UCA VicTas - Welcome to the Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania

UC Information now available online

The latest edition of UC Information and the General Secretary’s pastoral letter will arrive in the mail this week.

You can also download a copy of UC Information and find out about the latest events, courses and seminars happening around the Synod by visiting the link below.

We look forward to hearing about any events, courses or seminars that would be of interest to Uniting Church members.

To have your news item included in UC Information, please e-mail: ucinfo@victas.uca.org.au.

Visit the UC Information webpage.

Religion no basis for people’s movement

Timor Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta on Tuesday said religion should not be used as the basis for any people’s movement.

The winner of the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize explained that the experience of the predominantly Catholic Timor Leste in the struggle against the mainly Muslim Indonesian invaders showed the benefits of separating religion from politics. Read on.

Period of Discernment

The Centre for Theology and Ministry (CTM) has organised an information day for those undertaking a period of discernment.

This day is also open to those intending to undertake this course, mentors and Presbyterian registrars.

There will be opportunities for further research and group discussion about the nature and purpose of this time of reflection.

The information day will be held on Saturday, 13 September at the Centre for Theology and Ministry, 1 Morrison Close, Parkville, Melbourne.

To register, contact Merryn Gray on 03 9340 8815

Every person is precious

The Uniting Church in Australia, in March 2008, formally committed itself to support the development of a national human rights charter for Australia. While Christian opposition to such a charter is often reported, Christian support remains largely unnoticed and undiscussed.

The Christian faith understands life as a gift from God, and that through the life of the Trinitarian God, our humanity, made in this image, is inherently relational. We are human as we live in community - in relationship with God, each other and the natural environment. Christian support for human rights rests on the understanding that community flourishes when all people are included and accorded the dignity and respect they deserve as beloved children of God. Read on.

NCYC seeks adult volunteers

The National Christian Youth Convention (NCYC) is the Uniting Church’s peak event for young people, held every two years. Up to 2000 young people will converge on Melbourne from January 3 to 9, 2009.

“According to Napoleon, an army marches on its stomach,” said Paul Chandler, Adult Volunteer (AV) Co-ordinator for NCYC.

“In contrast, an NCYC functions because of its Adult Volunteers. We are putting the word out across the whole country not only for the convention, but for our need for Adult Volunteers.”

An AV is someone usually older than delegate-age who helps out during the week of the convention to make NCYC “happen”. About 100 adult volunteers will be required. Read on.

Support Indigenous Literacy Day 2008

On 3 September, UniChurch books will donate 5% of its sales to support the Indigenous Literacy Program (ILP.)

The ILP aims to improve the lives and opportunities of remote Indigenous Australians by  raising literacy levels.

Booksellers, publishers and businesses will donate a percentage of their sales to ILP, and schools will run various fundraising activities.

Congregations can organise a Read-a-thon or secondhand bookstall to raise funds for this project.

For further information, please call 03 9251 5291.

Religious leaders call for action on climate change

In an historic move, a group of Australia’s religious leaders have banded together and signed an open letter to the Federal Government, calling for immediate and decisive action on climate change.

Signed by 39 leaders from various faith groups and organisations, the letter draws specific attention to the communities across the globe facing devastation through climate change, including the small island nations and low lying areas of the Pacific.

The collaboration coincides with a visit to Australia by Pacific Church leaders, who are deeply concerned about the effects of climate change on the region.

Read the full story on the Uniting Church Media Room.