Bishop Joel E Tendero from UCA partner church the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) recently visited Melbourne as a guest of the synod.
The synod of Victoria and Tasmania entered a formal partnership with the UCCP in 2006. Representatives from both churches regularly meet to enable strengthening of the partnership and explore possibilities of working together on a range of issues.
Bishop Tendero said the partnership was borne out of a mutual commitment for social justice.
“This kind of partnership is not only an agreement that binds both churches, but also a reflection of our shared commitment for justice and peace,” he said.
“We believe that this common cause for justice and peace is a mandate from Jesus Christ.”
The UCCP is active on a range of serious justice issues in the region and Bishop Tendero noted the importance of its partnership with the UCA in strengthening the effectiveness of its advocacy work.
“We have committed our church to the life and death issues of the Filipino people,” he said.
“This partnership assists our ability to pressure the government to make serious reforms and to consider the plight of marginalised people.
“The partnership is alive and working well and really supports serious social justice issues in the Philippines.”
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