Adding our voice to a Waterfall of Solidarity
July 26, 2022
When Uniting Church President Rev Sharon Hollis and General Secretary Colleen Geyer journey to the World Council of Churches Assembly in Geneva at the end of August, two quilt panels from the Uniting Church will travel with them.
The panels will be added to a large tapestry called the ‘Waterfall of Solidarity and Resistance’ - a project of the global Thursdays in Black movement against rape and violence.
Designed to be “a waterfall of messages and images”, the tapestry is made up of handmade quilt panels submitted from around the globe that reflect people’s hopes and commitments to overcome violence.
The tapestry will stand through the Assembly from 31 August – 8 September, and in other places afterward, as a global statement of solidarity for a safer world.
Jan Pennington and Marilyn Taege hand-stitched a quilt square on behalf of the Ladies Fellowship at Aspley Uniting Church in Brisbane. It depicts ‘showers of blessings’ flowing from the Cross of Christ – ‘love’, ‘ support’, ‘safety’, ‘peace’, ‘hope’, ‘acceptance’, ‘trust’.
"As Christians’ we believe ‘mercy’ drops are constantly falling, as people have now become aware of the problems and are more willing to discuss acceptable outcomes. However, we would boldly ask God for real “Showers of Blessings” as we all work for justice, peace and reconciliation as promised in the resurrection of Jesus."
A second contribution by Eldrene March from Adamstown Uniting Church in Newcastle depicts the Sorry Garden built in 2021 on the congregation’s grounds as a response to the institutional abuse of children. Inspired by the memorial movement which engages community action towards healing, it seeks to be a place of remembrance and peace.
“This patch shows a unique garden which is a called a ‘Sorry Space’,” reads the story offered alongside the quilt square. “It is a place where people who have been hurt by the Church’s deliberate and ignorant theology and behaviour can come and meditate and find healing.”
“It is a space that is available for all who need to hear the word ‘sorry’ from the Church.”
It’s not too late to make your own contribution. See the invitation from President Rev Sharon Hollis here and post or deliver your submissions to the Assembly office in Sydney by Friday 19 August.
Find out more about the ‘Waterfall of Solidarity and Resistance’
Photos clockwise: quilt square by Aspley Uniting Church in Brisbane; quilt square by Eldrene March from Adamstown Uniting Church in Newcastle; Aspley Uniting Church Ladies Fellowship; Jan Pennington and Marilyn Taege of Aspley Uniting Church.
