June 30, 2008

Inclusiveness a focus in Synod Bible studies

Can the church define itself by its inclusiveness?

What might it be able to learn from the ideas of the Democratic Presidential Candidate, Barack Obama, who is said to have inspired Americans with his imagination?

Synod members will be challenged to consider questions like these during daily Bible studies at Synod 2008.

Howard Packer, a barrister, lay preacher and member of the board of UnitingCare, will lead this year’s Synod Bible studies on the theme “Inclusive”, which ties in with the theme chosen by the Moderator, the Rev. Niall Reid, for the 2008 Synod meeting.

"How do we as a church move with God and transform our lives and the lives of the communities we touch? Part of the answer is by becoming a courageous, inclusive and generous people,” said Mr Packer.

“Many groups define themselves by their exclusivity. This year’s Bible studies will ask the question whether the church can define itself by its inclusiveness. We will consider whether inclusiveness is just about an attitude towards those on the outside or margins of the church or whether it is also about attitudes among members of the church with different views and beliefs.”

Mr Packer, who holds a Masters Degree in Peace Studies from the University of New England, said he was interested in the way Barack Obama had overcome massive odds to win the Democratic presidential nomination.

“Eighteen months ago, in a deeply divided American society, he was a one in 50 shot at the nomination. Now he has it. Why? Because people are attracted to his politics of inclusion and hope.

“In his latest book, The Audacity of Hope, Obama imagines that bi-partisan approaches to the problems that beset the USA create better results.

“He writes, ‘Spend time actually talking to Americans and you discover most evangelicals are more tolerant than the media would have us believe and most secularists more spiritual. Most rich want the poor to succeed and most poor are both more self critical and hold higher aspirations than the popular culture allows.’

“Obama has been criticised for being unrealistic and not focusing on nuts and bolts issues of administration but it has been his imagination that has inspired. We will consider whether there are some lessons to be learned by our Church by this approach.”

Mr Packer’s interests include bush walking, cycling, sailing, reading and cooking (although he said his 20 plus years as a vegetarian means that he prepares meat dishes in the same way the deaf Beethoven composed).

He is married and has three children, and worships at Balmain Uniting Church.