You are invited to

the Council of Churches of WA General Meeting

Saturday 24th October 2009

Church of Christ Wembley Downs Bournemouth Crescent Wembley Downs

Registration starts at 8.30 am, followed by worship at 9.00 am. All are welcome. For catering

purposes please RSVP by phoning 9274 3888 or email RSVP by phoning 9274 3888 or email RSVP by phoning 9274 3888 or email RSVP by phoning 9274 3888 or email

administrator @churcheswa.com.auadministrator @churcheswa.com.auadministrator @churcheswa.com.auadministrator @churcheswa.com.au

Carad Gains Grant from Office of Multicultural Interests

The Coalition for Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Detainees has obtained a new grant from the Office of Multicultural Interests to increase their activities in a Wel-come Project. The Pro-ject aims to assisting Carad clients with set-tlement needs –especially in the area of

homework support.

CARAD is pleased that this will provide more staff time to support our volunteers in this important work.

CARAD’s work on Christmas Island and the work with critical clients, however, remains funded only by donations from our loyal

supporters and members.

The Council of Churches is a foundation member of CARAD. CCWA member churches also provide support for Carad.

L e a r n m o r e a t http://www.carad-wa.org

NEWS IN BRIEF 2

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR PEACE

3

CHAPLAINCY-IS VALUABLE 4

ACACIA CHAPLAINCY TEAM

5

BOOK ON STUDENT CHRISTAIN MOVEMENT

6

CONCERN FOR WEST PAPUAL

7

SUSTAINABLE SEPTEMBER 7

INDIGENOUS CHURCH LEADERS

CALL FOR NEGOITIATION 8

Inside this issue:

September 2009

N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E C O U N C I L O F C H U R C H E S O F W A I N C

Together

This I have been reflecting

recently on a comment

made by the Palliative Care

Doctor. When accompanying

him on his rounds, he has

introduced me to a new

patient and then basically

said to them : “It’s good to

have another perspective

here isn’t it ? In reflecting on

the remark I am reminded

and encouraged to realise

that as a Chaplain, I have

something different and even

unique to offer within the

team of people caring for

patients.

What I have to offer in

Chaplaincy will of course

depend on a number of dif-

ferent things. It can depend

upon my own gifts and ex-

perience in ministry. It can

depend on the role that is

established, its opportunities

and limitations , and how I

can serve in that role. Their

maybe other factors as well.

Chaplaincy is not always

about the “heavy stuff”. A

number of the Palliative Care

patients are not there for

“terminal care”, but for pain

management or “respite

care”. Many patients actually

This edition of Together features the This edition of Together features the This edition of Together features the This edition of Together features the

Chaplains who work in ecumenical Chaplains who work in ecumenical Chaplains who work in ecumenical Chaplains who work in ecumenical

situations. We start with reflections by situations. We start with reflections by situations. We start with reflections by situations. We start with reflections by

Brian Thornber. Brian Thornber. Brian Thornber. Brian Thornber.

The Most Revd Michael Put-

ney, Catholic Bishop of

Townsville, has been elected

President of the National

Council of Churches in Aus-

tralia (NCCA). Bishop Putney

is the 6th President of the

Council, following on from

Bishop Richard Appleby

(retired).

The purpose of the National

Council is to promote Chris-

tian unity and help the

Churches work together on

key issues of theology, peace,

and justice.

Bishop Putney’s term as the

NCCA President will provide

leadership to the Council

until the end of the next

NCCA triennial forum sched-

uled for July 2010.

As President he will work

with member and observer

Churches, chair the meetings

of the Council, and represent

it in a number of public set-

tings.

Currently the Council has a

total membership of 17 na-

tional Churches, including the

Anglican, Catholic and Uniting

Churches, 7 Eastern and Ori-

ental Churches, and a range

of Protestant Churches, the

Salvation Army, and the

Quakers

The Council of Churches of

WA wishes Bishop Putney

well in his new role.

will be the subject of a future

meeting of the group.

Many Churches conduct

welfare works which provide

assistance to the homeless in

WA.

The Premier, Mr Barnett,

invited the Churches to

participate in a Think Tank

On 25th June the Heads of

Churches met with the WA

Premier the Honorable Colin

Barnett, MLA to discuss

issues of concern to the

Churches.

One of the areas of concern

raised in the meeting was the

issue of homelessness, which

regarding the best ways

forward to tackle homeless-

ness in WA.

It is hoped that the Premier

will meet with the Heads of

Churches on a regular basis

in future.

Catholic Bishop Elected President of National Church BodyCatholic Bishop Elected President of National Church BodyCatholic Bishop Elected President of National Church BodyCatholic Bishop Elected President of National Church Body

Heads of Churches Meet the Premier

Date of Dedication of Cathedral Announced

preceded by a two year

design phase.

The project has provided the

Cathedral with underground

parking, meeting rooms and

kitchens, and facilities for

disabled people.

The worship centre will move

to be ‘in the round’ with two

large banks of windows

providing more light into the

worship space, and allowing

the worshippers to sit closer

to the altar.

Familiar features of the

Cathedral have been pre-

served, including the beautiful

stained glass windows.

The official opening and

dedication of St Mary's

Cathedral in Perth will take

place on December 8th

2009, the feast of the

Immaculate Conception of

the Blessed VIrgin Mary,

Archbishop Hickey has

announced recently.

This will be the completion of

a three year long construc-

tion phase which was

Page 2

Together

Bishop Bishop Bishop Bishop

Michael Michael Michael Michael

PutneyPutneyPutneyPutney

The Cathedral under construction

The Premier Colin

Barnett MLA

The United Nations' International Day of International Day of International Day of International Day of PeacePeacePeacePeace - marked every every every every year on 21 Septemberyear on 21 Septemberyear on 21 Septemberyear on 21 September - is a time when individuals, communi-ties, nations and governments highlight efforts to end conflict and promote peace.

On 21 September, churches and communi-ties throughout the world are committing to the International Day of Peace through prayer, meditation and other forms of spiritual observance.

For 2009, the Word Council of Churches office for the Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV) proposes prayers and liturgical resources related to this year's DOV focus on the Carribbean and its theme "One Love: Build-ing a Peacefu l Caribbean".

The International Day of Prayer for Peace was proposed at a 2004 meeting between WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia and UN secretary general Kofi Annan. The WCC's invitation to pray for peace on 21 September, or the Sunday preceding it, coincides with a United Nations' initia-tive that encourages "global 24-hour spiritual observation for peace",

which "is meant to demonstrate the power of prayer and other spiritual practices in promoting peace and preventing violent conflict".

Resources available from the WCC website at http://www.oikoumene.org/en/home.html

{Prayer for Jamaica)

Keep your church free, that it may be the channel through which justice and peace, integrity and wholeness, harmony and goodwill may flow to the dispos-sessed and the desperate, that your Kingdom may come in all its fulfillment of life and health and peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

(source unknown: sent by Rev. John Carden)

More information is available on the Inter-national Day of Prayer for Peace (IDPP)

Also see the website of the United Nations In-ternational Day of Peace Vigil

R e s o u r c e sR e s o u r c e sR e s o u r c e sR e s o u r c e s SA Council of Churches International Day of Peace Project Team has prepared Resources Resources Resources Resources and Prayers for 2009and Prayers for 2009and Prayers for 2009and Prayers for 2009 to assist schools, con-gregations, inter-church councils, people in aged

care facilities and other groups and individuals to participate in a vari-ety of ways in the In-ternational Day of Peace.

P l e a s e g o t o www.sacc.asn.au to download the re-sources.

For more information, For more information, For more information, For more information, contact:contact:contact:contact:

South Austral ian South Austral ian South Austral ian South Austral ian Council of ChurchesCouncil of ChurchesCouncil of ChurchesCouncil of Churches sacc@picknowl.com.au

International Day of Peace

Page 3

Together

Pray for Pray for Pray for Pray for

peace on peace on peace on peace on

September September September September

21st21st21st21st

Invite Invite Invite Invite

others to others to others to others to

join youjoin youjoin youjoin you

"To encourage worldwide, 24-hour spiritual

observations for peace and nonviolence on the

International Day of Peace, 21 September in

every house of worship and place of spiritual

practice, by all religious and spiritually based

groups and individuals, and by all men, women

and children who seek peace in the world."

Pastor Dennis Jetta and his wife Wilma are based

at Australind an outer suburb of Bunbury in Western Australia, however, their work for the Lord, takes them amongst the I n d i g e n o u s Communities in and around Bunbury/

Australind/Collie and Perth areas.

Pastor Jetta has recently been appointed as an I n d i g e nou s P r i s o n I n d i g e nou s P r i s o n I n d i g e nou s P r i s o n I n d i g e nou s P r i s o n Chaplain Chaplain Chaplain Chaplain for the Bunbury Regional Prison, and is enjoying the challenge of this ministry.

Dennis has commented that “

“I believe the value of Chaplaincy in the Prison is v e r y i m p o r t a n t , especial ly to the Indigenous inmates, because of the freedom that it gives to the inmates to be able to confide in another Indigenous person, and

without the shadow of a Prison Officer being there.

I have found that the inmates will tell me things that they would not tell me if an Officer was present.

“I have found that the Staff at the Prison have appreciated my presence since I was appointed, as they are asking me to talk to inmates who are at risk and may need some guidance as they move on through the system..

The Community is quite happy that an Indigenous Chaplain has now been appointed at the Bunbury Regional Prison, and now are satisfied that what-ever can be done for their family who are inmates will get the proper atten-tion that it deserves”.

Dennis has been enabled to undertake the ministry in the Bunbury Regional Prison, due to the new funding made available to the Council of Churches of

WA by the Department of Custodial Services, to provide indigenous chaplaincy services in WA.

Pastor Jetta under the Aboriginal Evangelical Fel lowship Western Australia, also coordinates a l l t h e C h u r c h Rallies/Concerts that are being held in these Regions each year, this also involves Prison Outreach meet ings wherever possible.

The Council is seeking to appoint appropriate in-digenous chaplains to prisons in WA . Please contact the Chaplaincy Field Officer for more in-formation :

Revd John Hewitson

Fieldofficer@churcheswa.com.au

or phone 9274 3888.

degree in 2006 and have had practical social work experience out in the community. It was during my work out in the com-munity and a deepening of my personal faith in God that I felt called to pas-toral work.

It has been a very enrich-ing experience as a trainee Chaplain as I have the op-portunity to develop my skills in pastoral ministry and to journey alongside

I started training as a Prison Chaplain through the Council of Churches WA at the beginning of 2009. I have since spent time at a few prisons in Perth, these include Bandyup Women’s Prison, Casaurina Prison, Karnet Prison Farm and am cur-rently undertaking chap-laincy training at Range-view juvenile detention centre.

I completed a social work

people in our community that are marginalized and experiencing a myriad of issues in their life. In a world that sometimes struggles to acknowledge the abundance of grace and love that God offers each one of us chaplaincy in prisons can be a loving sign of God’s presence in the world. I feel privileged to be part of prison chap-laincy in Perth.

Marianne Deliu

Chaplaincy is Valuable!Chaplaincy is Valuable!Chaplaincy is Valuable!Chaplaincy is Valuable!

Chaplaincy Trainee learns the ropesChaplaincy Trainee learns the ropesChaplaincy Trainee learns the ropesChaplaincy Trainee learns the ropes

Page 4

Together

“I BELIEVE THE

VALUE OF

CHAPLAINCY IN

THE PRISON IS

VERY

IMPORTANT,

ESPECIALLY TO

THE

INDIGENOUS

INMATES

a l l t h e C h u r c h

Page 5

Together

Alan Forsyth

Co-ordinating Chaplain

Monday - Friday

Brett ButlerBrett ButlerBrett ButlerBrett Butler

ThursdayThursdayThursdayThursday

Bryan Grey

Tuesday

Peter Toohey

Wednesday

& some Thursdays

Susan Blackburn

Wednesday

& Friday

Peter Lyndon-James

Monday

& Thursday

Acacia Prison Chaplaincy TeamAcacia Prison Chaplaincy TeamAcacia Prison Chaplaincy TeamAcacia Prison Chaplaincy Team

“As I see it, the main function of a “As I see it, the main function of a “As I see it, the main function of a “As I see it, the main function of a chaplain chaplain chaplain chaplain is to be a sign that other alterna-is to be a sign that other alterna-is to be a sign that other alterna-is to be a sign that other alterna-tives are possible tives are possible tives are possible tives are possible ---- alternative alternative alternative alternative ways of living, alternative ways of ways of living, alternative ways of ways of living, alternative ways of ways of living, alternative ways of looking at the world.”looking at the world.”looking at the world.”looking at the world.” ---- Alan Alan Alan Alan Forsyth, Acacia ChaplainForsyth, Acacia ChaplainForsyth, Acacia ChaplainForsyth, Acacia Chaplain

A new book : "A Century

of Influence-The Austra-

lian Student Christian

Movement, 1896-1996"

by Renate Howe has re-

cently been published by

UNSW Press

With Prime Ministers

Robert Menzies and Bob

Hawke, High Court judges

Ronald Wilson, Garfield

Barwick and HV Evatt,

and educators David Pen-

ington and Leonie Kramer

all members, the Austra-

lian Student Christian

Movement has provided a

forum for exploring spiri-

tuality and social issues

in the nation’s universi-

ties for over a century.

Described as a ‘university

within a university’ the

ASCM has had a national

and international influ-

ence and has inspired

leading academics, politi-

cians, public servants,

business leaders and

clergy to put their faith

into action.

Renate Howe draws on a

rich range of material

from libraries, private

collections and oral his-

tories. She tells the in-

spiring story of the pro-

gressive ASCM, a move-

ment whose influence

has extended well beyond

its formal membership.

Enquiries :Wendy Taylor

on 0408 619 905 (•

www.unswpress.com.au

New book on SCM

Page 6

Together

want to talk about a whole

variety of subjects, they don’t

want to jump off into the

deep end quickly, if at all.

Patients understandably

want to feel at ease in

talking with you, they have

enough anxiety as it is

without me adding to it.

Some patients enjoy hav-

ing a good laugh. The op-

portunity is there however

to respond to questions of

meaning as they arise in

different contexts and

they do.

I value the opportunity to

relate also to the families

who may spend a consid-

erable amount of time in

the Palliative Care Ward

and the lounge room,

keeping a “vigil” for their

loved one in their journey

into death. The nursing

staff may have limited

time to be with families,

whereas I can have a lot

more time to talk with

them. This kind of ministry

reminds me of the

“ministry of hospitality”

where you welcome people

and seek to make their

stay a congenial one, help-

ing to make “the stranger “

feel at home. It can be a

very special part of my

chaplaincy and some-

times can naturally lead

to giving the dying patient

a “final blessing”, where we

can all gather around the

bedside. This ministry can

take on so much more

significance when I have

personally shared some of

the journey with the fam-

ily.

Yes, as the doctor said, “it

is good to have another

perspective on care”, one

that can complement and

complete the overall care

of the patient.

Revd Brian Thornber

Chaplain

Sandalwood Palliative Care

Ward

Glengarry Hospital.

(Continued from page 1)

Christian churches in West Papua are working together to raise concerns and speak clearly on behalf of the people of West Papua.

A recent statement issued on 28th July 2009 by the Alli-ance of Churches in the Land of Papua (West Papua) raises concerns about ongo-ing violence and intimidation in “Tanah Papua” (the “Land of Papua” or West Papua).

Importantly, the statement calls on the central govern-ment in Jakarta “to immedi-

ately enter into a National Dialogue with the Papuan people in order to resolve all the problems in the Land of Papua, with dignity, jus-tice and humanity.” The Alli-ance of Churches in the Land of Papua requests this dia-logue be mediated by ”a neutral third party.”

The Uniting Church in Austra-lia works in partnership with a member church of the Alli-ance, the Gereja Kristen Injili di Tanah Papua (Evangelical Christian Church

in the Land of Papua).

and so-called younger churches (a total of only 17) to bring about the evangelization of the world in that gen-eration.

Next year marks the Centenary of the Con-ference. There are many activities planned –the

The world missionary conference at Edinburgh in 1910 is commonly accepted as marking the beginning of the modern ecumenical movement. This confer-ence appealed to the 1200 delegates sent by missionary societies

website is very infor-mative and is aimed at allowing people from all over the world to par-ticipate in the com-memorations.

Worth a look:

http://www.edinburgh2010.org/

Concern for West Papua

Centenary of Edinburgh Mission Conference 2010

Sustainable September 2009

Saving Challenge. Pitting organisation against or-ganisation, workplace against workplace, the Sustainable September 2009 Committee is issuing the challenge to organisa-tions in WA to see if their organisation can be the one to reduce their elec-tricity consumption by the greatest percentage dur-

ing September. Spark your workplace into ac-tion and become sustain-able this September. For more information or to register visit the website www.sustainableseptember.net.au.

Take up the Stop Watts Energy

Saving Challenge! The annual Sustainable September campaign high-lights the many different threads that are necessary to weave a sustainable future. This year, the 2009 Committee present the Stop Watts Energy

Page 7

Together

Indigenous Church leaders from Indigenous Church leaders from Indigenous Church leaders from Indigenous Church leaders from across Australia have met in across Australia have met in across Australia have met in across Australia have met in Sydney to develop a unified plat-Sydney to develop a unified plat-Sydney to develop a unified plat-Sydney to develop a unified plat-form for action on the many ad-form for action on the many ad-form for action on the many ad-form for action on the many ad-verse issues affecting Aboriginal verse issues affecting Aboriginal verse issues affecting Aboriginal verse issues affecting Aboriginal people in the wake of the North-people in the wake of the North-people in the wake of the North-people in the wake of the North-ern Territory Intervention. ern Territory Intervention. ern Territory Intervention. ern Territory Intervention.

The forum was hosted by the Na-tional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission (NATSIEC) with its members at-tending in solidarity with those of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Christian Alliance (NATSICA).

Executive Secretary of NATSIEC, Mr Graeme Mundine, said there was a clear message from the fo-rum that, as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Christians, we are united against the Northern Terri-tory Intervention in its current form.

“We stand in solidarity with our Northern Territory brothers and

sisters and we want to send mes-sages of hope to them” said Mr. Mundine.

Rev. Shane Blackman, CEO of NATSICA, said the Intervention has not, and will not, work for Aboriginal Peoples unless negotia-tion was front and centre.

“The greatest failing has been the lack of negotiation with Aboriginal Peoples prior to the development and implementation of the Inter-vention and until such negotiations take place the policy will continue to fail Aboriginal Peoples” said Rev Blackman.

Forum participants asserted the right of Aboriginal Peoples to ‘negotiate agreements as equal partners who have the right to make their own decisions’

They stressed the difference be-tween negotiation at all phases of policy development as distinct

from consulting about policies and programs that have already been developed.

Forum participants also com-mented on the discriminatory na-ture of the Intervention and called on the Government to immedi-ately reinstate all the suspended provisions of the Racial Discrimi-nation Act (1975) and to also en-sure that the principles of the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples are enshrined in Australian Law.

A key outcome of the forum was a forum statement which calls on Governments and Churches to undertake several actions to im-prove the situation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

The Forum Statement is available at www.ncca.org.au/natsiec

Indigenous Church Leaders Call for Negotiation not ConsultationIndigenous Church Leaders Call for Negotiation not ConsultationIndigenous Church Leaders Call for Negotiation not ConsultationIndigenous Church Leaders Call for Negotiation not Consultation

Unit 24, Stafford Court

8-12 Stafford St

MIDLAND WA 6056

Phone: 9274 3888

Fax: 9247 3848 E-mail:

administrator@churcheswa.co

We’re on the web:

http://www.churcheswa.com.au

The Council of Churches in WA is an association of twelve Christian Churches dedicated to the

cause of Christian unity. Our basis of being together is ‘the acknowledgement of the Lord Jesus

Christ as God and Saviour witnessed to by the Scriptures and in the life of the Church, and on

the readiness of the Churches to fulfill together their common calling to the glory of the one

God, Father Son and Holy Spirit.”

We are committed to the vision :

• A Church obedient to Christ’s vision –worshipping, praying and sharing the faith of Christ

together, with the world

• Recognising one another’s Church doctrines, disciplines and traditions

• Recognising the multicultural and multiethnic nature of Christian communities in Australia

Uniting people of faith, serving people in need

N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E C O U N C I L O F C H U R C H E S O F W A I N C

The Council of Churches of Western AustraliaThe Council of Churches of Western AustraliaThe Council of Churches of Western AustraliaThe Council of Churches of Western Australia