Anti Poverty Week will be held from Sunday 17 to Saturday 23 October.
Uniting Aid is a caring agency of the Uniting Church, supporting those receiving Centrelink payments in the City of Stirling. It started its life 40 years ago out of Dianella Uniting Church, offering donated food from the church vestry. Uniting Aid now operates out of church premises in Nollamara and helps families, single people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, those with disabilities, the culturally and linguistically diverse, those experiencing homelessness, and the elderly. The agency supports people with food every three months and with utility bills once every twelve months.
Ashley Macmillan, member of Wembley Downs Uniting Church, is a PhD student at the University of Otago’s National School of Peace and Conflict Studies, in Aotearoa/New Zealand. She shares a reflection on her studies so far.
Recently, I began researching how wars don’t happen, and this subject feels important to share with the Uniting Church because the kinds of things that prevent war are the kinds of things that the Uniting Church supports – often without realising it’s war prevention. Aside from that, when we consider that in a modern war, 90% of victims are civilians many of them children), it becomes clear that following the teachings of Jesus includes preventing war from ever having call to start.
War prevention doesn’t receive much attention in academia… or anywhere really. There is plenty about what communities do to create peace, however the focus is mostly on communities currently or recently affected by violence. What stands out here, is that when we only look at what communities do in mid or post-violence situations, we miss out on the ability to learn from communities who successfully prevented violence from ever starting.
For example, we hear many stories about violence and war in Africa, but did you ever hear about the war that never occurred in Botswana?
Despite being surrounded by apartheid, economic collapse and warring neighbours, different ethnic and language groups, large refugee inflows, colonisation and starting out its independence as one of the poorest African nations, Botswana didn’t collapse into violence. This story receives little attention, even though it represents an opportunity to learn from and about communities that have successfully avoided war.
Of course it’s much more difficult to tell stories of what hasn’t happened, than stories of what has.
Successful war prevention and the actions that bring it about are essentially invisible whilst the failure to prevent war is highly visible. This phenomenon influences many things including what receives funding, what receives media attention and what is easily measurable for research. Yet, it is not an insurmountable problem, and peace is not the only area that faces it.
Public Health is a concept that seeks to make visible the processes required for both disease prevention and maximising health, allowing us to consider lives saved through anti-smoking campaigns, vaccinations, and drink-driving education. In short, it allows us to study and further our successes.
In my research, I developed the concept of Proactive Peace, which I hope will provide a similar addition to Peace and Conflict Studies that Public Health has for Health Sciences. Proactive Peace refers to the variety of different community projects and process that address conflict risk factors, fostering an environment that diminishes the likelihood of violent responses to conflict sparks.
A conflict spark is an event or crisis which has the potential to directly trigger a violent response. Risk factors indicate a region’s vulnerability to conflict. Basically, a conflict spark is the lightening strike and the risk factors are the dry forest that easily catches ablaze. The approach of Proactive Peace is to address the dry forest, creating a situation where if lightening strikes, it won’t start a fire.
Of course, the presence of risk factors does not guarantee war, but they do make war more likely. In the same way that smoking, not exercising and a poor diet do not guarantee you will become unwell, but they do make it more likely. Public health measures address these health risk factors.
Proactive Peace takes the same approach, seeking to address the risk factors for violent conflict, rather than trying to resolve conflict after it has already started (which, to continue the medical analogy, is equivalent of focussing all your resources on the intensive care unit and the emergency department). Importantly, Proactive Peace is the actions undertaken to address conflict risk factors, be it through development, community organising, lobbying, cultural revival, or activism.
Of course, the exact actions undertaken will vary greatly across time, place and culture. However, as long as actions undertaken are addressing risk factors in that community, it is Proactive Peace – regardless of how similar or different it is to Proactive Peace actions we may be familiar with in our own communities.
For example, if conflict risk factors included: water, food and land scarcity; limited educational opportunities; and high youth unemployment, then Proactive Peace actions could include: planting along a riverbed, so the banks aren’t washed away after heavy rain; lobbying to stop a nearby mine discharging pollutants into the water to ensure it remains drinkable; providing toilets in schools to support girls to attend; and starting an agro-forestry project to provide youth employment and prevent the desertification of land.
I say that the Uniting Church supports actions which prevent war ‘without realising it’, because so many of our actions of development, protest and advocacy address conflict risk factors, both at home and in the world. By making visible this important work that occurs preventing wars Proactive Peace gives the world a way to see (and support) peace, before we see violence.
If anything in this introduction interests you, please get in touch with through my blog at proactive-peace.org
On Sunday 18 April, the worshipping community of Uniting Church in the City, Wesley Perth celebrated a unique combination of achievements and milestones in a very moving ceremony, toward the end of our Sunday morning service.
During its Mission Planning process in 2018 one of the disturbing learnings for Star St Uniting Church in Carlisle was that we were virtually invisible in our local community.
While our building is on a busy intersection, it is not immediately identifiable as a church – many locals thought it was part of a nearby nursing home, or a business or offices. A few years ago an attractive mural to symbolise our church had been created on an outside wall, but it was clear we needed more. Few local residents knew about our church, what we did or what we stood for.
In early February, bushfires tore through properties in the north-east of Perth, destroying 86 homes along the way. But since February, news of the fires has been trumped by lockdowns, an election and a cyclone. For affected communities, however, the fire is still very much front of mind.
More than 100 lay and ordained members from our congregations and faith communities gathered for the 16th Annual Meeting of the Presbytery of Western Australia, last Saturday 19 June at The Billabong Uniting Church in Canning Vale.
They came together for worship, fellowship and to seek the will of God for the Presbytery.
Presbytery members in attendance at the meeting are asked to fill in this feedback survey.
Opening Worship
Cam Harries, Presbytery member from The Billabong Uniting Church, commenced worship reading 1Corinthians 1: 18-21.
Rev Luke Williams, Minister at The Billabong Uniting Church, reflected on this “fascinating” letter dealing with the same kinds of human issues and disputes we deal with today.
“Christians are supposed to use their brains, but never is our intellect, oratory skills, rationalising or even what we might call ‘wisdom’ supposed to take the place of God,” said Luke.
“We’re here as the church today to discern God’s leading. Maybe, I humbly suggest, that sometimes our mindset is that if we simply talk, share, debate or put forth our wisdom, that somehow God will mysteriously reveal his will in that.
“Yet, the scriptures point to God’s people discerning the leading of the spirit of God when in prayer, waiting on God, in worship and repentance.”
Our host congregation was asked to lead a short time of worship that was a ‘taste of The Billabong’.
“We’ve been doing our services this way recently, beginning with the reading, the sermon and responding in worship. We’ve also been on a challenging journey of being more open to letting God speak. Waiting, listening and allowing Jesus to take the floor,” said Luke.
In the lead-up to Presbytery, Luke asked The Billabong congregation to pray for the Presbytery and to ask God to give a scripture, a message, a picture or a word of encouragement to build-up, encourage or bless the Presbytery and receive God’s love afresh.
Luke asked each member of the Presbytery to close their eyes, listen and allow these words given in prayer to encourage, fill and be reminded of the deeply personal, real love of God for each of us:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
If any of you wants to serve me, then follow me. Then you’ll be where I am, ready to serve at a moment’s notice. The Father will honour and reward anyone who serves me. (John 12: 26)
For this reason, since we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. (Colossians 1:9)
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:15)
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. (Philippians 2: 1-2)
“My prayer is that God will fill you up again today. In this posture of prayer and worship, in that place, we hear God and the Holy Spirit leads and guides us as the people of God,” said Luke.
Our new chairperson
The Presbytery agreed to elect Alison Xamon as Presbytery of Western Australia Chairperson for a term of two years.
Alison brings many gifts and skills to the role as a lifelong member of the Uniting Church and daughter of Rev Alan Miller.
Currently, Alison serves as an Elder at Uniting Church in the City (UCIC), Wesley Perth and is secretary of the UCIC Church Council. She’s a member of both the Synod and Presbytery of Western Australia, as well as Synod Standing Committee (SSC) and its Legal Sub-committee.
Alison established and runs the monthly Social Justice Church held at UCIC and is a former member of the Social Justice Commission.
“I am very conscious that I have no agenda for Presbytery other than a passion to ensure transparency, honesty, collaboration and respectful relationships within the Presbytery, with our congregations, and with the Synod,” said Alison.
“I believe the future of our church will depend on a commitment to bring us forward together and to embrace our diversity, intergenerationally, multiculturally and theologically.”
Working together
Michelle Bunn, Presbytery Standing Committee (PSC) member gave a verbal report with feedback from the recent consultation request about the Working Together paper.
On behalf of PSC, Michelle thanked the many congregations, faith communities and individuals who took the time to answer three questions about the oversight role of the Presbytery.
All the contributions were very helpful. They ranged from the immediately practical such as keeping Presbytery up-to-date with contact details of our leaders and representatives, to a detailed historical and contextual analysis.
The major themes were:
Question 1 – What is your understanding of the oversight between Presbytery, its committees, and congregations?
There is a feeling of disconnection and a lack of understanding about the links between these groups. Congregations are busy with being church in their local communities and the wider liaison with Presbytery seen almost as irrelevant and even a distraction to their daily walk.
Question 2 – How can Presbytery do this work better?
Responses overwhelmingly indicated a desire for Presbytery to get to know individual congregations by being more physically present at the many local activities, including worship services and Council meetings. Respondents also wanted more support from Presbytery, from technical IT input to pastoral and strategic support, especially for those communities without a minister in placement.
Question 3 – What can you do to help Presbytery in this work?
This question seemed much harder to answer. People want to help, but are not sure how. They’re already very committed to their local group.
“I think the key word in all of this is relationships. The general understanding seemed to be that this relationship is a two-tier model between congregations and something else,” said Michelle.
“The relationship is actually more like a web. Today, you are the Presbytery and you share that oversight responsibility. When you leave here today and go back to your congregation and tell them about today, you are representing Presbytery.
“Presbytery is very much a network where everyone is supporting each other.”
PSC will continue to look at the responses and do what it can to take on board the ideas and advice.
Uniting Church WA Strategic Planning
Rev Hannes Halgryn, Uniting Church WA Associate General Secretary (Strategy), outlined the Strategic Planning process he is undertaking for the Uniting Church WA.
To explain the purpose of the Strategic Plan, Hannes quoted from the Basis of Union, paragraph 3.
“Strategic planning is intended to be a mechanism towards maintaining our focus as “a pilgrim people, always on the way towards a promised goal,” said Hannes.
“Strategic planning moves beyond our reliance on cognition and intellectual hard work to a place of deep listening and response to the Spirit. It also moves us beyond relying only on our own ability to hear God’s voice to practicing corporate discernment as a way to affirm God’s will and direction.”
The process of developing a strategic plan for the whole of the Uniting Church WA requires awareness and sensitivity as we join together with congregations, Presbytery, Synod, agencies and schools. Each has a unique vision and call with existing strategic plans that are already in place.
“The objective of this strategic process is to collectively discern where we believe we should go from here and what we need to focus on that will get us there. Although the various parts of the church may have their own unique visions, it’s important to also have a shared vision for the whole of the Uniting Church WA,” said Hannes.
“A clear picture will assist each part of the church to see how they can contribute to the larger whole and be able to articulate how this is to be done. A shared vision will also enable the larger church to prioritise our limited resources.”
Hannes invited each of us to help prayerfully discern the Core Values that we would like to embrace as a church to help guide us on our journey by completing this survey.
Beyond 10 years extension
The Presbytery agreed to extend Rev Toby Keva’s placement at Rockingham Uniting Church beyond ten years by a further two years, from 1 January 2022. The Presbytery also commended Toby, the Rockingham congregation and their Church Council for their ministry.
Rev Marie Wilson and Sandy Scott from Spearwood Uniting Church have undertaken an extensive consultation with Rockingham congregation, their Church Council and Toby. Congregation members completed a survey. Overall, the feedback was positive with a desire that Toby’s placement be extended.
Appreciation for Toby’s ministry and the developments that had taken place were expressed. The consultation team were impressed with the energy of the congregation, the involvement of people in the leadership of worship and development of gifts of young people. The Church Council also spoke positively of Toby’s ministry.
It was clear to the Consultation Team that Toby continues to develop himself as a Minister at Rockingham, works well with the congregation’s leadership and the congregation is vibrant.
Toby is also currently working toward accreditation as a Reserve Navy Chaplain.
Closure of Nannup Uniting Church
With heavy hearts, the Presbytery agreed to dissolve Nannup Uniting Church because they can no longer fulfill the purpose, functions and responsibilities required of a congregation under the Uniting Church in Australia Regulations.
Nannup Uniting Church is part of the Bay Life Uniting Church, Busselton community. This request to the Presbytery came from Bay Life Church Council due to a decline in membership and the cessation of worship at Nannup.
Presbytery gave thanks, with deep gratitude for the faithful worship, mission and service of the people of the Nannup congregation. A service of worship to celebrate the life and witness of Nannup Uniting Church will be held to mark its dissolution.
Following this decision, the Pastoral Relations Committee (PRC) will work with the congregation to ensure that each member and adherent is transferred to a roll of another congregation; pastoral care is provided; and that future use of the church, hall and manse buildings are determined.
Reports
Reports were received from the Presbytery Standing Committee (PSC), Presbytery Treasurer, Candidates for the Ministries Committee (CMC), Commission for Education for Discipleship and Leadership (CEDAL), Intergenerational Ministry Network (IMN), Multicultural Network, Pastoral Relations Committee (PRC), Rural Ministry Network and Thrive Mission Committee.
Following presentation of the reports, members of the Presbytery worked in table groups to discuss and answer four questions:
What arose from the reports that we need to discuss further or consider?
What do congregations need from the Presbytery?
What can we do about it?
Presbyteries are called to exhort their congregations to fulfill their high calling in Jesus Christ. What are the key characteristics congregations show when they are doing this?
At the end of 40 minutes, each group was asked to share one point with the Presbytery.
All responses were recorded and will be used by PSC to help with further work or to prepare for future meetings.
Further decisions
Recognition of CALD Pastors
The Presbytery agreed by consensus that the Presbytery Standing Committee (PSC) prepare and submit a proposal to the 45th Annual Meeting of the Synod of Western Australia aimed at approving formal recognition of unremunerated Pastors in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) congregations and faith communities within the Presbytery of Western Australia.
The learnings will help to inform how other unremunerated Pastors can be recognised.
Intentional connections
The Presbytery agreed by consensus that the Presbytery Standing Committee (PSC) write to its congregations and faith communities to ask them to consider whether they’re called to explore intentional relationships for mutual support with another Uniting Church congregation or worshipping community.
Elections
The Presbytery agreed to elect as chairpersons of Presbytery Committees:
Candidates for the Ministries Committee (CMC) – Rev Bev Fabb
Pastoral Relations Committee (PRC) – Rev Ivan Clark
The Presbytery agreed to elect as members of Presbytery Committees:
Pastoral Relations Committee (PRC) – Rev Dr Sonny Rajomoney and Sue Strutt
Lay representatives of the Presbytery were elected as members of the 45th Annual Meeting of the Synod of Western Australia to be held from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 September.
The Presbytery Standing Committee (PSC) will consider and determine further nominations for any committee or body where the full complement of members hasn’t been achieved.
The final session of Presbytery was a service to install Alison Xamon as the Presbytery of Western Australia chairperson. Alison then commissioned those who had offered themselves for service as convenors of the committees in the life of our Presbytery:
Candidates for the Ministries Committee (CMC) – Rev Bev Fabb
Commission for Education for Discipleship and Leadership (CEDAL) – Rev David Kriel
Pastoral Relations Committee (PRC) – Rev Ivan Clark
It was an exciting day on 20 August 2000 in Wannanup. The Uniting Church WA Moderator at the time, Elizabeth Burns, along with the help of a very young Jaren Picking, turned the key on the new South Mandurah Uniting Church front door and led the congregation and visitors into the service for the commissioning of the building.
Years ago, Alison Xamon began to envisage a new kind of ministry. A church community that would be truly welcoming and safe for all. A group that would see the fight for justice as simply part of being Christian.
It was a type of worship that Alison longed for, but over time it became clear that if she really wanted it to happen, she would have to make it happen. So, she did.
Yuko Tonai-Moore often brings fresh air to Uniting Church WA gatherings. She’s bright, kind and gentle, and passionate about her journey with God.
Growing up in Japan, Yuko came to Perth, Australia, with her family as a teenager. She didn’t grow up Christian, but her childhood was influenced by Buddhism, Shintoism, and Christianity.
