News links archive
NOTE: These are news items linked from various sources external to the Uniting Church and are not Uniting Church policy.

2008

July

How God inspires my New South Wales rule
Like five million other Australians, I proudly belong to the Catholic faith — a tradition that stretches back 2,000 years and includes more than one billion adherents in every country of the world. READ ON

Pope faces growing religious scepticism in Australia
Fading faith in God, disgust over sex abuse scandals and objections to the church's stance on gays, abortion and contraception will greet Pope Benedict XVI in Australia this week. READ ON

Stance on sexuality turning young people off religion
While the Catholic Church in Australia is hoping this week's event will showcase its faith to the nation's non-religious youth, a new survey suggests any recruitment drive could be a difficult task. READ ON

Gay, lesbian Christians urge tolerance
Members of Sydney's gay and lesbian community have urged tolerance and acceptance at a church service coinciding with the Pope's arrival for World Youth Day. READ ON

Celebrate Calvin by changing the world
The World Alliance of Reformed Churches, whose roots go back to the 16th century Protestant Reformation of Jean Calvin, is urging members to celebrate in 2009 the 500th anniversary of his birth by working for the unity of the church, promoting social justice and respect for creation, and by addressing war and violence. READ ON

Fine with food but dining on despair
Wesley Mission has announced a seven-point action plan to tackle long term homelessness after its latest study found that the majority of Sydney’s homeless have held a job but have been forced onto the streets or into shelters because of a major financial crisis. READ ON The Wesley report shows that homelessness can happen to any of us and that the response needs to be more than just a bed and a hot meal. READ ON

Tablet ignites debate on Messiah and resurrection
A three-foot-tall tablet with 87 lines of Hebrew that scholars believe dates from the decades just before the birth of Jesus is causing a quiet stir in biblical and archaeological circles, especially because it may speak of a messiah who will rise from the dead after three days. READ ON

World's youth more religious than reputed
When the Pope arrives in Sydney for World Youth Day he will be met by hundreds of thousands of cheering young people. While this is often seen by commentators as an almost inexplicable anomaly, globally teenagers and young adults are much more religious than is commonly assumed. READ ON

Slurp soup, but silently
The dedicated volunteers who are set to complete their daunting task of making 1,200 cups of soup won't get to enjoy their mouth-watering soup. Instead, the soup will feed hungry pilgrims during World Youth Day celebrations. The group will feed visitors to the Paddington Uniting Church next week, where they are running a silent "oasis set aside for young people to experience silence and contemplation". READ ON

Keeping the faith
Audio: eight Catholics about their faith. LISTEN

Gays to protest at Pope's arrival
Gay and lesbian Christians will protest the Pope's condemnation of homosexuality ahead of World Youth Day, labelling his beliefs as right-wing propaganda. READ ON

The 'turban effect'
A computer simulation suggests that one-sided media reports are making us all unconsciously Islamophobic. READ ON

Saving lives, but injecting centre chief quits in anger
The medical director of Australia's only legal injecting centre has resigned, frustrated that after eight years of saving lives and funnelling people into drug treatment programs, the NSW Government seems determined to keep the service on an indefinite trial. READ ON The outgoing director of the heroin injecting room in Sydney's Kings Cross has taken a parting shot at the State Government. Ingrid Van Beek has quit in protest because she wants the centre to become a permanent fixture. READ ON

No ‘winners’ and ‘losers’ in climate change debate
The Uniting Church today expressed its support for quick and decisive action to reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions and urged an immediate end to the language of winners and losers. “We have one atmosphere and one planet. Either we all win or we all lose,” said the Rev. Elenie Poulos, National Director of UnitingJustice Australia. READ ON

Housing crisis behind homelessness
Expensive housing, debt and unexpected financial problems are key factors behind homelessness in Australia, a new report shows. READ ON

Experts declare 'national crisis' of child neglect
Australia is facing a ''national crisis'' of child neglect, abuse and domestic violence, according to the chief executive of the Australian Childhood Foundation. READ ON

Climate change report rejects emissions trade delay
Australia's chief climate change adviser has rejected the Opposition's push to delay the introduction of emissions trading until 2012, warning there is no time to waste. READ ON Australia's plan for "diabolical" climate change. READ ON

Successful intervention
It's programs like UnitingCare Burnside's NEWPIN that child protection experts agree is the key to preventing child abuse and neglect. READ ON

Australia is not “God’s own country”
When Pope Benedict XVI travels to Australia for the first time for World Youth Day this week, he will be descending on one of the least religious nations in the western world. READ ON

Tributes for a champion of Japan's Korean minority
The Rev. Lee In Ha, a Korean pastor and church leader in Japan is being remembered for his role in promoting the rights of the country's Korean minority and for his justice and peace work in North East Asia. READ ON

Pacific visit to highlight climate change concern
Climate change, its causes and consequences as well as the role of churches and the worldwide ecumenical family will be at the center of a July 7-14 visit to the Pacific region by the World Council of Churches general secretary the Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia. READ ON

Iraq: Worse for Christians than under Hussein
The Rev. Canon Andrew White, affectionately known as The Vicar of Baghdad, says the situation for Christians in Iraq is "clearly worse" than under the Saddam Hussein regime, toppled by US and Coalition forces in 2003. READ ON The disaster for Christians in Iraq. READ ON

Rebels owe swollen numbers to nuisance laws
When it first got under way, NoToPope could probably only have counted on rallying support from a few diehards. But that changed after the revelation this week the NSW Government had quietly promulgated regulations that would make wearing T-shirts promoting NoToPope's causes illegal and punishable by a $5500 fine. READ ON

Marcus Welby he's not
It is House’s role as a foil for serious engagement with traditional problems of faith and morals that may explain the show’s success. READ ON

Let the church test its worth in marketplace of belief
Churches, and for historical reasons especially Anglican ones, are among the nation's most visible public institutions, and thus natural bases for social action. That they should be tearing themselves apart in the imperial detritus of world Anglicanism is a tragedy. READ ON

Jerusalem and Global Anglican Futures
The ideas, the money and the effort behind the conference in Jerusalem. READ ON

Churches work on their message
The challenge: welcoming nonbelievers while emphasising One True Path. READ ON More have dropped dogma for spirituality in US. READ ON Seventy per cent of American religious believers say many religious traditions — not just their own — can lead to eternal life. READ ON

Religious leaders tell G8 to cut military spending
World religious leaders meeting in the northern Japanese city of Sapporo in advance of the summit of the Group of Eight industrial nations have urged G8 countries to cut military spending to finance environmental protection measures. READ ON

Bishops Celebrate ‘Coming of the Light’ in London
Chair of NATSIEC and Anglican Bishop of the Torres Strait Islands, Bishop Saibo Mabo, and his wife Sanya, together with NATSIEC Commissioner and Aboriginal Bishop James Leftwich and his wife Lala, celebrated the “Coming of the Light” with the Council for World Missions on July 1, in London. READ ON

Worshippers unite
On Saturday and Sunday June 21 and 22 the Uniting church in Nyngan celebrated its 50th anniversary of worship in the present building. READ ON

Authorities defend police powers during Pope's visit
Australian authorities defended giving police the power to fine protesters more than $5,000 if they annoy or inconvenience Catholic pilgrims during Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Sydney this month. READ ON MORE MORE Not so much annoyed - more like ropeable. READ ON

June

Tuned for AIDS crisis
They are worlds apart but the Camden Uniting Church will raise money for young African AIDS sufferers at a concert on Sunday. READ ON

Leading Australian theologian to steer global network
The Director of Charles Sturt University’s Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, the Rev.Professor James Haire, is to take over from South Africa’s Professor Nico Koopman as chair of the Global Network for Public Theology. READ ON

Church's vote for change could permit gay ordination
The general assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) has approved a proposed change in the denomination's constitution that would, in effect, permit the ordination of openly gay clergy. READ ON

Lutherans ponder how churches must act
Mount Kilimanjaro pokes through the clouds like an inverted cone dipped into white cream. Still, even on a winter's day, from the nearby town of Moshi, the mountain's majestic snow-capped peak shows bald patches, and these are increasing. READ ON

Clergy and same-sex marriage
As California moves full steam ahead with gay marriage, clergy are being pressured to perform same-sex weddings and to perform them inside their houses of worship. READ ON

United Methodists focus on small churches
More than 40 people working with small churches across the US participated in three telephone-conference conversations this month to learn about revitalising small churches and ministries from Uniting Church General Secretary the Rev. Terence Corkin. READ ON

Social inclusion a must, says Herbert
Instead of bickering over cheaper petrol politicians should be talking about compensation arrangements for those hardest hit by fuel price rises, says UnitingCare executive director the Rev. Harry Herbert. READ ON

Byte-sized theology ...
The National Working Group on Doctrine has prepared the first three discussion starters in a series of "DocBytes", which aim to encourage theological thinking on specific topics across the Uniting Church. The first three are on Apologetics, Doctrine and Marriage, and future DocBytes are being prepared on Evangelism, the Christian Life, Baptism and Peacemaking. READ ON

Condemnation of homosexuals denies human rights
The problem is that those who believe in the inerrancy of religious texts find it difficult, or impossible, to tolerate those who deny or doubt their truth. READ ON

Islam is real threat to church, says Synod member
Divisions in the Church of England over homosexuality and women bishops are nothing compared with the threat it faces from Islam, a prominent member of its governing body has warned. READ ON

Anglican Church schism recedes
The Church of England's leading conservative bishop told Anglicans meeting in Jerusalem that the greatest challenge facing the Church is not homosexuality but "militant secularism". READ ON Nazir-Ali to boycott Lambeth Conference. READ ON Hardline archbishops declare Anglican split. READ ON

A temple to mystery and imagination
The enormous constructions at Cern evoke great cathedrals and Egyptian pyramids. Paradoxically, this extreme expression of modern science may be the most spiritual structure of our time. READ ON

Biofuel use ‘increasing poverty’
The replacement of traditional fuels with biofuels has dragged more than 30 million people worldwide into poverty, an Oxfam report says. READ ON

World Youth Day week packed with fun for families
Sydneysiders and their families are invited to be part of the spirit of World Youth Day Sydney 2008 during the school holidays, with a host of exciting free activities on offer throughout the July 15 to 20 event week. READ ON

Australia 'needs' children's TV channels
Dedicated children's free-to-air television channels should be established to help protect young people from sexualising material, a Senate committee has recommended. READ ON REPORT SUBMISSIONS Mothers provide role models for pleasure. READ ON

Church anti-violence initiative focuses on Pacific
Churches around the world will pray for the peoples of the Pacific as an international church initiative against violence focuses attention on the region this year. Pacific churches themselves will pray and reflect together on how best to promote peace in their communities. READ ON

'Gay Days' at the mega-churches
"Through the American Family Outing, we were able to share our families and our lives as out and proud LGBT people of faith with some of the most influential religious leaders in America. " READ ON

Jesus in China: Life on the edge
Under threat of arrest, Christian activists in China battle boldly for the freedom to practice their beliefs unfettered by the government. READ ON Tragedy of refugee Australia sent back. READ ON

'Church arguments miss the global challenge'
Anglican wrangling about sexuality and authority in the church is missing the big picture about how the relationship between religion and society is changing, says think tank. READ ON

Following Jesus into virtual space
At the 13th European Christian Internet Conference in Lyon, France, participants came from as far away as Iceland and Romania to share their views on how the churches should be "following Jesus into virtual space". READ ON

Polygamy in Australia
Leaders of Australia's Muslim community are calling for legal recognition of polygamous marriages. READ ON MORE

Leaving the fold
A new documentary looks at ultra-Orthodox Jews in Canada, the US and Israel who try to free themselves from their sheltered communities — and often have to go it alone in the process. READ ON

Zimbabwean student leader asks for relief aid
Zimbabwe 's run-off presidential election should be postponed, according to a young leader of the country's Student Christian Movement, who is in Switzerland to request the churches support for addressing the humanitarian crisis in the South African country. READ ON Church groups urge international action on Zimbabwe. READ ON More calls for prayers for Zimbabwe. READ ON MOREThe World Council of Churches called for United Nations action to put an end to "atrocities" committed by the Zimbabwe authorities in advance of June 27 run-off presidential elections. READ ON

Pakistan Christians 'living in terror' after kidnapping
The tiny Christian community in Pakistan's troubled North West Frontier Province is living in terror, says a Pakistan church leader, despite the safe release of 16 Christians kidnapped by a suspected Islamic militia group. READ ON

Think you know what Americans think about religion?
Despite the intense attention paid toevangelical and Catholic voters in a high-stakes election year, only half say they pay close attention to politics. READ ON MORE MORE

Condom protest for pilgrim march
Pilgrims will be handed condoms en route to the papal Mass at Randwick racecourse for World Youth Day as part of a protest against the Pope's views on homosexuality, contraception and abortion. READ ON Cardinal notes ecumenical part of Youth Day. READ ON

What is obscene these days?
Who holds the line between permissiveness and obscenity? READ ON We expect the law to be discriminating. READ ON

Doe, oh dear
You don't need a great singing voice to join a choir. You get to know the songs and, if you can hold a note and clap your hands in the rhythm, you'll be fine. READ ON

Faith on film festival
The first Faith on Film Festival, July 12 to 27, boasts two world premiers from Australian producers among nine inspiring films on the subject of faith. Six of the films are Australian premieres. READ ON

Volunteers needed for the Lost Sock Appeal
Sydney-based volunteers are needed to collect donations on behalf of the Australian Network to Ban Landmines (ANBL) between June 23 and June 27. READ ON

Christian magazine interviews senior Hamas leader
A respected Christian monthly magazine has published an in-depth interview with Khalid Mish'al, widely regarded as the most senior figure in Hamas, the Islamist resistance movement. READ ON

Thousands queue for family counselling
More than 10,000 people were turned away from family relationship services in a year because of rising demand, according to a survey by the Australian Council of Social Service. READ ON

Christianity 'could die out within a century'
More than half of Britons think Christianity is likely to have disappeared from the country within a century, according to a survey. READ ON

Refugees need more help, says African church leader
The head of the All Africa Conference of Churches has warned that the continent still has 12 million refugees, despite hopeful signs in some countries, and he urged a redoubling of efforts to help those who have fled their homes and countries. READ ON

Initiative helps end tribal conflict in New Guinea
After decades of ethnic and tribal violence in the southern highlands of New Guinea, thirty-two tribes have begun to sign a series of historic interim peace treaties, ahead of a big treaty-signing day on September 16, after eight years of work by the Uniting Church’s Joy Balazo. READ ON

Asian leaders urge effort to preserve 'Mother Earth'
Christian leaders in Asia have urged church groups around the world to support their campaign against accelerating land degradation caused by climate change or destructive methods of land use. READ ON

Building unity through religion
Former Uniting Church minister Dorothy McRae-McMahon knows the fear that comes with outing yourself to your church. READ ON

Biggest crowd at Myall Creek Memorial service
About 500 people made the journey to the Myall Creek Memorial service on Saturday. READ ON MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE Peter Garrett's speech. READ ON Myall milestone to reconciliation. READ ON The Hon Fred Chaney will be guest speaker. READ ON MORE MORE MORE MORE Healing wounds, forging relationships. READ ON Brief history. READ ON Motion in New South Wales Parliament. READ ON Australian Story. READ ON

Church used in roofing scam
A roofing scam along the Mid North Coast preying on the elderly and the needy has raised the ire of the local Uniting Church. READ ON

Churches of 40 countries give witness for peace
In Australia a broad spectrum of church leaders came together to address national public opinion makers on the Israel-Palestine conflict and launch a parish awareness kit. READ ON Mid-East peace call draws mixed reaction. READ ON

Scheme to help cut carbon launched
A carbon reduction scheme enabling people to reduce their emissions and help poor communities suffering the worst effects of climate change, has been launched by Christian charity Tearfund. READ ON Only higher prices will cure fuel addiction. READ ON

Presbyterians to tackle gay clergy debate - again
America's largest Presbyterian denomination will tackle the question of gay and lesbian clergy at its biennial General Assembly, June 20-28. READ ON

Oil prices fuel fury from the pulpit
Some clergy question the car's role in society as gasoline costs keep some of the faithful away from services. READ ON A world of worries to chew on. READ ON Blueprint for an energy [r]evolution. READ ON

Gay marriage: a new bind for church groups
Opponents of California's legalisation of gay marriage warn that religious groups may have to retreat dramatically from the public square unless legislatures agree to create some religious exemptions. READ ON

Re-marketing the Church
Instead of human centered ecclesiology, what would the church look like with a Christ centered ecclesiology? READ ON One of the most common reactions that young people have about the faith is that present-day Christianity is no longer like Jesus intended. READ ON

SA government apologises to abused state wards
South Australia's government has formally apologised to state wards who were sexually abused. READ ON

The public meaning of the gospels
The entire Western church, both Catholic and Protestant, evangelical and liberal, charismatic and social activist, has not actually known what the gospels are there for. READ ON

Israeli interfaith head to get international award
The International Council of Christians and Jews has awarded its Interfaith Gold Medallion for 2008 to the director of an Israeli interreligious group dedicated to involving religious leaders in promoting reconciliation and coexistence. READ ON

Doulos docks down under
The MV Doulos, the world’s oldest ocean-going passenger vessel still active, will dock in Sydney in August. READ ON Open boat weekend on the Greenpeace ship Esperanza. READ ON

Anglican church in meltdown over gays and women
The Church of England has been plunged into fresh turmoil by the “marriage” of two gay clergymen and threats of an exodus of priests opposed to the consecration of women bishops. READ ON

Jordan cave may be oldest church
Archaeologists in Rihab, Jordan, say they have discovered a cave that could be the world's oldest Christian church. READ ON

Is Google making us stupid?
Google’s headquarters, in Mountain View, California—the Googleplex—is the Internet’s high church, and the religion practised inside its walls is Taylorism. READ ON Some have suggested a web sabbath, a day or two in the week when we force ourselves not to read emails or post blogs or text messages; a break in order to think in the old way again. READ ON

Churches warn against wasting lives
Church leaders have condemned the binge drinking culture among young South Australians, calling for urgent action to combat the issue. READ ON

For Earth, a carbon price is priceless
If you think that the global oil market and the high petrol price has solved greenhouse emissions in transport, think again. READ ON

Rapture site sends unbelievers last chance
A new website says it will let devout Christians email unbelievers when the second coming takes place. READ ON

Canadian churches welcome PM's apology
Church leaders in Canada hope action will follow a public apology by Prime Minister Stephen Harper to victims of a policy whereby aboriginal children were placed in residential schools run by churches under a government policy of enforced assimilation. READ ON READ ON MORE Apology is "communication of the highest order". READ ON Anglican Church's 1993 apology. READ ON Presbyterian apology. READ ON United Church apology. READ ON MORE MORE MORE Being church and overcoming racism. READ ON

Belief in creator basis for dialogue
Interreligious dialogue is an integral part of creating a culture of peace, said delegates to an international conference in Jerusalem organised by a Brazilian-based group. READ ON

Minister returns to the Hunter Valley
Caring for others and listening to their thoughts are the attributes that make the Rev. Gwen Graham who she is in the Muswellbrook community. READ ON

Hope: film an 'ultimately redemptive documentary'
Amal Basry watched The Titanic at a cinema in Baghdad the night before she fled Iraq. Eighteen months later the people smuggling boat she was on sank between Indonesia and Australia. 350 people drowned. READ ON

Gay alternative to World Youth Day
"This is the kind of vision we should be sending to the next generation — and we will not allow it to be silenced by old men in frocks." READ ON

Church welcomes nuclear disarmament action
The Uniting Church in Australia has commended the Federal Government for its latest efforts towards banning nuclear weapons. READ ON

Sit down and talk: Tutu's Gaza solution
After Nobel Peace Prize laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu visited the Gaza strip recently, he called what was happening there a "gross violation of human rights" and noted that peace can only come when enemies sit down and talk. READ ON

Ecumenical education: strategically important
Ecumenical theological education is of strategic importance for Christianity in the 21st century. This was the message coming from the IV Congress of the World Conference of Associations of Theological Institutions held in Neapolis, Thessaloniki and Volos ( Greece) from May 31 to June 7, 2008. READ ON

Human rights advocate, Clement John, dies
Clement John, human rights advocate and ecumenical pioneer, died in Minnesota, USA, on Monday, June 2. READ ON

Churches tell world leaders in Rome: Feed the hungry
The world converged on Rome this week for an international summit on food and security, with some countries using it as a political platform, but the message from churches and faith communities was unequivocal: feed the hungry. READ ON Churches must continue to take action to change systems that hinder people from having the food they need to survive. READ ON MORE

Green Patriarch's warning on environmental crisis
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomeos I, seen by many of the world's Orthodox Christians as their spiritual leader, has blamed humanity for an unprecedented environmental crisis because, he says, people have broken God's command to protect creation. READ ON

Church backs end to Howard ban on abortion aid
The Uniting Church has backed a move to lift the ban on Australian foreign aid being used to give women in poor nations advice on and access to safer abortion services. READ ON Australian aid agencies are torn along religious lines. READ ON MORE

"I have heard the cry of my people"
A pastoral message from the Bishops of the Church of the Province of Central Africa on the crisis in Zimbabwe. READ ON

30th anniversary Mardi Gras protest service
The gay Catholic group Acceptance will host an interfaith service to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Mardi Gras parade. READ ON

Government urged to do more in Middle East
Australian church leaders have urged the Federal Government to increase efforts in pushing for a peaceful resolution to conflict in the Middle East. READ ON Heads of churches statement on Palestine and Israel. READ ON

Australia should 'spend as much' rebuilding Iraq
An Australian church leader has said his country should spend as much on reconstructing war-torn Iraq as its did on its military operations there. MORE

Communicators to make the voice of voiceless heard
Participants of the Asia Region - World Association of Christian Communication assembly have expressed concern that media in the region take sides with the interests of those in power, “instead of upholding the people’s voices and aspirations”. READ ON

Does freer farm trade help poor people?
The global food crisis has shone a harsh spotlight on the consequences of government meddling in agriculture. Poor people go hungry, in part, because Americans pay their farmers to divert crops from food to fuel. But in at least two areas, the crisis has emboldened those who are sceptical of free markets in food. READ ON Where in the world can we do the most good? READ ON

'Faithbook' group launched to unite faiths
A Facebook group called Faithbook has been launched to improve relations between different religions. READ ON MORE MORE

Taking their faith, but not their politics, to the people
Southern Baptists, as a rule, do not drink. But once a month, young congregants of the Journey, a Baptist church here, and their friends get together in the back room of a sprawling brew pub called the Schlafly Bottleworks to talk about the big questions: President Bush, faith and war, the meaning of life, and “what’s wrong with religion.” READ ON How should Christians interpret the Bible? It was just the sort of weighty question this group of beer drinkers likes to mull every week at a dimly lit Gainesville pub not far from the University of Florida campus, in their “theology on tap” meetings. “Prayerfully,” was one answer. “As Jesus intended,” was another. On the sound system The Police sang. READ ON

World leaders to tackle food crisis at Rome summit
The food price crisis will be tackled by world leaders who meet in Rome next week to seek ways of reducing the suffering for the world's poorest people and ensure the Earth can produce more food to sustain an ever growing population. READ ON Soaring world food prices may dip in coming months, but steadily rising demand means higher food costs are probably here to stay over the coming decade. READ ON

Food aid ethics
Between tragedies such as the one in Myanmar and the disastrous worldwide rise in food prices, a question long debated by relief experts has become urgent: What’s the best way to help the hungry? READ ON

Scientists rally against creationist 'superstition'
To mark a double anniversary celebrating Charles Darwin, the father of evolution, his supporters are taking the fight to their opponents. READ ON

'08 race has got religion. Is that good?
A greater focus on candidates' faith is generally applauded, but some cite reasons for caution in the 2008 presidential campaign. READ ON

inTENTsive care with Médecins Sans Frontières
In August 2008, Médecins Sans Frontières Australia is launching the first Australian tour of Refugee Camp in your City, a re-creation of a refugee camp and its facilities. It is open to the public (entry is free) and fully interpreted by Australian returned field workers. READ ON

Secret Vatican archive now at Sydney University
The University of Sydney has purchased Australia's only copy of the recently released manuscripts of the trials of the Knights Templar — a $10,000 reproduction of a document that rehabilitates the medieval Christian military order. READ ON

Nature loss 'to hurt global poor'
Damage to forests, rivers, marine life and other aspects of nature could halve living standards for the world's poor, a major report has concluded. READ ON

British turnabout key to cluster bomb ban
Prime Minister Brown overrules his military and bucks the US to support a treaty aimed against the munitions blamed for civilian deaths. READ ON MORE Churches applaud cluster munitions agreement. READ ON Once the UK’s position did the 180 a number of key fence-sitters like Canada and Australia lined up behind them. READ ON Australia joins in. READ ON

May

Theological education disrupted by Cyclone Nargis
Amongst the widespread devastation disseminated by Cyclone Nargis, Myanmar theological institutions were not spared their share of damage and loss. READ ON

Churches may be key
Chief executive of Wesley Mission, Reverend Keith Garner, made the trip from Sydney to Wagga yesterday to encourage local congregations to consider what support they can provide in addressing the city’s issues. READ ON

Pope to hold ecumenical and interfaith meetings
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI will meet the Australian leaders of other faiths during his visit to Sydney for World Youth Day Sydney 2008. READ ON

WA Uniting Church Centre goes green
The Western Australian Synod of the Uniting Church moves a step closer to its aim of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions today as it begins an energy audit of its administrative hub, the Uniting Church Centre. READ ON Resources and information about caring for God’s creation, from the WA Synod. READ ON

Deep concern for worsening situation in Zimbabwe
The peaceful environment which initially surrounded the March 29, 2008, national elections in Zimbabwe has changed significantly, going from bad to worse, and Uniting International Mission is asking people to maintain their interest, support and prayer. READ ON Zimbabwe Methodists condemn violence as toll mounts. READ ON

'Pokies biggest scourge'
Poker machines are by far the biggest gambling scourge, a counselling service in St George and Sutherland Shire has found. READ ON

Seek spirituality that energises justice movements
A wide array of justice movements around the world are challenging churches to create new kinds of spirituality that will sustain them as they struggle against empire. READ ON

Seeking dialogue with 'Islam of the people'
everybody knows today that dialogue with Islam is critical to the future. The "market," however, has not yet settled on a clear model for how it ought to work. READ ON Row over Muslim conversion. READ ON

Recipe for Hope campaign targets hunger
When drought, greed and inaction by world leaders are mixed with misguided government policies, "a recipe for despair" is the result. READ ON

Can science and God ever get along?
A series of 13 short essays published by the John Templeton Foundation offers different responses to the question: “Does science make belief in God obsolete?” READ ON

Sorry Day a chance to turn sentiment into action
Today’s national Sorry Day is the perfect catalyst to turn sentiment into action for members of the Stolen Generations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma said today. READ ON President of the Uniting Church, the Rev. Gregor Henderson, says that, ten years since its inauguration, National Sorry Day reminds us that there is much still to do in the reconciliation process. READ ON

Bible Society releases new Narnia discussion guide
Bible Society NSW today announced the release of the second study guide in its series The Wonderful World of CS Lewis’ Narnia, to coincide with the release of the film of Prince Caspian. READ ON

In praise of silence
Is technology’s quest to fill every waking moment driving out our memories, dreams and reflections? READ ON

Celebrations for Wesley Mission's 196th anniversary
The General Secretary of the Synod of New South Wales and the ACT, the Rev. Paul Swadling, joined long serving Wesley Mission supporter Ms Sadie King OAM in celebrating Wesley Mission’s 196th anniversary celebrations at the Wesley Centre on Sunday May 18. READ ON

The Australian Inland Mission
The Presbyterian Australian Inland Mission played a significant role in the nation building that went on at the turn of the 20th century. READ ON

Goldsworthy becomes a bishop
Australia's first woman bishop was consecrated in Perth tonight amid lingering controversy over her appointment. READ ON

Religion and public life
The tendency to treat all religions as equally silly actually has the effect of giving space to the mad, the marginal and the dangerous. READ ON

Swelling chorus demands: Save Our Churches
In the UK, church leaders, celebrities and heritage groups have come out in support of The Sunday Telegraph’s campaign to save the nation’s churches. READ ON

Burying Australia's inhumane refugee laws
A more substantial review of immigration policy and legislation is still required. READ ON

Churches preach but unconverted
Little wonder that demographers of religion claim that the poor record of the church on environmental action has been another factor in why believers are taking their faith outside the church. READ ON Not so green. READ ON Church of England hosts round table on climate change action. READ ON Churches mobilise for the greening of India. READ ON Greening the church email network. READ ON MORE MORE

Burma
100,000 could be dead. READ ON The Rev. Jason Kioa urges Uniting Church people to support the SHARE Burma Cyclone Appeal. READ ON The National Council of Churches in Australia has launched an Emergency Response Appeal for the victims of tropical cyclone Nargis. READ ON

British PM tells of 'irrepressible revolution of our time'
Scottish-born Gordon Brown has told the Church of Scotland’s General Assembly that international cooperation, not rampant individualism, is the key to humanity's future on a threatened planet. READ ON

Service for victims of earthquake and cyclone
The Uniting Church, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania will host a service to commemorate the victims of the earthquake in China and Cyclone Nargis in Burma on Friday May 23 at Wesley Uniting Church, Melbourne. READ ON

Coming to grips with same-sex marriage ruling
In the US, liberal and conservative congregations alike are discussing whether gays and lesbians will be allowed to wed in their churches, synagogues and temples. READ ON

What do a billion Muslims really think?
The Gallup Poll of the Muslim World is the most comprehensive study ever done of this group. Many key results counter conventional wisdom. READ ON

My church needs one of those …
The McNoot awards visited Surrey last week: a ceremony in which religious gadgets are judged by panels of clergymen according to whether they will enhance parish life. READ ON

Churches mobilise in support of earthquake victims
Christian communities in mainland China and Hong Kong have offered support and prayers to victims in Sichuan, who have suffered a devastating earthquake, China's worst in 30 years, that has resulted in the deaths of over 12,000 people. READ ON

Canadian church faces censure over gay pastor
A Canadian Lutheran church was proceeding on Friday with plans to ordain a gay pastor who is married to another man, despite warnings it would be violating church teachings and would be disciplined. READ ON

Church trying to 'limit' abuse debate
The Sydney bishop disowned by Australia's Catholic bishops as failing to understand basic church teaching says the church is trying to restrict debate on sexual abuse. READ ON

Australian church writes to Bush, condemning veto
The Uniting Church in Australia has taken the unusual step of writing to the president of the United States, George W. Bush, criticising his recent decision to veto legislation that would have outlawed torture techniques such as "water-boarding". READ ON

Small symbols of hope amid cyclone devastation
As the scale of death and destruction in Myanmar becomes clearer, the pervasive response is one of helplessness. The challenge is to keep alive the hope that things can be different, that shared humanity is more than a comfortable abstraction. READ ON

A step forward for human rights
Human Rights Commissioner, Graeme Innes has welcomed the announcement in last night’s Federal Budget of the abolition of the Temporary Protection Visa system for refugees. READ ON MORE

Tough solutions 'ineffective' for Aboriginals
There is no proof that "tough love" solutions, including quarantining welfare payments, are effective means of halting dysfunctional behaviour in indigenous communities, according to two leading Aboriginal academics. READ ON

Budget impresses welfare, infrastructure groups
The Rudd Government's first Budget has received a warm welcome from infrastructure and welfare groups, but faces criticism over cuts to the public service and its environmental spending. READ ON

International Day Against Homophobia, May 17
This year, the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHo), May 17, has special significance for everyone in Australia, with the federal government having committed to implement the recommendations of HREOC’s Same-Sex: Same Entitlements report to change the 58 financial and work-related federal laws that discriminate against gay and lesbian couples and their children, as well as to change around 40 additional discriminatory laws. READ ON

Invitation to Wesley Mission anniversary service
Members of the Uniting Church are being invited to join Wesley Mission staff, volunteers and supporters to celebrate Wesley Mission’s 196th anniversary at a special service at the Wesley Centre this Sunday, May 18 at 6 pm. READ ON

Religious journalism amid spiritual 'intolerance'
The theological and political divisions within the US religious landscape have made the once-quiet "religion beat" one of the most interesting, if intense, journalistic assignments in the United States today, writes a prominent award-winning reporter who covers religion. READ ON

Africa's pay-at-tap meters 'put poorest at risk'
In Lesotho, South Africa and many other African countries, devices that restrict consumers to only using water that they have paid for in advance are being promoted as a way to fund better water infrastructure, but church water experts warn this approach endangers the access of the poorest of the poor to this necessity of life. READ ON

Churches prepare action for peace in Israel-Palestine
Churches throughout the world are preparing to respond to six decades of conflict in Israel-Palestine with a week of actions for justice and peace, reports the World Council of Churches, which is helping to coordinate the event. READ ON Israel and Palestine — 60 years. READ ON "Just peace" call. READ ON MORE I Remember 1948. READ ON Redress the balance. READ ON

Few bridge the gap
Church ministers are unwilling to cross Melbourne’s West Gate Bridge and serve western suburbs parishioners, a Yarraville Uniting Church minister says. READ ON

Childish superstition
Einstein's letter makes view of religion relatively clear. READ ON MORE

The quest for happiness is no laughing matter
Was the Rev. Bill Crews right when declaring from the stage of the happiness conference: "Don't worry about happiness. You lot should throw away your notes and just go out and do it." READ ON

Burnside celebrates 15 years of advocacy
On May 8, UnitingCare Burnside celebrated 15 years of social justice advocacy. READ ON

Manna from hedge fund for Christian site
A new website run from Plano, Texas, has proved that the Old Testament promise of manna from Heaven has relevance in the digital age. READ ON

Archbishop Hilarion of Sydney elected ROCOR head
Archbishop Hilarion (Kapral) of Sydney, Australia and New Zealand has been elected the new hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. READ ON

Methodists told to expect mixed prospects
Methodists in Britain have been told by their president that the future holds prospects for both renewal and demise. READ ON Churchgoing on its knees. READ ON MORE "In Britain today there is considerable spiritual homelessness. At the same time as there is a lot of public interest in religion." READ ON

Resources for Sorry Day
The prayers long offered by the churches for reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians are a little closer to fulfilment. READ ON

A new evangelism for the US
Today's evangelicals are as concerned with ecology and human rights as with personal morality. READ ON

Faith groups mount campaign against torture
As Congress and the Bush administration skirmish over still-secret interrogation techniques, American faith communities are mounting a national campaign to prohibit torture and cruel and inhumane treatment of US-held detainees. READ ON

Indigenous stories echo down the centuries
The Macquarie PEN Anthology of Aboriginal Literature, a landmark book showcasing world-class writing by indigenous people and telling the story of the social and political conditions that Aboriginal individuals and communities have lived through, has been launched in Sydney. READ ON

Can you imagine a world without books and reading?
The Indigenous Literacy Project is a partnership between the Australian Book Industry and The Fred Hollows Foundation that raises funds to purchase and supply books and other culturally appropriate material to remote communities where The Foundation works. READ ON

The Australian Christian Lobby and the politics of fear
"We need to look at the issue of governance so that the broader community can assess Christian-based lobby groups." READ ON

When growth turns into a monster
To almost all economists, business people and politicians, the need to maximise the growth of the economy is a self-evident truth. One of the questions that is not put in the political process by either side of politics, let alone answered, is: Towards what are we striving to grow? READ ON

Indigenous staff on the rise at UnitingCare NSW.ACT
UnitingCare NSW.ACT has committed to taking on more than 140 new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff over the next 12 months as part of its recently-developed Indigenous Employment Strategy. READ ON

Leaders have strengths identified by NCLS Research
Australian church leaders took part in the 2006 National Church Life Survey Leaders Survey can now view their leadership strengths online. READ ON

Pentecost message of WCC presidents
May we this Pentecost, following the example of the first disciples, wait together, open to receive anew the life giving power of the Holy Spirit that God always desires to give to us. READ ON

A treaty to ban cluster munitions
“For more than 40 years, cluster bombs have killed and wounded innocent people, causing untold suffering, loss and hardship for thousands in more than 35 countries,” said the Rev. John Henderson, NCCA General Secretary, in a letter to the Minister for Defence and the Minister for Foreign Affairs. READ ON

Iraqi refugees cry out for Christian solidarity
Church representatives have heard stories of incredible suffering in Iraq and overflowing hospitality in Syria. READ ON

Hijacking religion
Suicide terrorism is a weapon of choice for groups with economic and political aims. Too often, it’s sold as religion. READ ON

The church is ailing — send for Dr Who
He has inspired devotion from a tiny band of followers, has sacrificed himself for the good of mankind and is destined to live for ever. Now, Doctor Who has caught the attention of church leaders, who are encouraging clergy to study the science fiction series to learn about its religious parallels. READ ON

Moving with God, Transforming Communities
Bible studies, based on a vision for the church as heard and articulated by past-moderator Jim Mein, call us to put belief into practice. READ ON

The new economics of hunger
The globe's worst food crisis in a generation emerged as a blip on the big boards and computer screens of America's great grain exchanges. At first, it seemed like little more than a bout of bad weather. READ ON The global food crisis is escalating, as high food prices are forcing humanitarian organisations to scale back operations. At the United Nations, leaders are appealing for more than $750 million in new aid. READ ON The clean energy scam. READ ON

Religious faith and human rights
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has given a lecture entitled Religious Faith and Human Rights, in which he sets out a fresh and original vision of how religious tradition — Christianity in particular — can help ground human rights thinking in ways that protect human life from violence, abuse or inequality. READ ON

New minister welcomed
Gloucester Uniting Church has welcomed the Rev. Rosemary Boxshall as its new minister. READ ON

Judge calls for gay-friendly retirement homes
For many people, growing old is a difficult process. But a forum in Sydney last night heard it is particularly hard for members of the gay and lesbian community. READ ON The church's teachings continue to be a cause of hatred and prejudice against the homosexual community, outspoken High Court judge Michael Kirby says. READ ON MORE

Australian church leaders urge action on Zimbabwe
The Anglican, Catholic and Uniting churches have joined the National Council of Churches in a call for “urgent action” in Zimbabwe, warning of a slaughter unless international action is taken against President Robert Mugabe. READ ON Archbishops make joint plea. READ ON

Divine inspiration
Even in modern, secular Britain, Christianity provides fertile ground for writers. READ ON

Closing the Gap must remain a daily priority
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma has used national Close the Gap Day today to urge the federal government to make closing the gap in life expectancy between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians a daily priority. READ ON Racism Makes Me Sick. READ ON MORE

Iraqi Christians struggle with fear after slayings
At the Rev. Thair Abdal’s church, where on Sunday mornings sweet songs of prayer stream from the doorway, the congregation’s fear of death leaves the sanctuary half-filled. READ ON

Church has left the building
Christians in the US should close their churches and channel their energies into helping the poor. This is the message from the campaign 'Faith in Action', a resource developed by Christian humanitarian organization, World Vision, church communication resources provider, Outreach, Inc., and Christian communications company, Zondervan. READ ON Faith in Action is a four-week, church-wide campaign that creates in congregations an outward focus and a heart to serve. READ ON

Emailing God: Dear God … Re: Me
Ever wished you could email God or join his mailing list? The new Dear God site allows you to petition the deity of your choosing with worries and requests and to read other people's. Replies not guaranteed. READ ON

‘Message in a Bottle’: a Micah Challenge
On Mother’s Day in Australia we remember and celebrate our mothers. But in poor communities mothers face great risks in childbirth. Micah Challenge and Make Poverty History have a campaign focus on child and maternal health in 2008. READ ON

Homelessness needs more attention
"A growing number of our homeless are families for whom the dream of affordable housing or home ownership has turned into a nightmare," says Wesley Mission Superintendent. READ ON Meet the budget busters. READ ON Rudd wants nation to fight homelessness. READ ON MORE Video of the Prime Minister being warmly welcomed by the occupants of the Edward Eager Lodge in Surry Hills for the launch of the new project, "Touch Life".READ ON MORE

April

Social services chief quits torch relay
The President of the Australian Council of Social Services Lin Hatfield Dodds, who is also the national director for Uniting Care Australia, has joined the growing world protest against China's stance on Tibet by announcing that she will pull out from the Olympic torch relay in Canberra this week. READ ON

A new evangelism for the US
Today's evangelicals are as concerned with ecology and human rights as with personal morality. READ ON

Parkes Uniting Church offers seminar
The Uniting Church will offer a seminar in Parkes later this year to help support parents and teachers of children with learning, social and behavioural difficulties. READ ON

Gay acceptance has advances and setbacks
There has been some progress in church thinking about sexual ethics, but the church's agenda on sexuality remains "confusing, unsettled, unfinished.” READ ON

Clergy 'bullied' by congregations claims union
Members of the English clergy are being bullied by parishioners while the Church is doing little to prevent it, a trade union has claimed. READ ON

The year of living biblically
Jacobs sets out to lampoon biblical fundamentalists, but by the end of his experiment he finds himself changed. READ ON MORE

Asia Sunday 2008
Churches cannot remain passive spectators to dangerous moves in Japan. READ ON Statement of Asia Inter-religious Conference on Article 9 and Peace in Asia. READ ON

Centenary celebrations in Strathfield
Strathfield Uniting Church in suburban Sydney is celebrating its centenary this weekend. READ ON

Shops try to stall markets
Several Goulburn food outlets have written to the local council in an attempt to close down a Uniting Church-run produce market. READ ON

Hundreds to take part in Drop the Debt fast
Campaigners calling for the cancellation of poor country debts will begin a 36-day rolling fast on Saturday, ahead of the tenth anniversary of the Drop the Debt campaign in May. READ ON

Sudanese youth and women identify challenges
Based on a candid assessment of how two decades of war have affected them, Sudanese youth told church leaders what they need most: skills training, jobs and means of participating in shaping their country’s future. Sudanese women, in turn, spoke out about their vulnerability, increased by war and cultural patterns. READ ON

Olive trees used as bridge to Muslims
Jerusalem Lutheran Bishop Munib Younan has joined people from the Palestinian-inhabited village of Biddu in planting 1000 olive and fig trees next to the Israeli barrier which separates