Our diversity is God’s gift so that we might be more effective in our mission

A Pastoral Letter to the Uniting Church in N.S.W. from the Moderator, the Rev. Dr Don Evans

Dear Colleagues in Faith and Mission,

Greetings in the name of Christ Jesus, the Word of God.

Since the Assembly’s decisions on Sexuality and Faith, the church has been grappling with the important issues left open for further dialogue – homosexual lifestyle, ministry and leadership.

It has not proved easy for the church to settle into this process, and people holding a variety of views about the way to respond to these issues are experiencing impatience, frustration, anger, disillusionment and hurt. Some congregations have been able to move on in their ministry and witness, while others have found themselves diverted and preoccupied.

Some members have felt they no longer have a place within our fellowship and either have remained while feeling deeply hurt and alienated, or have left the Uniting Church. In one or two instances, large groups from within congregations have moved out (for a variety of reasons).

Over recent months, the church has not been well served by provocative and insensitive actions of individuals, groups and parishes; actions which have tended to polarise views and damage the life and witness of the church as a whole.

Crusading statements have been made, often with the purpose of encouraging reform and renewal, which have in fact had an undermining impact on church members and church leaders. The withdrawal or diverting of funding, as a statement against the perceived directions and priorities for the church, has achieved little, other than to place additional strain on areas of our mission.

There are those who see the gay and lesbian Mardi Gras as an opportunity for witness to the love and inclusiveness of the gospel. Yet association with and participation in this event are causing wide consternation across the church. Even some members who are in sympathy with many aspects of the gay and lesbian cause have expressed to me their concern at what they see as apparent irresponsibility and disregard for the unity of the whole church.

Individuals or groups have the right to initiate their own actions. However, when people are acting privately they should do so in ways which do not allow it to be interpreted as an action endorsed by the church. Whilst those planning to enter a float in the Mardi Gras are doing so as individuals who are identifying themselves as members of the Uniting Church, nevertheless, in the eyes of the public and of the wider church, it is almost impossible to make the distinction between an individual or group action of people clearly identifiable as Uniting Church members and an action of the Uniting Church as a whole.

While the Uniting Church encourages diversity, it is not consistent with the nature of our church that individual or group agendas should be promoted in ways which risk polarising and undermining our life and unity.

I appeal to members and congregations across the Synod to try to understand and empathise with the frustration and hurt being experienced all over the church. I encourage you to make your particular emphasis or engage in the area of mission you are specially called to. But do so with sensitivity, love and integrity, being strong and vigorous without being provocative, disruptive or even destructive. Whatever may be our conviction and passion, let us never forget that the Holy Spirit is the change-agent. Our church, built upon the one Lord Jesus Christ, has the gift of the Spirit in order that it may not lose the way (1). This requires our responsive and prayerful co-operation.

The Uniting Church is an exciting church, with remarkable insights and full of incredible potential. We have come a long way, but are still young and at the beginning of our journey as a pilgrim people. We have a gospel to proclaim and a witness to live out in the Australian community and nation. Our diversity is God’s gift so that we might be more effective in our mission. Yet the words of Jesus’ prayer are as compelling as ever: May they be one, so that the world will believe that you sent me. (2)

Let us not be fearful or disheartened. Let us be loving (3), yet discerning (4). Let the life-giving, invigorating, refreshing winds of the Holy Spirit f ill our sails. Let us be confident in the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Don Evans
Moderator

1 Basis of Union, para. 3
2 John 17.:21
3 I John 4:7,18 “Love one another…Perfect love casts out fear”
4 Matthew 10:16 “Be wise as serpents, harmless as doves”