Recruitment Drive and Ecumenical Register
Together Online has nearly 200 subscribers and we’d like to double that number! As you know, it’s free and a great way to keep in touch with local and global ecumenical news. Can you think of someone who should be receiving Together Online? Just forward them your copy, and point them to the bottom of the page so that they can subscribe for themselves. Do you use Facebook or Twitter? Scroll down to the bottom to follow us via social networking and invite your friends to do the same. Let’s get the ecumenical word out! If you would like to subscribe to Together Online, send an Email to administrator@churcheswa.com.au and we’ll get you signed up.
Ecumenical Register
We’ve also set up an Ecumenical register on our website, to highlight ecumenical groups within WA. You can find it under the About page on our website. If you know of any groups that we’ve missed, send us an e-mail at administrator@churcheswa.com.au and we’ll get their details added to the list. Visit the Ecumenical Register.
Ecumenical delegation expresses solidarity towards Haitians
In an effort to express solidarity and learn of the churches’ work in providing support and relief to victims of the Haiti earthquake, the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), is visiting Haiti accompanied by an ecumenical delegation of six church leaders from different parts of the world.
“I feel honoured to be here”, said Tveit. “For me, it is important to see and listen to the Haitian people and to see how the churches can respond to their needs in a meaningful way.”
Aid and international solidarity have been flowing into Haiti since the earthquake in January.
“The presence of the ecumenical delegation here in Haiti is one sign of that solidarity,” observed Mr Sylvain Exantus, the president of the Haitian Protestant Federation. Continue reading ‘Ecumenical delegation expresses solidarity towards Haitians’
Spending Time with God
Approaches to prayer across our different Churches sometimes involve different aspects which seem quite strange or confusing to others. Yet spiritual ecumenism is one of the most invigorating areas of our life together. The NSWEC Theological Reflections Commission is therefore pleased to announce a new resource which can both shed light on differences and offer very helpful opportunities for deeper prayer and spiritual growth together. Entitled Spending Time with God this prayer and discussion booklet is ideal for study/prayer groups in all kinds of settings. Comprising of five sessions it includes information and questions for discussion and allows time for prayer. The sessions can be used in any sequence and the resource is equally useable at any time in the liturgical year or during special periods such as Advent or Lent. Continue reading ‘Spending Time with God’
Edinburgh 2010
On Sunday 13 June, a Celebration of the Edinburgh 2010 World Mission Conference took place at St Peter and Emmaus Church in Mt Hawthorn. A packed church enjoyed musical presentations from GKI Perth and Korean Yeon Hap Congregations. The inclusion of these outstanding performers emphasised how much our understanding of mission has changed since 1910. Reader Cephas Issa from the Syrian Orthodox Church read from St Matthew’s Gospel in Aramaic. Dean of St George’s Anglican Cathedral, The Very Reverend John Shepherd, preached about the challenges of mission in the 21st Century. You can download his address here. Continue reading ‘Edinburgh 2010′
Events for the Heart and Mind
In this issue: NCCA Finance Director Vacancy; PeaceChurch; WA’s links with St Benedict stay strong; Perth Prayer Meeting Continue reading ‘Events for the Heart and Mind’
Rifat Kassis
Next Week! RSVP now!
Rifat Odeh Kassis is a Palestinian Christian and human rights activist born in Beit Sahour. He is a prominent member of the Palestinian Lutheran community and member of its Church Council, has held a range of positions within human rights and advocacy organisations within Palestine and internationally including Special Adviser to the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches and member of the World Economic Forum Global Agenda Council on the Welfare of Children.
Rifat Kassis has authored two books, Palestine: A Bleeding Wound in the World’s Conscience, co-authored with Dr Mitri Raheb and Christian Community: Facts, Figures and Trends. He had also held the position of Editor of Chain Reaction, the WCC periodical on Palestine and Israel. Continue reading ‘Rifat Kassis’
Clinical Pastoral Education
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is education to teach pastoral care to clergy and others. CPE is both a multicultural and interfaith experience that uses real-life ministry encounters of students to improve the ministry and pastoral care provided by caregivers of all different faith and cultural backgrounds. The Council of Churches of WA is partnering with Royal Perth Hospital to provide Clinical Pastoral Education Programs. Continue reading ‘Clinical Pastoral Education’
Ecumenical Team leads first ever KAIROS in WA
In a first for Western Australia, Acacia Prison played host to a Kairos course which concluded with a ceremony on Friday 28 May. Kairos is a local community-based Christian ministry that serves both those in prison and the families and friends of those in prison.
A team of around twenty men from churches around the state, ably assisted by interstate visitors, conducted the intensive four-day course. The participants were full of praise for the program. At the closing service, men bravely rose to address their peers and a group of visitors. They spoke of a greater understanding of God, of hope for the future, of improved morals and a renewed sense of purpose. The Kairos team committed to pray for and support the participants. Continue reading ‘Ecumenical Team leads first ever KAIROS in WA’
Edinburgh 2010 – Four Days to Go!
The Edinburgh 2010 Mission Conference is now underway. The delegates have gathered and papers are being presented on a range of topics. Here in Perth, we will be celebrating this exciting international, ecumenical event with a service of worship at St Peter and Emmaus church this coming Sunday. Continue reading ‘Edinburgh 2010 – Four Days to Go!’
Aid Flotilla Attacks show Gaza Blockade must be lifted: NCCA
Act for Peace is calling for a full investigation and a decisive response from the United Nations Security Council after Israel’s disproportionate attack on a flotilla of humanitarian aid bound for Gaza, killing at least nine peace activists and injuring dozens more.
Mr. Alistair Gee Executive Director of Act for Peace said, “We condemn the actions leading to the deaths and injuries of the peace activists and the assault on their human rights.”
“The attack in international waters on the humanitarian convoy constitutes a breach of International Law and Law of the Sea. This peaceful, symbolic mission was carrying food and medicines for the Gazan population, 80% of which is totally reliant on humanitarian assistance due to the illegal enforcement of the Israeli blockade.”
“The Australian Government must denounce the United States (US) and European Union (EU) -supported blockade of Gaza and take up the issue with their US and EU counterparts. As a policy designed to restrict Hamas’ capacity to function after its election win three years ago, it has utterly failed and caused a humanitarian crisis in which Palestinian civilians bear the brunt,” Mr. Gee said.
“Act for Peace is calling for the formation of an independent international investigation into this most disturbing incident, which highlights the pertinent need for a comprehensive change in policy toward Gaza”, said Mr Gee.
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