Every three years, the National Council of Churches in Australia holds a National Forum. Delegations from the member churches and from State Ecumenical Councils attend to engage in dialogue and to discern the direction of the ecumenical movement in Australia. Western Australia was well represented by five delegates. Mrs Dorothy Carey formed part of the Uniting Church delegation and The Venerable David Ingleson represented the Council of Churches WA. The Reverends Marie Wilson and Chris Bedding attended as observers and Mrs Loretta Wholley as part of the Christian World Service Commission. The theme of the forum was ‘Shaping our Ecumenical Footprint’.
It was a very busy schedule! Daily worship and bible study set the rhythm for the Forum, and reports and presentations were received from the various NCCA bodies and State Councils. Highlights included a public lecture from Father Gerard Kelly entitled ‘A New Ecumenical Wave’ and public worship in which the Syrian and Indian Orthodox Churches were received into active membership. The Forum also addressed tough issues around resourcing the National Council and considered ecumenical witness in relation to Israel/Palestine and Asylum Seekers. Find out more by clicking on the links above.
