Uniting Church-Jewish Dialogue
A meeting of endings and beginnings
March 13, 2024
The 53rd meeting of the interfaith dialogue between the Uniting Church in Australia and the Executive Council of Australian Jewry was held on 27 February with 11 representatives joining online from NSW and Victoria.
"For the first time in its 30-year history the dialogue met without the presence of one of its founders, Jewish representative and interfaith champion Jeremy Jones"
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.
For the first time in its 30-year history the dialogue met without the presence of one of its founders, Jewish representative and interfaith champion Jeremy Jones who died last September.
Members of the dialogue spent time remembering Jeremy, reflecting on his leadership of the Jewish community, significant impact on interfaith dialogue and gift for “building trust, understanding and friendship.”
In light of Jeremy’s passing and as part of a time of learning and sharing, Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio of Emanuel Synagogue in NSW led a reflection on grief and Jewish mourning practices.
Members of the dialogue also discussed the October 7 attack on southern Israel and the impact on the Jewish community in Australia and around the world. This will be discussed again in future dialogue meetings.
It was the final meeting for Uniting Church representative Rev Tara Curlewis, who has been a member of the dialogue since 2016 and one of its co-conveners for the last triennium. The new co-convenors are Rabbi Ralph Genende and Rev Matthew Wilson, Advocate of the Uniting Church Seeking Common Ground Circle.
Representing the Executive Council of Australian Jewry were Peter Wertheim, Julie Nathan, Rabbi Jeffrey Kamins, Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio, Rabbi Ralph Genende, and Melinda Jones.
Representing the Uniting Church were Rev Tara Curlewis, Rev Dr Matthew Wilson, Rev Dr Rob McFarlane, Ed Carter, and Assembly National Consultant Rev Dr Sunny Chen.
There was significant energy and desire to continue working together and continue the momentum by meeting regularly. The next meeting will be held in June 2024.
Related news
Open doors and open hearts on Iona
Open doors and open hearts on the holy island of Iona Uniting Church minister Rev David MacGregor writes about the blessing of a lifetime spending nine weeks with the ecumenical Christian community on Iona, Scotlandwritten by Rev David MacGregor For nine immense weeks from mid-August this year, I served as a full-time volunteer on Iona,…
UCA represented at gathering of Methodist and Uniting Church women
UCA represented at gathering of Methodist and Uniting Church women Rev Carmel Ieraci and Margaret Pedler attended the South Pacific Area Seminar of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church womenwritten by Abbey Sim, Worship, Creative and Performing Arts Pastor at Wesley Castle Hill Uniting Church The World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church…
'A means of grace': Reflecting on the WMC
‘A means of grace’: reflecting on the World Methodist Conference UCA delegate Rev Prof Glen O’Brien reflects on the WMC which took place in Sweden from 13-18 Augustwritten by Rev Prof Glen O’Brien Glen O’Brien attended the World Methodist Conference as a UCA delegate. He is a Uniting Church minister in the Synod of Victoria…
22nd WMC set to kick off
The 22nd World Methodist Conference is set to begin The five-yearly gathering brings together the global family of Wesleyan, Methodist and Uniting ChurchesThe 22nd World Methodist Conference is set to begin later today, 13 August, in the beautiful Swedish city of Gothenburg. The Uniting Church in Australia will have a strong presence at the Conference…
Jews and Judaism
Jews and JudaismAt the 12th Assembly in 2009, the Uniting Church Assembly adopted the statement Jews and Judaism which continues to guide the life of the Church and its understanding of the unique relationship of Judaism and Christianity and the ongoing need for dialogue and relationship between the two faiths. JEWS AND JUDAISM: A STATEMENT BY…
President at Church of Scotland General Assembly
President at Church of Scotland General Assembly Uniting Church President Rev Sharon Hollis is in Edinburgh this week for the General Assembly and was invited to bring a greetingUniting Church President Rev Sharon Hollis is in Edinburgh this week at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. The annual gathering brings together 500 church…
Breaking Bread, Forging Friendships
Breaking bread, forging friendships Rebecca Beisler shares the experience of attending an Iftar meal at the home of a Muslim family on Easter SundayBy Rebecca Beisler On Easter Day I attended an Iftar meal at the home of a Muslim family, a significant gesture of hospitality and friendship which enriched my experience and understanding of…
UCA-Jewish Dialogue February 2024
Uniting Church-Jewish Dialogue A meeting of endings and beginningsThe 53rd meeting of the interfaith dialogue between the Uniting Church in Australia and the Executive Council of Australian Jewry was held on 27 February with 11 representatives joining online from NSW and Victoria.”For the first time in its 30-year history the dialogue met without the presence…