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13th Assembly ACC Blog
This blog will cover news and Assembly proceedings from the 13th Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia: 15-21 July 2012.
No. 8 Debate finalised on Marriage Matters
The facilitation group brought a proposal to the Assembly based on the proposals already received. Proposal 71 was entitled: Discussion Paper on Marriage. The wording spoke to a change of emphasis. The President had begun to ‘sum up' where the Assembly was at and indicated he believed there were two main areas:
• Acknowledging the UCA position on marriage
• The importance of having a conversation
Debate started after 4 pm on Friday 20th July, and continued until the dinner break, and then resumed at about 7.45 pm. Groups involved in earlier proposals and Assembly officers considered continuing possibilities during the process. It was clear that the Assembly was going to make a decision that night as the proceedings moved past the normal closing time for the night session and other business was not considered at the session. Agreement was eventually reached (not consensus), though it was almost unanimous.
The full text of the proposal will be included with a link to the Assembly site when it is available, but the proposal acknowledges the previous decision (1997 Assembly) about marriage and asks ... the "Doctrine Working Group, after appropriate consultation across the church and with ongoing liaison with the Standing Committee:
to prepare a discussion paper on the theology of marriage within the Uniting Church, and explore its implications for public covenants for same-gender relationships; ..." and then mentions specific bodies, councils and groups to specifically receive the paper. The Doctrine Working group will receive and summarise responses and bringing recommendation to the November 2014 Standing Committee for a report is brought to the 14th Assembly.
The past-President in speaking to the discussion and agreeing with the proposal to acknowledge and begin a discussion, suggested that the Holy Spirit may be leading us to a third way - a new place we do not know yet.
Interestingly the ACC was introduced into the mix of groups to be part of the process. This was not included at the instigation of the ACC (obviously as ACC was not part of the Assembly), but arose from certain members suggesting this addition (and Uniting Network are included).
The Assembly concludes today at lunchtime. A number of proposals continue to be considered and they will be all working hard until the end.
The LUC Prayer team concluded their public ministry of prayer at Maugham Place Uniting Church on Friday. They were a vital presence of strength and service for the whole Assembly.
Thank you to all our members for your prayer and support.
Peter Bentley 21 July 2012
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No. 7 Presidents - heading to Number 14.
Stuart McMillan was elected President-elect of the Assembly [term: 2015-2018], following the second ballot. Pastor McMillan and former moderator Victorian-Tasmanian Moderator Rev Jason Kioa were the two nominees to go through to the second round.
Stuart McMillan is the 17th Moderator of the Northern Synod. He and his wife Ros (11th Moderator of the Northern Synod) are the only husband and wife to have both held the position of Moderator.
Pastor McMillan will be the 14th President when installed, the first President from the Northern Synod, the third lay person (the others being Sir Ronald Wilson - WA and Dr Jill Tabart - Tasmania), and the 13th male President.
It was difficult to see a clear candidate from the initial five nominees, as they all ‘represented' different areas in the life of the church, and different Synods. From my previous study of Presidents (‘The Magnificent Seven', Church Heritage), there were certain key elements that people looked for in voting (such as being a Moderator), but there are many other factors, and it is difficult to know the mind of Assembly members. I see Stuart's election as an affirmation of the Covenant and relationship with Congress as his relationship with Aboriginal and Islander people was a centrepiece in his presentation.
Peter Bentley 20 July 2012
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No. 6 Debate starts on Marriage
Thursday afternoon (19th July) at 4 pm the debate on the marriage proposals started. They were considered in numerical order, with the arrangements being an introduction of the proposal, then questions and comments. No decisions were made, and the facilitation group collected comments in order to bring a report tomorrow. Going on the discussion and direction it appears that elements of each of the proposals may be put together into one proposal for consideration.
The proposal from the Presbytery of Port Phillip West Presbytery (31) had an amendment proposed to add ‘and Uniting Network', to the groups who will consult on the matter. The rationale read "We could not, nor should we, make theological decisions about our indigenous, multicultural, female, ministry candidates and others without specific reference to others. We must ensure such consultation is made with our gay and lesbian members."
The mover of proposal 31 (Developing a UCA position on same-gender marriage), Rev Dr Avril Hannah-Jones argued (along with other points) that while there was ecumenical concern about this matter, it was less because the key debate in the area of ordination and same-gender relationships had already been held in our church. The ordering of the church was highlighted above marriage. She also proffered that our work would be of interest and help to people in other denominations that are going through the same issues.
For Proposal 43, Rev Lulu Senituli presented a brief message of faith first, outlining the need for compassion in a struggle we all shared, and highlighted the need to have clarity with regard to what we believe as a church, saying that it was important our pastoral response is consistent with truth. The seconder Rev Gwen Fisher argued that it was necessary to reaffirm our understanding of marriage because the Uniting Justice submission on same-sex marriage had raised doubts about what the UCA believed.
The General Secretary Rev Terence Corkin defended the church's public position on marriage arguing that statements had been made, but that the media had not highlighted them in a public way.
Proposal 46, which focussed on the role that the Basis of Union should have in preparation of a discussion paper on same-sex relationships raised a few questions about its intent and focus, and during discussion also perhaps unwittingly revisited a previous debate about the nature and authority of the Basis of Union.
One speaker commented that all of the proposals had issues or concerns, but all had elements that could be helpful [acceptable] in a single proposal. It appears that a revised proposal will be brought on Friday 20th July that will attempt to draw together aspects of the three proposals.
President interviewed on ABC Religion and Ethics report.
Rev Professor Andrew Dutney spoke to Andrew West in an interview played on 18th July 2012. The ACC is mentioned several times in the context of questions related to the marriage debate. The paragraph introducing the debate is included below:
For the Uniting Church in Australia, it is best of times, worst of times. Walk into many Uniting Churches - especially in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney - and the congregations will be swaying, clapping and singing their hearts out - not always in English. The church that was founded 35 years ago as a union of Methodists, Presbyterians and Congregationalists has found thriving new constituencies in the Pacific Islander, Korean and Chinese communities. But the latest census figures suggest the Uniting Church now represents only 5 per cent of Australian Christians. The church is also balancing some sharp differences in theology. On the ever-present issue of sexuality, for example, liberals want more acceptance of same-sex unions and gay and lesbian clergy. Conservatives have their own group, the Assembly of Confessing Congregations, which supports traditional marriage. So far, the church is holding together, with no threat of imminent schism. Church members who are gathered in Adelaide this week for the 13 triennial assembly are working out how to deal with fresh challenges. The church's new national president is theologian and bio ethicist the Rev. Professor Andrew Dutney.
The audio can be downloaded from the ABC website. Link here
Peter Bentley 19 July 2012
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No. 5 The 13th Assembly and the Media
To date I have seen little wider media interaction and public reporting on the Assembly. Compared to past Assembly meetings there are also few visitors. There is no formal visitors programme at this Assembly (Reference: Business Committee Report 9.1), though visitors can attend and register and pay a small fee for costs. I am accredited as a media representative for the 13th Assembly, which is a helpful base. It has been intriguing to read some of the policies about the media, or perception of, and comments about media in the 13th Assembly documents. For example, the Business Committee report states:
4.4 Media at the Assembly has, on occasions, not been helpful to the working of the Council. Care will be taken to monitor the way the media operates and if required the General Secretary, on the advice of the Business Committee, shall determine whether any sessions shall be closed to filming. Where necessary the Business Committee will bring proposals in respect of how the media should be involved in sessions that deal with contentious matters.
Of course there are a variety of media formats and communication methods used today. The General Information for Members document for the Assembly has a very interesting comment on Social Media in relation to Assembly members. Full Document Link here
"5.6 Social Media, texting, etc
The Assembly understands the significance of social media in today's environment. However members are requested to remember that we gather as women and men whom Christ the head of the church has called together as the Assembly to discern the will of Christ for his Uniting Church. This requires of us that we listen carefully to one another and not to become distracted or overly informed by the opinions of people who are not so called and resourced through prayer, worship and the community that is built over the course of the Assembly meeting. Members of the Assembly are also reminded that the respect and commitment to being a safe place that is expected of members in their face to face encounters with one another are also expected in comments made through social media."
There is also a comment in the Synod of Queensland Report outlining their active moves toward a wider use of digital communication:
"Our 29th Synod went electronic with papers provided on USBs as well as encouraging and supporting the use of laptops and social media during the meeting."
And the 13th Assembly website itself has advice on the use of social media, which clearly wants to promote the use of social media, at least in the wider public sphere. It is included below for reference and can be located on the 13th Assembly website: Reference Link Click here
"The 13th Assembly will be an energetic and exciting six day event that will include social media.
Uniting Church communicators will live tweet from plenary sessions from
Those interested are invited to participate in discussion on twitter using the hashtags#lifeoverflowing and #uca
News and updates will be placed on Facebook at facebook.com/UCAAssembly
'Like' that page to receive updates in your newsfeed or sign up for the official newsletter atassembly.uca.org.au/publications
All 13th Assembly news, photos and stories will be placed on the official 13th Assembly website assembly2012.uca.org.au
Rules of thumb
We want an engaging conversation on social media as the Assembly try to discern God's will for the future direction of our Church!
The usual rules for social media apply:
• Is this something you'd be happy to have on the public record?
• Refer to official Uniting Church positions, respond to facts, not conjecture
• Educate people - share interesting or inspiring information, don't just complain or 'over-share' irrelevant information
• Interact, have a positive and open conversation
• Avoid use of jargon, abbreviations or language that is hard for others to follow
• Get permission if you're posting images of people at Assembly
• Ignore or report posts from 'trolls' (people who harass or insult in order to get a reaction)
• Use the hashtags to participate in the conversation on twitter (e.g. #lifeoverflowing)
• Retweet our posts!
• If you're unsure, check with Assembly communication staff located in the office across from the main Assembly hall
While we actively support and encourage participation via social media, the following are not on:
• Language that vilifies others based on their race, sex, sexuality, religion or other beliefs.
• Excessive polemic or rhetoric.
• Bullying, threatening, intimidating, disrespectful or harassing behaviour.
• Distributing false and/or misleading information.
• Advertising or promotion of products and/or services or repeatedly posting the same post.
• Abusive, slanderous or defamatory personal attacks on individual members or their opinions
• Inappropriate or explicit content
• Posting private information from 'closed' sessions"
We have entered a new era with the use of social media enhanced by mobile devices such as tablets and it will be interesting to see how this all develops in practice at our meetings, and whether further policies or even new regulations will be introduced.
Peter Bentley 18 July 2012
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No. 4 The 13th Assembly - the new President and the Past-President reflect.
The Adelaide Advertiser (page 29) had an article on Rev. Professor Andrew Dutney on Saturday 14 July headed: "Finding faith in social media - Church chief spruiks new ways to connect." This reported him saying that "we need to be more confident about talking about what we're doing as a Church and our faith and our actions ... using new media so those who are connecting into Twitter feeds and other social media are very quickly feeling a part of a national and international network of Christian communities."
The service on Sunday Night revealed the new UCA Assembly President, Rev. Professor Andrew Dutney in a fuller way. The President took as his text: John 10:10b-16.
The focus on the good shepherd was a good aspect, though the sermon was not an exegetical sermon, but more a reflection taking into account some of the issues in the church today, and key features or elements of the UCA (highlighting the Basis of Union of course given Andrew's substantial publications in this area) and consideration of his personal involvement in introducing staff in the large and developing social and community sector to the Uniting Church. I found it interesting to reflect on Andrew's chosen text in the context of also reading again Max Champion's sermon on John 10: 11-18 located the ACC website (published on 6 May 2012). Click here
One key aspect of his address referred to data from the 2011 National Church Life Survey (the Assembly had been able to obtain advance information). Denominations often have specific questions in the survey and among the UCA questions was one asking members to choose three options from among a large number of suggestions about what they liked about the UCA. He highlighted the largest option chosen -71% of Uniting Church attendees most valued its "inclusiveness of all types of people". [See ]http://assembly2012.uca.org.au/articles/assembly/item/300-church-life-survey-confirms-our-uniting-value]
Andrew's sermon, while short, raised a number of interesting questions for me:
What does inclusiveness mean in a post-modern context?
How strong really is the continuing ecumenical connection and focus in a denomination that is facing post-denominational questions and also in some ways sees itself as a leader in an institutional church scene, and yet seemingly also does not want to publicly say it is also the best church, but may perhaps imply it sometimes?
What is the status and place of the Uniting Church in the wider ecumenical scene?
What practical issues arise from the discussion about the identity of the Uniting Church in a post-modern context, especially in relation to promoting its ethos or key features (Or its DNA - the term Alistair Macrae has used)?
What are the key or central elements for the UCA? Does UCA understanding or perception vary between members in leadership and members in many of our congregations, especially in this increasing post-denominational context?
Does the Uniting Church want to become more of a movement, or perhaps even an association of community and faith-based groups?
A fuller reflection on Andrew's sermon will be provided on the website when the August magazine is finalised, but it was an intriguing start and no doubt has prompted much discussion.
Prayer Group: The Liverpool UC prayer group have started their ministry of prayer at Maughan Place Uniting Church. Each day for this week between 11 am and 1 pm, Rev Anne and her team of members are praying for the Assembly, and the Uniting Church.
ASSEMBLY BUSINESS
Various agency reports are scheduled for the first three days of business, and also special sessions or events at night focussing on the UCA and its relationship to the congress (Monday night) and the Korean church (Tuesday).
President-elect: The nominees for President-elect are introduced today, and the first ballot will take place tomorrow (Wednesday). Nominees are:
Anita Monro - NSW Minister (present placement in Armidale)
Chris Walker - NSW based minister - National consultant - Theology and Discipleship in the Assembly
Ken Williams - Minister, and former moderator of WA.
Stuart McMillan - Pastor, moderator of Northern Synod.
Jason Kioa - Victorian Minister and former Moderator of Vic-Tas Synod.
Sexuality Matters have not yet been addressed, and the specific proposals on marriage or same-sex marriage are well-down in the agenda listing. Interestingly the report of the Working Group on Doctrine to this Assembly has a section on sexuality - a rare comment, and perhaps illustrates how the present debate is reported in a more routine way:
2.6 Leadership and Sexuality
The work of previous Assemblies has been significantly shaped by the discussion concerning leadership of the church and same-sex relationships. The working group reported to the last Assembly concerning the consultations held, and the resources which were developed, in that process. "Sexuality and Leadership - Documenting the History" was prepared by the National Consultant detailing the long process of the Assembly's response to issues of sexuality. Dr Andrew Thornley was commissioned to write a survey of the responses of churches internationally which was published as "Sexuality and Church Leadership: an international perspective". An essay addressing the diversity of views on theology and sexuality was prepared and continues our response to the discussion of sexuality. Further papers arising in part from this discussion have been prepared including: "On Being an Apostolic Church" and "Discerning the Work of the Holy Spirit." Much of the work of the WGD on this issue is now found on the Assembly web page: http://assembly.uca.org.au/theology/doctrine-resources-and-publications
In his retiring address yesterday, the Past-President, Rev Alistair Macrae delivered a very wide-ranging and substantial reflection on his time as President highlighting some of the significant areas of ministry that have developed, and issues that the church has faced and is facing and signs of hope. It is worth reading his full address. Alistair was thanked for his Presidency and committed to the continuing care of the Presbytery of Port Phillip West. Click here for the full address.
I also found it interesting that Alistair did not address marriage or sexuality issues in his report. It is worth noting that Rev Alistair Macrae is the nominee for the chair of the Assembly Working Group on Doctrine, taking on the role post-President. The Proposal from the Presbytery of Port Phillip West has a quote from Alistair and lists the Doctrine group as one of the three groups to undertake the proposed work on "Developing a UCA position on same-gender marriage". For more information see the note in No. 3 and refer to the Assembly website for the full proposal and rationale.
Peter Bentley 17 July 2012
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No. 3 Marriage Matters (Posted 13 July 2012)
ACC responds to UnitingJustice Submission
One of the Assembly Agencies reporting will be UnitingJustice (the justice unit of the National Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia) to the house standing committee on social policy and legal affairs committee Inquiry into the Marriage Equality Amendment & Marriage Amendment Bills 2012. The ACC National Council has responded to the submission by UnitingJustice Australia. Interestingly, the UJ submission is not mentioned directly in their written report to the Assembly. The ACC response can be downloaded here as a PDF from the news section on the ACC site. For the UnitingJustice Australia submission see their website as previously noted.
Re Marriage Proposals - There are three presbytery proposals listed concerning marriage or same-sex marriage: See the Assembly website:
http://www.assembly2012.uca.org.au/proposals-and-reports/proposals
Proposal 30/31 (Port Philip West). DEVELOPING A UCA POSITION ON SAME GENDER MARRIAGE
(While listed twice this is simply because one word (and) was omitted in the first listing). The orientation of this proposal is clear as it provides two options for the church to work on: whether the church can undertake same-sex ‘marriages' or "whether the Uniting Church should seek to develop another way of celebrating and blessing life-long, faithful, same-sex relationships."
Proposal 43 (South Moreton) UNDERSTANDING OF MARRIAGE AND BLESSING SERVICES FOR SAME GENDER RELATIONSHIPS
This proposal was proposed by Rev Lu Senitulu, the Cross Cultural Convenor for ACC and passed overwhelmingly by formal procedure at the presbytery meeting. It seeks to affirm the UCA and Christian understanding of marriage.
Proposal 46 (Tasmania) Same-gender unions and the Basis of Union.The intent of the proposal is to review the theology of same-sex relationships in the light of the Basis of Union, highlighting what is really not possible. The rationale notes that the UCA is to be guided by the Basis of Union and the at the UCA has approved a Statement on Marriage including that it is between a man and a women and has not approved ‘right relationships'.
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No. 2 Prayer for the Assembly (Posted 11th July 2012)
Specific prayer requests for the 13th Assembly are included below and more are contained in the ACC Prayer Diary, but members can send additional requests for prayer to our national prayer co-ordinator Rev Dr Hedley Fihaki: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
- The UCA National Assembly meets 15-21 July in Adelaide. We pray for the New President, Rev. Prof. Andrew Dutney and all the Assembly delegates. We pray for courage for the delegates to stand up for what is true and right and noble and just.
- We pray for strength for Rev. Anne Hibbard and the Liverpool Uniting Church as they help to lead daily prayer times with communion through the 40 days of prayer and fasting (12th June-21st July) first at Liverpool and then in Adelaide during Assembly. (See note below as well)
- We pray for the National Assembly as it considers whether to reaffirm the UCA's 1997 position on marriage as being between a man a woman, as well as calling the Assembly to reject any liturgies that seek to mimic, undermine and deconstruct marriage.
Join in Prayer at the Adelaide Assembly: Uniting Prayer and Fasting (ministry of Liverpool Uniting Church) are leading daily services of worship, prayer and communion during the time of Assembly: Monday July 16 - Friday 20 July) from 11:00am - 1:00 pm at Maughan Uniting Church , corner of Franklin and Pitt St, Adelaide. Everyone is welcome to come. Following the service each day there will be anointing for healing for any who wish. After the service there will be light refreshments in the hall. You can also follow the 40 days of Life Overflowing : 12th June - 21st July 2012. It is never too late to join in, especially for the 7 days of the National Assembly. This book can be downloaded for free from the Uniting Prayer and Fasting website (ministry of Liverpool Uniting Church). Click here.
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No. 1 Introduction and Information (Posted July 9, 2012)
What is the Assembly? The National Council of the Uniting Church in Australia.
When is the Assembly meeting? 15-21 July 2012; Where is it meeting? Adelaide.
The Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hindley Street. (Photos showing Hindley Street, near the Assembly venue)
Who will be the new President? Rev Prof. Andrew Dutney will be installed as President of the Assembly at the opening public service of worship on Sunday 15th July at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
What will the ACC be doing at the 13th Assembly?
• Praying: Our prayer network and members will be covering the Assembly in prayer (and especially praying for evangelical members). Liverpool UC has a particular prayer event (see separate article).
• Supporting and Media Liaison: Our ACC National Director and Chair Rev Dr Max Champion will attend. Max is the ACC Media Spokesperson. Peter Bentley will attend to facilitate reports, prayer requests and liaise with ACC members. ACC members on email will receive regular reports.
Who is a member of the Assembly? UCA Regulation 3.3.8 (a) outlines the membership of the Assembly:
3.3.8 (a) The membership of the Assembly shall consist of:
(i) ex-officio members:
• the President of the Assembly;
• the General Secretary of the Assembly;
• the ex-President of the Assembly;
• the President-elect of the Assembly;
• the Chairperson of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress;
• the National Administrator of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress.
(ii) sixteen members of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress appointed by it, of whom no more than eight shall be Ministers;
(iii) Ministers and confirmed lay members from within the bounds of each Synod appointed as follows:
(1) number of members to be appointed from within the bounds of each Synod: [note -these are total numbers as each Presbytery within the bounds of the Synod shall appoint one Minister and one lay member]
NSW and ACT 54
Northern 10
Queensland 36
South Australia 34
Victoria and Tasmania 58
Western Australia 20
(iv) Ministers and confirmed members appointed by bodies directly responsible to the Assembly after the Standing Committee specifies the bodies which may make appointments and the number of members who may be appointed by each of those bodies provided that the total number of members to be appointed pursuant to this paragraph shall not exceed 5% of the total number of members of the Assembly pursuant to Regulation 3.3.8 (i) -(iii);
(v) Ministers and confirmed members appointed by the outgoing Standing Committee having regard to the gifts, skills and experience needed by the Assembly provided that the total number of members appointed pursuant to this paragraph shall not exceed 8% of the total number of members appointed pursuant to Regulation 3.3.8 (i) - (iii).
What are the responsibilities of the National Assembly?
The Basis of Union (1992 Edition) Paragraph 15 9e)
The Assembly (the national council) consists of such ministers, elders/leaders and other Church members as are appointed thereto, the majority being appointed by the Presbyteries and Synods. It has determining responsibility for matters of doctrine, worship, government and discipline, including the promotion of the Church's mission, the establishment of standards of theological training and reception of ministers from other communions, and the taking of further measures towards the wider union of the Church. It makes the guiding decisions on the tasks and authority to be exercised by other councils. It is obligatory for it to seek the concurrence of other councils, and on occasion of the congregations of the Church, on matters of vital importance to the life of the Church. ...
The Constitution of the UCA states in Section 38 (a):
38. (a) The Assembly shall have determining responsibility in matters of doctrine, worship, government and discipline, including the promotion of the Church's mission, the establishment of standards for theological education and the reception of Ministers from other denominations, and is empowered to make final decisions on all matters committed to it by this Constitution.
(b) Without limiting the generality of the preceding clause, the Assembly shall have the power:
(i) to make guiding decisions on the tasks and authority to be exercised by the other councils of the Church;
Blog posted by Peter Bentley (unless otherwise stated)