1. Ecumenism
Describe the impact of
Christian ecumenical
movements in
Australia

2. Rationale
 Historically, Australia has experienced
Sectarianism between Christian
denominations: mainly Anglicanism and
Catholicism, inherited from the UK.
 Ecumenism is one of the most significant
features of post-war Australian Christianity
 Christianity is the major religious tradition
within Australia.

3. Ecumenism
 SPIRIT OF ECUMENISM
The word ‘ecumenical’ is properly used to describe
everything that relates to the whole task of the whole
Church to bring the Gospel to the whole world. It
therefore covers … both Unity and Mission in the context
of the whole world. (World Council of Churches Central Committee, August 1951)
 DEFINITION
The efforts to restore unity among the Christian Churches,
which are separated from each other in various ways.
 CHARACTERISTICS
 Stress on common values and teachings that prevail across
all Christian Churches
 The rediscovery of the shared history (Apostolic tradition) and
ethos of all Christians

5. Week of Prayer for Christian Unity ~ 12
May – 19 May 2013
 Recognises the common call to a prayerful life
 Recognises the “unity that is visible in Christ.” (NCCA Website 2013.)
 Theme: “What does God require of us?”
 Scriptural Reference Micah 6: 6-8: “…what is good; and
what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to
love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
 Resources, prayer schedule and Ecumenical Service of
Worship – a common service
 Developed, by invitation, by the Student Christian
Movement of India (SCMI) who is celebtrating their
centenary on behalf of all Christians, worldwide
 NSW Celebration: St James’ Church, Sydney (Anglican
Church) (NSWEC Website 2013)

6. impact
 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity:
 Celebrated at Pentecost
 Recognises the Apostolic starting point for all denominations
 (Pentecost Sunday May 19, 2013)
 Acknowledges common features:
 PRAYER
 SCRIPTURE
 FAITH
 CALLING FROM GOD
 Educational
 Provides an opportunity to experience the diversity of
Christianity

7. NATSIEC – National Aboriginal and Torres
strait islander ecumenical commission
Advocacy – public support for or recommendation of a
particular cause or policy
NATSIEC is the NCCA’s advocacy commission that
supports indigenous rights and reconciliation
Current Stances:
 The Stronger Futures Legislation is disproportionate with
the peoples wishes and catapults Indigenous
communities back into the micro-management of Mission
days…
 …cultural and social reform enforced by punitive
measures… reverts back to paternalistic protectionism
 (On behalf od NCCA, NATSIEC…) requests that the
Government heed the message of the Northern Territory
Elders, communities and service providers in the quest for
authentic consultation and negotiation … so that
Indigenous groups may be able to seize their OWN futures
FYI:
Stronger Futures Legislation is a
social policy of the current Australian Federal
Government, introduced in 2011 that
attempts to address the key issues of
DISPOSSESSION existing with Aboriginal
Communities of the Northern Territory:
unemployment; poor school attendance
and enrolment; substance abuse;
community safety; food security; housing;
land reform.
Maintenance of pre-existing policy
Widely condemned by human rights
organisations

8. impact
 NATSIEC ADVOCACY
 Represents the “living out” of Christianity by
actively engaging in social justice and human
rights issues
 Represents the joint CHRISTIAN concern; a
united front
 Represents CHRISTIANITY before political bodies,
social reform groups – e.g. NATSIEC will be
consulted for the “discussion paper and
consultations on post NT Intervention options.”
 Presents alternatives based on their own
programs in the Northern Territory

9. Uniting Church in Australia
 Represents Ecumenism by its very existence
 It continues this work as a vital part of it’s history and
tradition through
 DIALOGUE: DISCUSSIONS WITH OTHER CHURCHES TO WORK
TOWARDS THE UNITY OF THE WHOLE CHURCH, WHICH IS
GOD’S GIFT AND WILL
 Dialogue groups adopt specific aims with the purpose of
seeking to promote greater understanding, theological
agreement and mutual sharing in the mission of Jesus
 The groups put forward documents for consideration that
each respective church governance approves or modifies
 Includes: ANGLICAN CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA; ROMAN
CATHOLIC CHURCH; LUTHERAN CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA; THE
SALVATION ARMY; BAPTISM UNION OF AUSTRALIA

10. impact
 Dialogue
 Forum for theological, historical, ethical and
practical discussions
 Respect each denomination’s processes
and procedures