National Council of Churches in Australia

Easter 2014 Messages from Australian Church Leaders

Thursday, 10 April 2014 13:28

from the National Council of Churches in Australia

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.(Matthew 28:1-6)

Easter is the time to celebrate new beginnings. Easter commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and is the most significant Christian celebration. It is the time that is at the heart of Christianity. Good Friday recalls the death of Jesus on a cross and then being laid in a tomb. When his closest friends went to the tomb very early on the Sunday morning they encountered the unexpected and the news that Jesus was not there. Jesus had been raised from the dead. 

Read more: Easter 2014 Messages from Australian Church Leaders

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2014

Monday, 31 March 2014 17:38

1 June – 8 June 2014

“Has Christ Been Divided?”

(cf. 1 Corinthians 1:1-17)

This year’s biblical and liturgical resources for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity come to us from Canada. For nearly 70 years The Canadian Council of Churches has been witnessing to ecumenism, to God’s unity in diversity in Canada and today, with 25 member denominations representing over 85% of the Christians in Canada, is the most inclusive church council in the world. This year is the third time that the Week of Prayer materials have been prepared in Canada. The theme is "Has Christ been divided?," a reference to 1 Corinthians 1:1-17

Read more: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2014

Tributes flow as Bishop Michael Putney’s Ecumenical Journey Ends

Friday, 28 March 2014 11:39

The National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) pays tribute to Bishop Michael E Putney D.D AM, an outstanding ecumenist, who ended his journey with cancer in the early hours of 28 March 2014. Diagnosed with cancer in December 2012 Bishop Putney was the sixth President of the NCCA.

Last week Michael Putney acknowledged that his ecumenical journey began as a 16 year old when he entered Pius XII Seminary, Banyo. As a student he participated in an oratory competition where he spoke on the life and message of Paul Couturier who is the father of the modern form or the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Michael won the competition but he says more significantly he found ecumenism as a deep spiritual commitment for his life.

“Bishop Michael Putney has been an ecumenical giant who has championed the importance of dialogue between churches both in Australia and internationally. His contribution as the Co-chair of the International Roman Catholic – World Methodist dialogue has been greatly valued for many years .Equally significant is his four years as President of the NCCA where he upheld the importance that the ecumenical space is the place where the real agenda of the churches was able to be discussed together” said Reverend Tara Curlewis, NCCA general secretary.

Read more: Tributes flow as Bishop Michael Putney’s Ecumenical Journey Ends

Church Leaders express condolences to families of MH370

Wednesday, 26 March 2014 12:46

National church leaders have expressed their deep sorrow at the news of the loss of all lives on Malaysian Airlines flight MH 370.

At a recent meeting of the national Heads of church, prayers were offered in the hope of finding the location of MH 370. Now that the location has been identified as the southern Indian Ocean and families have been notified the churches uphold all who have lost loved ones in prayer.

The church leaders recognise the great loss to the 14 countries with residents on the flight and particularly the significant loss experienced in China and Malaysia and their respective communities in Australia.

Read more: Church Leaders express condolences to families of MH370