9 SEPT 2014

NSW Ecumenical Council in Solidarity with Communities in the Middle East and Africa

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Fr Shenouda, Vice Presidents Bruce and Wies and Fr James Collins

Supporting Member Churches in a recent demonstration against genoide in Syria and Iraq in the City of Mosul, Iraq

Full story on Page 8: Supporting Membership Churches against Genocide in the Middle East

At the demonstration on the 2nd August 2014Rev Dr Andrew Williams (left), Very Rev Fr Shenouda Mansour (centre), Very Rev Fr Tadros Simon (right)

Sharing

Ecumenical Team Members

GREAT READING FROM THE BOOKS OF THE NSW ECUMENICAL COUNCIL

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The NSW Ecumenical Council farewelled two of its highly esteemed and valued ecumenical workers, the Honorary General Secretary, Mr. Doug Hewitt and the Administrator, Mrs. Kathy Moroney. Mr. Doug Hewitt has faithfully served the Council over the last two years as its Honorary General Secretary and in many other ways over many years. Mrs. Kathy Moroney has served the Council for over 26 years. She has served the Council with dedication, sincerity, faithfulness, and great commitment. The NSW Ecumenical Council acknowledged their work at the latest AGM at their decommissioning, wishing them both a happy retirement and good health.

“Gift of Each Other”: a book on ‘Receptive Ecumenism’. The book is a study guide, for use in parishes and inter-denominational studies.

$5.00 plus postage and handling.

“Pilgrims of Hope”, written by Rev Dr Raymond K. Williamson, ex-General Secretary of the NSW Ecumenical Council goes on an Ecumenical Journey in and across Australia over the last 30 years, the period between 1980 to 2010.

$39.95 plus postage and handling.

The Decommissioning of Mr. Doug Hewitt and Mrs. Kathy MoroneyBoth photos, from left to right: Mr. Doug Hewitt, The Reverend Dr James Collins (Anglican Priest), and Mrs. Kathy Moroney

Enquiries to the General Secretary: smansour@ncca.org.au

Farewell to

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Warm Welcome to New Elected PresidentNSW Ecumencial Council Commssions Rev John Barr as its next President The Reverend John Barr, a Uniting Church minister at Epping Uniting Church, became President of the NSW Ecumenical Council after he was commissioned at the AGM on Saturday 30th August 2014. The new President brings a wealth of experience in Ecumenism. Rev John Barr is both enthusiastic and vibrant, a theologian with a strong commitment to Ecumenical work in NSW. He participated in his first AGM on Saturday 30th August 2014.

Speaking recently in Northern Italy, Pope Francis said we are effectively facing a “third world war” fought “piecemeal with crimes, massacres and destruction.” With Ukraine, Syria, Iraq, Gaza and parts of Africa in mind, the Pope went on. “War is irrational; its only plan is to bring destruction.....it seeks to grow by destroying”.

The pontiff was visiting a memorial to 15,000 soldiers from five nations of the Austro- Hungarian Empire who fought and died in the Great War that broke out 100 years ago.

This year we acknowledge the centenary of the First World War and as I write, the Australian Government is about to re-enter another theatre of war as we re-commit military forces to Iraq. Pope Francis’ words are a poignant reminder to us all that violence and war achieve nothing.

And here our calling, and, indeed, my vision as a Christian, is to bear witness to another way – the way of Jesus that embraces grace, mercy and love.

I believe this “way” involves an essential commitment to unity among all Christians that says the things that divide us can never substitute or consume the things that we have in common.

Indeed, for peace to reign across the world we are called, as a Christian community, to set an example. And here we are to be united communities of grace.

We are to reach out to one another in solidarity with mercy and compassion. And we are to embrace one another in love.

The ecumenical movement has a vital role to play here. And with this in mind, it is a great privilege to be appointed as the new President of the NSW Ecumenical Council.

Over the past 30 years I have served the church in Asia in various capacities. And during that time I have witnessed dreadful conflict between Christians and Muslims in Indonesia, I have been closely involved in East Timor’s struggle for justice and freedom, I have visited North Korea where a strong Christian legacy has been crushed by a ruthless, totalitarian regime, and I have sat down with Christians in Sri Lanka as they have grieved the terrible effects of civil war in their country.

As President of the NSW Ecumenical Council, my commitment is to continue and encourage our witness as a united community in Christ. This unity is grounded in a commitment to loving others. This unity is focused on being merciful and gracious to all people.

And, importantly, I believe this unity offers real hope to the entire world. Indeed, for this reason, it is a great pleasure and wonderful privilege to be part of the NSW Ecumenical Council!

“We are to reach out to one another in solidarity with mercy and compassion. And we are to embrace one another in love”PRESIDENT’S FORWARD VISION FOR THE NEXT 12 MONTHS

BY REV JOHN BARR

The Reverend John Barr is commissioned asPresident of the NSW Ecumenical CouncilThe Commissioning was led by The Reverend Dr James Collins

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Happening at Fairford University Conference June 2014Receptive Ecumenism Conference By Dr Gideon Goosen, Convenor of the Theological Reflection Commission of the NSW Ecumenical Council

The third international conference on Receptive Ecumenism was held from 9th -12th June in the USA at Fairfield University just north of New York City. It was a great success and attended by many international ecumenists including a number of people from Australia such as Professor Neil Ormerod of ACU Strathfield, Ms Geraldine Hawkes, Secretary-General of the South Australian Council of Churches and Ms Toni Pizzey of Brisbane.

The idea of “receptive ecumenism” means placing the emphasis on learning from other Christian churches. It is one aspect of ecumenism. Another is the quest for agreed statements on theological points of difference between the churches. This largely involves theologians. The Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification (1999) between Catholics and Lutherans, is one such example. Yet another form of ecumenism is working together on social justice issues. All these approaches to ecumenism are necessary and contribute to the overall promotion of ecumenism.

The advantage of receptive ecumenism is that it involves everyone – we can all learn from others. In fact receptive ecumenism is not new. Many ecumenists would tell you they have learnt from others in the past. In recent times, Dr. Paul Murray (who recently visited Australia) of Durham University has been the person most directly associated with promoting receptive ecumenism. When churches, and not only individuals, learn from others we call it “ecclesial learning” – which for some is a new idea!

Toni Pizzey of Brisbane was also greatly enthused by the conference. She expressed it this way: “The Fairfield conference was wonderful. The conference was intense, but the quality of the papers was high, especially the talks from Paul Murray.

It was great to have such a large contingent of Australian theologians. A particular insight was the connection between Receptive Ecumenism and the exchange of gifts, which I am still musing upon. There was one important question for Receptive Ecumenism which was raised repeatedly: that of the need for criteria. What criterion guides churches in ecclesial learning? This is an area for deeper reflection and discernment. I am hoping that the next Receptive Ecumenism conference will be in Australia!”

We can look forward to the next Receptive Ecumenism Conference in Australia in a few years time!

Geraldine Hawkes, a participant at the conference, speaks about the variety of people attending the conference in Fairfield: “The focus for the conference was “Receptive Ecumenism in International Perspective: Contextual Ecclesial Learning” and was organised by Dr Paul Lakeland and team from the Centre for Catholic Studies, Fairfield University, USA, and Dr Paul Murray and team from the Centre for Catholic Studies, Durham University, UK.

More than 130 church leaders, theologians, academics and ecumenists of various traditions participated [though there seemed to be little Orthodox presence other than one or two perhaps]. People were from Africa, Asia-Pacific [incl Australia & New Zealand], Europe, North America and South America. Contributions described insights, hindrances and actionon receptive ecumenism mainly at the level of inter/national bi-lateral dialogues and National/global Christianity together with a few local stories, such as our own - the story of the Churches in South Australia.”

Australia has contributed to the receptive ecumenism movement with at least two booklets on the topic: the SACC Handbook Healing Gifts for Wounded Hands and the NSW Ecumenical Council - The Gift of Each Other: Learning from Other Christians, which generated some interest at the conference.

International Speaker to Visit September 2014ARDA AGHAZARIAN: “SPEAKING FOR A PEACEFUL FUTURE”, A PALESTINIAN CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE

Why? The situation for Palestinians is worsening. Access to food, water, shelter, medical care, a steady income, and other basic human rights are being limited by the Israeli military occupation. Generations of children are growing up in an environment of perpetual tension, fear, and the threat of violence.

Church leaders in Palestine are asking for urgent engagement from the International Christian community in their situation. However there are many Australians who are not aware of the suffering caused by the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in the ‘holy land’. This tour will give the opportunity for Christians to engage with a fellow Christian from Palestine – hearing their story and giving an opportunity to reflect about peace and reconciliation and their own theological understanding.

The speaker can both raise awareness about the dire situation in Palestine amongst Christian audiences who are unfamiliar with the context. She can particularly share the views of what it is like being a young woman in a context seemingly without hope. It can also inform and inspire Christians already involved in a supporting a just and peaceful future.

Who? Arda Aghazarian is an emerging Christian leader committed to shine the light of truth and understanding on her occupied homeland. She has been recommended by key Christian leaders in Palestine to highlight the urgent situation.

Arda is an Armenian Palestinian Christian media professional from the Old City of Jerusalem. Growing up through violence and military occupation, she has become an advocate for justice and peace in the Holy Land, with particular emphasis on conflict resolution and women’s rights. Arda has been an international peacemaking partner with the Presbyterian Church in the USA, and has played a key role in program development and implementation in the YWCA in Palestine. She guides pilgrims through the streets of Jerusalem, as well as delivering public talks and lectures.

When and where? Thirty days over September and October 2014. Arda is available to travel to events around Australia.

This tour is organised by the Palestine Israel Ecumenical Network and World Vision Australia.

For further information, please contact

Jessica Morrison, Palestine Israel Ecumenical Network 0431 519 577 contact@pien.org.au www.pien.org.au

InterfaithThe NSW Ecumenical Council was invited to a couple of interfaith events from the Jewish Board of Deputies to celebrate and from Australian Federation of Islamic State Councils. The Council seeks to build bridges and understanding with other faiths.

SHARING IN THE BROADER COMMUNITY

Itfar Dinner on the 19th July 2014 at Greenacre

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Visit to the NSW Ecumenical Office:Date: Tuesday 30th September 2014Time: 3.00pm to 4.00pm

Level 7, 379 Kent Street, Sydney, 2000RSVP: smansour@ncca.org.auTel: 02-8259 0819

Catherine Clifford is Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Saint Paul University, Ottawa. She holds a PhD from St. Michael’s College, Toronto, and a Licentiate in Theology (STL) from the University of Fribourg Switzerland. Her teaching and research interests lie in the areas of ecclesiology, ecumenism, and this history of the Second Vatican Council.

Professor Clifford is the author of several books including Decoding Vatican II (Paulist, 2014) and Keys to the Council (Liturgical Press, 2013), co-authored with Richard R. Gaillardetz, and is the Editor of A Century of Prayer for Christian Unity (Eerdmans, 2009). She has published more than forty chapters and articles in scholarly reviews. Catherine Clifford has been a member of the Anglican-Roman Catholic Dialogue of Canada since 1994, and has served as a consultant to the Episcopal Commission for Christian Unity, Religious Relations with the Jews, and Interfaith Dialogue of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.

She is visiting Australia at the invitation of the Theological Reflection Commission of the NSW Ecumenical Council. Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Decree on Ecumenism at Vatican II, Professor Catherine Clifford will lecture topics on the concept of “Receptive Ecumenism, what can we as Christians learn from each other?” For further details please contact the organisers of each lecture or Dr Gideon Goosen, Convener, Theological Refection Commission of the NSW Ecumenical Council 02 4739 5273 / gcgoosen@gmail.com.

PROGRAM

Sydney LecturesFriday 24 October 2014 at 3.00 pm: “A Conversation on Ecumenism”

Venue: NSW Ecumenical Council Level 7, 379 Kent St, Sydney RSVP: Fr Shenouda Mansour on 9299 2215 or smansour@ncca.org.au

Monday 27 October 2014 at 10.30 am: “50 years of Dialogue – Inter-church relations since Vatican II”

Venue: Broken Bay Institute, 423 Pennant Hills Rd, Pennant Hills, (entry via City View Rd)

Tuesday 28 October 2014 at 2.30-4pm: Ecumenism in 21st Century.

Venue: St John’s College in the University of Sydney, Missenden Rd, Camperdown. Further details and RSVP to Bedelia Melville at the Commission for Ecumenism & Inter-religious Relations, Archdiocese of Sydney: 02 9390 5168 or email interfaith.asst@sydneycatholic.org.

Wednesday 29 October 2014 at 11.00 am: “Ecumenism in the 21st Century”

Venue: Australian Catholic University, 25A Barker Rd, Strathfield.

Bathurst LectureThursday 30 October 2014 at 12.00pm: “What’s happening in Ecumenism today”?

Venue: All Saints Anglican Cathedral Hall, Church St, Bathurst. RSVP to Dean Anne Wenzel Phone: 02 6331 4711 or email: bxcathedral@ix.net.au

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International Speaker Visiting Australia

OCTOBER 2014

Visit to the South Australian Council of Churches

An invitation JOIN THE ECUMENICAL NETWORK NSW

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On Friday 4th July 2014, the NSW Ecumenical Council visited the South Australian Council of Churches. The visit marks the good long standing relationship between the two States. The challenge is, “how we are able to share resources and support each other within the respective States”. Ms Geraldine Hawkins is the General Secretary of the South Australian Council of Churches.

Become an Ambassador for Christ…AN ECUMENICAL FRIEND Members are invited to meet with overseas visitors, attend ecumenical dinners and other times of celebration. You will receive regular updates on ecumenical events and the News Letter. The Globe is now in Australia. Experience the Ecumenical movement. Experience the voice of Christ, “that they may all be one…that the world may believe” (John 17:21).

Be updated and join! Members are asked to pledge to contribute regularly.

Send your details to the General Secretary at smansour@ncca.org.au

Postal Address: NSW Ecumenical Council, Locked Bag 199, QVB, NSW 1230

Direct Deposit: NSW Ecumenical Council (ANZ Bank) BSB 012 006 Account No. 5256 42292

God loves a Cheerful Giver 2 Corinthians 9:7

Photo: Ms Geraldine Hawkins (left)and Very Rev Fr Shenouda Mansour (right)

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We are in Solidarity…SUPPORTING MEMBERSHIP CHURCHES AGAINST GENOCIDE IN THE MIDDLE EASTChristianity in the Middle East will be celebrating its second millennium in a couple of decades. Over the last couple of years and, in particular, over the last couple of months, the member churches in Iraq and Syria have suffered genocide and persecution, namely the Assyrian Church of the East and the Syrian Orthodox Church. A non-member church, the Chalcedon Catholic Church has also suffered very much.

As a result of the genocide by ISIS in Mosul, Iraq, Christians from that city left everything to escape being killed by ISIS. ISIS gave a three point ultimatum to the Christians: Convert to Islam, pay the Jizya Tax, or face the sword.

The City of Mosul is the Ancient City of Nineveh. Human rights have been denied and Christians have suffered severe persecution. The Christians of Mosul have lived in their land for thousands of years. They are the proud survivors of the Babylonian people.

The NSW Ecumenical Council, in solidarity with the National Council of Churches in Australia, wrote to the Prime Minister of Australia, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Immigration, the World Council of Churches, United Nations, the American Consulate and to the President of the United States of America in support of the Christians of Iraq and Syria.

On the 2nd August 2014, the NSW Ecumenical Council stood in solidarity in the demonstration organized by the Iraqi and Syrian Christians. The demonstration commenced with speeches at Central Station in Sydney with a march to Martin Place where speeches were completed. The member churches represented at the Demonstration were the Rev Dr Andrew Williams, the General Secretary of the Uniting Church NSW & ACT Synod and the General Vicar of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Sydney, the Very Rev Fr Tadros Simon. We all walked hand in hand, walking with many thousands from the Middle Eastern Churches. The message was loud and clear, that the Christians of Mosul of Iraq, Iraqis, the Syrians and the Assyrians have been horrifically affected.

On the 10-12th September 2014, the NSW Ecumenical Council and the National Council of Churches in Australia stood in solidarity to support the Eastern Church Bishops of Australia and New Zealand when they invited others to join them in “Prayer and Fasting for 3 Days”. The event was held at the Syrian Orthodox Church, the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Chalcedon Catholic Church. The Eastern Churches raised their prayers and fasting to the doors of Heaven.

They have pleaded with “Our Heavenly Father in Heaven” for support. On Wednesday Night 10th September 2014, Archbishop Malki Malki spoke about the ancient Syrian Bishop of Persia in the 3rd Century, Bishop Aphrahat on martyrdom at this time, saying the periods are definitely different but the experience of the persecuted Christians is the same. Bishop Daniel, of Coptic Orthodox Church, spoke on the 11th September 2014 about the Martyrdom of Christians, and how the Coptic New Year is celebrated on the 11th September because of the Martyrdom of the Copts that goes back to Diocletian period of 284AD.

Friday, the 12th September 2014, the Metropolitan, the Most Rev. Archbishop Mar Jibrael Kassab spoke, “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom” (Luke 12:32) and “These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

In all, a clear message is given to the Council, Christians are persecuted in the Middle East.

Recently, the Global Christian Forum had announced the persecution of Christians is severe in 4 countries: Iraq, Syria, Egypt and Nigeria. Three of the four countries are our member churches. What shall we do? What shall you do? What can we do collectively? This is a question that we need to answer!

From cover story...

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SUPPORTING EASTERN CHURCHES DURING THE 3 DAY FAST AND PRAYER SERVICES

10-12 SEPTEMBER 2014

Eastern Churches Bishops and their Representatives: - Top Left: Wednesday 10th September 2014 at the Syrian Orthodox Church at Lidcombe. Top right: Thursday 11th September 2014 at Coptic Orthodox Church at Guildford. Middle Left: Friday 12th September 2014 at The Catholic Chalcedon Church Bossley Park. Middle Right: Local youth who carried the cross in the procession. Bottom Left: The people march in the procession outside the church at Bossley Park. Bottom right: The deacons of the church led the prayers at Bossley Park

Other council activities...Over the past three months the Council has being building relationships with Heads of Churches, churches and communities, sharing stories and building dreams of a stronger Ecumenical partnership. The support of the Iraqi, Syrian and Assyrian and Chalcedon communities in their recent demonstration, commenced at Belmore Park at Central Station and concluded at Martin Place on Saturday 2nd August 2014. The installation of the new Anglican Bishop for Riverina, the Right Reverend Bishop Robert Gillion.

A very successful Forum that was attended by over 100 participants on the 29th August 2014, “Achieving Peace through Justice”. A new President of the Council, The Rev John Barr was commissioned at the AGM of the NSW Ecumenical Council on the 30th August 2014 and a new Executive of the Council was endorsed. The following are some photos of some activities of the Council:

Visit to the Religious Society of Friends.The Vice President of NSW Ecumenical Council, Ms Wies Schuiringa standing behind Very Rev Fr Shenouda Mansour on Tuesday 5th August 2014

High School students present a workshop on “Achieving Peace through Justice”- Forum on 29th August 2014

Visit to the Indian Orthodox Church Vicar Rev. Fr. Thomas Vargheseas with the Deacons of St Thomas Indian Orthodox Church in Wattle Grove – Sunday 29th June 2014

Visit to Regional NSW – Wagga Wagga – Right to Left: Dr Ayman Shenouda, Rev Fr Yostos Wasef, Bishop Gerrard Hanna – Roman Catholic Bishop and Very Rev Fr Shenouda Mansour – Saturday 16th August 2014

Regional NSW - Griffith The laying of hands at the Anglican Cathedral in Griffith consecrating the Robert Gillion as Bishop of the Anglican Church in the Province of NSW, Friday Night 15th August 2014

Visit at the Salvation Army South East Headquarters, Commissioner James Condon on Monday 14th July 2014 Eastern Region, with Commissioner James Condon

Visit to the Mar Thoma Church in Harris Park, Vicar Rev Fr Matthew Matthew on Sunday 22nd June 2014

Round table discussion at the recent NSW Ecumenical Council AGM on 30th August 2014

Visit to the Heads of Churches of the Assyrian Church of the East – Archbishop His Beatitude Mar Meelis Zaia (left) – Tuesday 24th June 2014

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Participating organisations in the Forum were: Pace e Bene Australia, Columban Mission Institute Centre for Peace, Ecology and Justice; the Uniting Church Synod of NSW and ACT; Pax Christi Australia;

Act for Peace of the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA); Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney; The House of Welcome; Catholic Missions; the Quakers; MSC Justice and Peace Office; and Edmund Rice Centre’s Pacific Calling Partnership.

This Forum was a local response to the World Council of Churches’ invitation to join the Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace, which was issued at the 10th Assembly of the WCC held last year in Busan, Korea. The WCC calls us “to turn our whole beings to caring for the whole of creation and to affirm that all people are created in God’s image, to listen to voices from the margins, to share lessons of hope and perseverance, to recommit ourselves to work for liberation, and to act in solidarity.” Member churches of the WCC and all national and regional Councils of Churches have been invited to plan means of celebrating this “pilgrimage” and share with the WCC their proposals for participating in this program. Achieving Peace with Justice is part of our response to this call.

One of the goals of the Forum was to “affirm and strengthen our faith and commitment for the long haul, striving for peace and justice.” This objective recognises that those who work for justice and peace are often discouraged by the failure to achieve results, contributing to feelings of impotence and frustration.

What was the Purpose of the Forum?

• to provide an affirmation for all striving for “peace with justice”

• to encourage those committed to this objective to be there for “the long haul”

• to strengthen the faith and commitment of those who are walking this road

• to act in solidarity for those oppressed by inequitable structures in our society

• to reach out and challenge those who are open to such a dialogue

• to provide suggestions for action to be modelled in presentations at the Forum

Who was the audience invited to the Forum?Members of Christian faith communities who have a commitment to peace & justice; those in other faiths who have a similar commitment to achieving peace with justice; students in schools and universities who have

experiences to share and are open to learn; those who work with relevant agencies who can share their models of achieving peace/justice. Over 100 attended the day session, including 60 students, and 65 to the Dinner with guest speakers. Eight faith groups mounted exhibitions of their resources to encourage action on issues of justice and peace.

Ten Burmese refugees attended the dinner and ten members of the Sudanese choir joined for dinner and sang before and after the dinner.

What issues were covered in the Workshop Groups offered during the afternoon?

Topics included:

Breaking bread and barriers: Young People, Interfaith dialogue, Peace and Justice in Multi-religious Sydney; Ecology and Justice: a Pacific perspective; Examples of the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change; Non-violent processes: Love finds a Way; Give Hope, end child detention; description of Sydney Alliance programs; Food and Faith; the Ecumenical Accompaniment Program in Palestine and Israel; Militarism and Peacemaking

Following 90 minutes in BreakOut groups discussing the above issues each group was asked to report on significant outcomes from their discussion. Summaries from the groups will form part of a full report on the Forum.

The Keynote Speaker at the Opening Session of the Forum was the prominent media commentator

Dr John Falzon, CEO of the St Vincent de Paul National Office, a member of Government Advisory Committees,

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The NSW Ecumenical Council in partnership with faith based organisations held a forum

‘Achieving Peace with Justice’on Friday 29 August 2014 at Santa Sabina College Hall, The Boulevarde, Strathfield

Ms Elizabeth Stone, representing Act for Peace NCCA Commission, presents results from a workshop at the Forum.Ms Elizabeth Stone is now is the Associate Interim General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in Australia

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NSW Ecumenical CouncilPh: 8259 0819 Fax: 9262 4514

Editor: Very Rev Fr Shenouda Mansour

Email: smansour@ncca.org.auWebsite: www.nswec.org.au

At Act for Peace we believe in a world where every person is free from suffering caused by conflict natural disasters.

Across the world, we work with local communities so they can prepare for emergencies and respond fast to protect the most vulnerable people when disaster hits. We also lobby governments and decision-makers for positive action which promotes peace and supports people affected by conflict and disaster.

www.actforpeace.org.au

poet, columnist and author of ‘The language of the unheard’ (2012).

He described how “New passions are coming to the surface in societies around the globe. Popular uprisings and social critiques are emerging in response to disempowerment, exclusion and the dismantling of public services and disinvestment in public goods.

The title of his book comes from Martin Luther King, who once observed that “a riot is, at bottom, the language of the unheard.” Dr Falzon declared that “Change does not come from above. The history of social justice and social change has been written by social movements. The truth spoken by the people who are forced onto the margins of society will always speak louder than the lies told about them.”

Dr Falzon’s address was followed by a response from Ms Caroline King, an Aboriginal leader, involved in meeting the needs of homeless people in the inner city of Sydney. She described her work among those who are disempowered and excluded from mainstream society and pleaded with us to challenge the structures of society which allow such inequalities.

Joseph Wakim, OAM, independent writer on human rights, founder of the Australian Arab Council, former Victorian Multicultural Affairs Commissioner, author of ‘Sorry we have no space’ (2013). He told the story of his his book: How an ‘average Joe’ became an accidental advocate with more than 600 published columns over 20 years; how the initial newspaper response to his stories was ‘sorry we have no space’ became a vocational calling; how I was a called a Muslim until proven Christian; how the ‘Arab Spring’ has rendered Christian Arabs an endangered species and how Muslims will march alongside Christians opposed to militant Muslim movements

Professor Marion Maddox, Department of Modern History, Politics & International Relations, Macquarie University, author of ‘God under Howard’ (2005) and ‘Taking God to School (2014). From the evidence collected for her latest book Marion declared that “Australia spends more public money on religious

schools, including some of the nation’s wealthiest, than at any time since Federation; and the amount continues to grow. She then posed the question: What would peace and justice in education look like? She used examples from her own educational experience in both public and private schools and traced a significant shift in funding towards the elite schools, and the strong identification of political leadership with conservative Christianity.

The suggested improvements mentioned were: the opportunity to attend two workshops in the afternoon; to have such forums more regularly: at least one a year, and to offer more interactive activities. The attendance of the school students was valued, with their obvious commitment, input and enthusiasm. Other comments were:

• The importance of group support/ validation when working for change

• How PERSONAL stories of individuals can lend POWER to organisation

• Everyone can make a difference, no matter how big or small

• There are many things we can do as young people to challenge inequality and work for justice in our world

• The power of people: praying, quietly achieving peace with justice, and working in solidarity

• That many Christian churches see prayer as powerful and intrinsic to governing their actions in helping to fight for peace with justice. That its more than just hope but a real opportunity to influence change

• The sharing and valuable conversation, the value of dialogue as communication is the path to peace

• Remembering we are all part of God’s creation

• Love is the key word, Peace is the way

The Forum was supported with a grant from the NCCA Glenburnie Fund.

Doug Hewitt, on behalf of the Forum Planning Group NSW Ecumenical Council, 3 September 2014