Being in relationship with others is instrumental to how the Uniting Church seeks to witness to Christ in the world. The Seeking Common Ground Circle invites people to learn about and participate in the ways the Uniting Church is in relationship with other Churches, other faiths, and those of no institutional faith, as together we seek to find common ground for the good of all.
Circle members will be informed about and invited to contribute to the Church’s witness through ecumenical relationships. This includes the ways that we seek to witness to the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, with churches across Australia and overseas Partner Churches.
The Circle will invite members to explore the importance of interfaith relationships as a means to witness to God in a world of many faiths. Circle members will engage with theological reflection discerning God’s openness to the world, be invited into mutually respectful interfaith dialogue and promote opportunities for friendship with other faiths.
Additionally, the circle will explore how the Church witnesses to the reconciliation and renewal of the whole creation as it engages with the search for spirituality and meaning in wider society, including with people who do not identify with any institutional faith.
The Advocate for the Seeking Common Ground Circle is Rev. Dr Amelia Koh-Butler.
We asked Amelia to share a bit about herself.
News
Overcoming Religious Prejudice
A new report detailing the experiences of abuse, prejudice and discrimination against Muslim women in Victoria sheds a light on the lived reality of Islamophobia in our society. The report has been compiled by April Kailahi, the Interfaith Community Development Officer for the Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania. In its attempt to unpack
QLD Synod: Hate is not an Option
The QLD Synod Interfaith Relations Committee (SIRC) share their recent presentation at the QLD Synod and a resource for speaking at local congregations. The Committee’s current project is share their work with local communities. They have developed a number of resources to do so and have shared them here with the Seeking Common Ground Circle.
NCCA Triennial Forum
By Rob Floyd and Rev. Dr Ji Zhang The Uniting Church was a participant in the National Council of Churches in Australia 10th Forum in Canberra. It was a wonderful ecumenical gathering with 65 Church leaders invited from 19 member Churches. The NCCA Forum is an opportunity for Member Churches to deepen their relationship with
Iftar Dinners during Ramadan
The Uniting Church was involved in the hosting of a number of Iftar Dinners with our Muslim friends during the month of Ramadan. Sharing the Iftar together is a powerful symbol of unity and friendship. In the simple act of sharing a meal, the Iftar dinners help build connections in the community that replace fear
To be in Communion: Heart and Mind, Body and Soul
Seeking Common Ground Advocate Amelia Koh-Butler reflects on how we go about Ecumenical and Interfaith relationships Parking close-by, I walked toward the gate to be greeted by various senior school students, dotting the path, pointing me in the right direction. A reception table, adorned with carefully printed tags and stunning flowers, was near the door,