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Friday Forum

A few weeks ago I participated in the biennial South Sudanese National Conference in Melbourne.

The theme for the conference was ‘First Be Reconciled’ based on Mathew 5:23-24.

It was my privilege to share the weekend with my brothers and sisters from South Sudan. I listened to their stories of war and conflict, pain and suffering, ...

Birthday bash at Burwood Heights


Burwood Heights Uniting Church’s English conversations group reached a new milestone last month when it celebrated its fifth birthday.

ECOS (English Conversations for Overseas Students) was formed in 2012 to provide informal English practice for international students, working holiday travellers, new migrants and refugees.

Approximately 11 to 17 participants gather at Burwood Heights Uniting Church every Sunday ...

Congress shares with Canadian Indigenous leaders

Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress Tasmanian-based minister Rev Tim Matton-Johnson still recalls, with some emotion, witnessing a cleansing and healing service for indigenous Canadian children in Saskatchewan earlier this year.

The moving service – for those who died while in Canada’s residential school system – was a memorable moment of the three-week exchange with local Indigenous leaders organised ...

The dark side of the Melbourne Cup


I grew up in a household with a dad that liked to have a bet on the races. He never lost big, but we were not a well-off household and mum often did without to make ends meet. So dad’s gambling was the source of many arguments and tension in the home. He seemed to be able ...

Pilgrim bids farewell to class of 2017

Pilgrim Theological College rounded off the academic year last week with a valedictory service to farewell those who had completed or were completing an award, as well as one candidate who was exiting for ordination as a minister with the Uniting Church.

The service was held at the Centre of Theology and Ministry in Parkville on Thursday evening with ...

On the pronunciation of Malvern, or, This CALD Life

JOY HAN

I feel ambivalent about how our movement uses the term ‘CALD’.

My life experience has been culturally and linguistically diverse since before I can remember.

English, technically my second language, is my preferred language. I have been studying Korean, my mother tongue, ever since day one of kindergarten. My parents say that on that day my appetite ...

Taskforce chair says time to end offshore detention


The chair of the Australian Churches’ Refugee Taskforce (ACRT) has called for the recognition that offshore detention has failed, even according to its original charter, and called for detainees to be immediately settled in Australia.

A stand-off continues at the site of the Manus Island facility where the detained men are refusing to be moved out of ...

Candle flicker a reminder of lives cut short

A small group of church and community members gathered on the steps of Richmond Uniting Church on Wednesday evening to remember those who have passed away from overdose, suicide and illness.

Service on the Steps was held on All Saints Day, a day to honour lost loved ones.

The bereaved lit candles on the steps of the church ...

‘We will die’: Manus refugees send out SOS


Refugees on Manus Island are sending out desperate pleas as they brace themselves for a violent confrontation with the Papua New Guinea military after the detention centre officially closed on Tuesday.

More than 600 men have barricaded themselves inside the centre with all power, water and other essential services cut off.

Australian and Papua New Guinea staff ...

“Do not walk away from Manus Island refugees”


Uniting Church in Australia President Stuart McMillan has called on the Australian Government to ensure the safety of refugees on Manus Island as the main detention facility is due to close today.

Around 600 refugees have refused to leave because they fear their safety outside of the Regional Processing Centre.

“Australia cannot walk away ...

Uniting in support of Medically Supervised Injecting Centre trial

The Uniting Church and its community services arm Uniting have welcomed the Victorian state government’s move to set up a Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC) for a two-year trial period in Melbourne to prevent more deaths from drug overdose.

Victoria’s parliament is expected to quickly pass legislation being introduced by the Andrews Government to establish a MSIC at ...

Launceston South Church closes after 180 years

After 180 years of meeting the spiritual needs of the people of Launceston South, the South Esk Uniting Church Cluster closed the doors on the Uniting Church building in Margaret St, for the final time with a closing service in late October.

In the final sermon, the acting synod liaison minister Rev Michelle Cook said the service was about ...