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12th UCA Assembly

The 12th Assembly has opened and the new President Rev. Alistair Macrae installed at the worship service held on 15th July. Revd Mcrae has been a Moderator of the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, and is well-known for being the chairperson of the Assembly Sexuality Task Group which produced the controversial report on Sexuality based around the idea of ‘right relationships’. This report and its recommendations were debated at the 1997 Assembly. Rev Macrae’s sermon continued the Assembly theme – Living Water Thirsty Land and is available on the Assembly website in full.

The four themes in the sermon are listed below (from the sermon text):

  • Water – “and the fragile bounty of creation in general
  • The universal cope of God’s life in and through Jesus Christ and the imperative therefore for the church to be a fundamentally inclusive community.
  • The importance of truth-telling
  • A focus on faith sharing in the spirit of this woman (of Samaria at the well)

ACC member, Pastor Euan McDonald, was able to raise a ‘preliminary business matter’ concerning the non-inclusion in the minutes from 2006 of the members of the Assembly who dissented from the sexuality decisions (known then as Res.108). This matter will now be considered at a later time in this current Assembly. Euan was the member the 2006 Assembly who moved the proposal for dissent and he and others, have been rightly concerned as to what has happened in terms of the acknowledgement of this dissent.

The covenant with the UAICC was renewed during the morning session on 16th July, setting a context for the important debates and consideration of the proposed preamble and constitutional changes. The larger matters before the 12th Assembly are considered in community working groups (about 15 people) – and introductions have been held. Feedback from these groups is collated and reported to Assembly sessions for further consideration and perhaps revision of the original proposals.

Guests from overseas churches have been introduced with greetings and some brief sharing of issues from leaders of three churches: Methodist Church of Zimbabwe; the Presbyterian Church of India, and the Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma. One prayer point is noted below.

The out-going President (2006-2009) Revd Gregor Henderson, presented his concluding thoughts to the Assembly on Thursday afternoon. Check the Assembly website for more comment as these reflect a significant period of influence in the life of the UCA, as Gregor was also the Assembly General Secretary 1989-2000. www.assembly2009.uca.org.au

Today Friday there are important discussions on the new report from the Task Group on Jewish Relations, and tonight the start of the consideration of the preamble and constitutional issues, following consideration of general constitutional issues in the community working groups in the afternoon.

ACC – 12th Assembly Prayer points please – from the prayer team

The ACC prayer team is well established and providing a loving and supportive network for ACC members. Set times of prayer are held at the prayer venue at the Gemini Hotel, and informal times throughout the day with delegates and by encouragement through texting and messages.

  • That the Assembly be listening and open.
  • People to be able to concentrate through all the various sessions and events and that members be given insight into real issues and implications for now and future years, especially for the community working groups as they work through the preamble and constitutional changes.
  • People who have to speak under difficulty
  • Camaraderie and support for ACC members and other evangelicals
  • For the prayer team, and health and strength, especially for Revd Anne Hibbard,
  • For the gathering of supporters and members at the prayer venue - that especially the ACC members at Assembly have strength and for the Sunday night ACC dinner and hospitality event for ACC members at Assembly.
  • For the Methodist Church in Fiji – as they plan to hold their annual conference despite opposition from the government.

12th Assembly Prayer and Hospitality Arrangements

If you are visiting Sydney or live near the 12th Assembly venue and would like prayer, or you want to greet other members you are very welcome, with refreshment hospitality being provided between 6 pm – 9 pm each night: Wednesday 15th July – Monday 20th July (except the Sunday night dinner) Venue: The OAK ROOM, Gemini Hotel, 65-71 Belmore Road, Randwick.

Time: Open from 1 pm to 10 pm each afternoon and night. Note: the Prayer Team will be using the room especially for prayer between 1 -2 pm, and between 4 – 6 pm for the Sacred Season Liturgy and then 9 pm – 10 pm for specific prayer contact and support for Assembly members.