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EcumenismDescribe the
impact of Christian ecumenical
movements in Australia
Rationale Historically, Australia has experienced
Sectarianism between Christian denominations: mainly Anglicanism and Catholicism, inherited from the UK.
Ecumenism is one of the most significant features of post-war Australian Christianity
Christianity is the major religious tradition within Australia.
Ecumenism SPIRIT OF ECUMENISMThe word ‘ecumenical’ is properly used to describe
everything that relates to the whole task of the whole Church to bring the Gospel to the whole world. It therefore covers … both Unity and Mission in the context of the whole world. (World Council of Churches Central Committee, August 1951)
DEFINITIONThe efforts to restore unity among the Christian Churches, which are separated from each other in
various ways. CHARACTERISTICS
Stress on common values and teachings that prevail across all Christian Churches
The rediscovery of the shared history (Apostolic tradition) and ethos of all Christians
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity ~ 12 May – 19 May 2013
Recognises the common call to a prayerful life Recognises the “unity that is visible in Christ.” (NCCA Website
2013.)
Theme: “What does God require of us?” Scriptural Reference Micah 6: 6-8: “…what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Resources, prayer schedule and Ecumenical Service of Worship – a common service
Developed, by invitation, by the Student Christian Movement of India (SCMI) who is celebtrating their centenary on behalf of all Christians, worldwide
NSW Celebration: St James’ Church, Sydney (Anglican Church) (NSWEC Website 2013)
impact Week of Prayer for Christian Unity:
Celebrated at Pentecost Recognises the Apostolic starting point for all denominations (Pentecost Sunday May 19, 2013)
Acknowledges common features: PRAYER SCRIPTURE FAITH CALLING FROM GOD
Educational Provides an opportunity to experience the diversity of
Christianity
NATSIEC – National Aboriginal and Torres strait islander ecumenical commissionAdvocacy – public support for or recommendation of
a particular cause or policy NATSIEC is the NCCA’s advocacy commission that supports indigenous rights and reconciliationCurrent Stances:
The Stronger Futures Legislation is disproportionate with the peoples wishes and catapults Indigenous communities back into the micro-management of Mission days…
…cultural and social reform enforced by punitive measures… reverts back to paternalistic protectionism
(On behalf od NCCA, NATSIEC…) requests that the Government heed the message of the Northern Territory Elders, communities and service providers in the quest for authentic consultation and negotiation … so that Indigenous groups may be able to seize their OWN futures
FYI:
Stronger Futures Legislation is a social policy of the current Australian
Federal Government, introduced in 2011 that attempts to address the key issues of DISPOSSESSION existing with Aboriginal Communities of the Northern Territory: unemployment; poor school attendance
and enrolment; substance abuse; community safety; food security; housing;
land reform.
Maintenance of pre-existing policy
Widely condemned by human rights organisations
impact NATSIEC ADVOCACY
Represents the “living out” of Christianity by actively engaging in social justice and human rights issues
Represents the joint CHRISTIAN concern; a united front
Represents CHRISTIANITY before political bodies, social reform groups – e.g. NATSIEC will be consulted for the “discussion paper and consultations on post NT Intervention options.”
Presents alternatives based on their own programs in the Northern Territory
Uniting Church in Australia Represents Ecumenism by its very existence It continues this work as a vital part of it’s history and
tradition through DIALOGUE: DISCUSSIONS WITH OTHER CHURCHES
TO WORK TOWARDS THE UNITY OF THE WHOLE CHURCH, WHICH IS GOD’S GIFT AND WILL Dialogue groups adopt specific aims with the purpose of
seeking to promote greater understanding, theological agreement and mutual sharing in the mission of Jesus
The groups put forward documents for consideration that each respective church governance approves or modifies
Includes: ANGLICAN CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA; ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH; LUTHERAN CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA; THE SALVATION ARMY; BAPTISM UNION OF AUSTRALIA
impact Dialogue
Forum for theological, historical, ethical and practical discussions
Respect each denomination’s processes and procedures
EVALUATE THE
IMPORTANCE OF
INTERFAITH DIALOGUE IN MULTI
FAITH AUSTRALIA
Interfaith dialogue
Recognition of Australia’s multicultural and multifaith community and the necessity to coexist, communicate and learn.
rationale
Cooperation between different religious traditions
Interfaith dialogue
Established in 2009 due to demand from the dialogue movement in Australia, particularly the demands from educational institutions
Focuses: Education and Research Community Building Cooperation in religious, social, environment and other areas of
concernCore Principles
Sincerity in intention and action Positive Action in very situation Service to God and humanity Excellence in practice and outcomes Balance in self, life and organisation Consultation with stakeholders
In communion with Affinity Intercultural Foundation
ISRA – ISLAMIC SCIENCES AND RESEARCH ACADEMY
Services High School Educational ServicesCommunity Engagement Academia and Research
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ISRA – ISLAMIC SCIENCES AND RESEARCH ACADEMY
“The JCMA is about meeting people of our own religion and others. We hope to understand other faiths (and our own) more deeply by starting to discover what they mean to other people who live them. We wish to develop an awareness of what is true, good and beautiful in faiths other than our own.” Principles of Dialogue.
Recognise common ground between the monotheistic, Abrahamic religions
Bridge buildingEncourage respect and empathyBuild personal and communal relationships between people Common prayer
JCMA – JEWISH CHRISTIAN MUSLIM ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA
Services EducationalJCMA Conference Wellspring Centre, Melbourne
Bringing together students across various religious schools, including Judaism, Christianity and Islam
Goodness and Kindness Project, NSW Aimed at Primary students, seeks to educate students on the
shared values of compassion and acceptance
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JCMA