National Council of Churches in Australia

NCCA Mourns the Death of Rev Ron O'Grady

Friday, 28 February 2014 17:43

A tireless champion for children’s rights and founder of child protection agency ECPAT (End Child Protection, Child Pornography and the Trafficking for Sexual Purposes), Rev. Ron O Grady will be remembered as “the person who brought the issue of child trafficking to the world’s attention.”

Rev. Ron O Grady served the CCA as Associate General Secretary from 1973-77 and again for a brief spell in 1978. Ron was the director of the Australian Council of Churches World Christian Action for 4 years before returning to Aotearoa New Zealand

The General Committee of the CCA which is now in session has remembered in prayer this great friend of the CCA and an extra-ordinary, versatile human being and extend our heart felt condolences to his family.

May he rest in peace

Statement for Geneva 2 talks on Syria

Friday, 17 January 2014 00:00

From the World Council of Churches

"An urgent call to action for a just peace in Syria" - statement from the WCC Ecumenical Consultation on Syria, held 15-17 January 2014, at the Ecumenical Centre to be presented at the Geneva 2 talks on Syria.

Church leaders and representatives from Syria, the Middle East Council of Churches, the World Council of Churches and the Holy See[1] gathered in Geneva from 15–17 January 2014 for a consultation to address the forthcoming Geneva II peace conference on Syria.

Christians have maintained a continuous presence in the land of Syria since the dawn of Christianity. Today, as churches and church-related humanitarian agencies, we are present with the people of Syria on a daily basis both inside the country and amongst refugees. In this communication, we seek to raise their voice.

Our concern is for all people affected by the indiscriminate violence and humanitarian calamity in Syria. Innocent children, women and men are being killed, wounded, traumatized and driven from their homes in uncounted numbers. We hear their cries, knowing that when “one member suffers, all suffer together with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26).

Read more: Statement for Geneva 2 talks on Syria

2013 Christmas Messages from Australian Church Leaders

Wednesday, 18 December 2013 08:19

God with us

“A young woman is with child, and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)

The birth of any child fills the parents, family and friends with awe and wonder. It is truly an amazing event. Often the name chosen for the newborn is of special significance, it may be a traditional family name or connect with someone special, it may be chosen for its meaning and with a hope that shapes the future of the young life.

At Christmas Christians recall the birth of one born long ago in Bethlehem, the scriptures pointed to this child and proclaimed that the child would be called Immanuel.  This name means “God with us”.  The real significance of Jesus’ birth is that he is born as we are and he is the Son of God with us.

In the early years Jesus’ life was threatened, his family sought asylum in Egypt until it was safe to return home, clearly Jesus as God with us knows the experience of those seeking asylum in another land.   He knows the experience of the poor and the homeless.  Jesus is God with us in all life’s experiences.

May we in Australia know and see “God with us”.

The National Council of Churches in Australia wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and our prayer is for justice and peace to fill the world. 

The Reverend Tara Curlewis, General Secretary
National Council of Churches in Australia

(NB. In the Western Church, Christmas is celebrated on December 25.  Most Orthodox Churches will celebrate the Feast of the Nativity on January 7.)

Read more: 2013 Christmas Messages from Australian Church Leaders

Churches across Australia send a strong message to the PM on global day of action for peace

Tuesday, 24 September 2013 09:59

From Act for Peace, the international aid agency of the National Council of Churches in Australia

Australians from across the country came together on Saturday to send a strong message to Prime Minister Tony Abbott to stop cuts to overseas aid on the United Nations International Day of Peace, 21 September. Act for Peace, the International aid agency of the National Council of Churches in Australia, coordinated the national action.

Alistair Gee, Executive Director of Act for Peace says:  “On International Day of Peace we saw an overwhelming display of support for overseas aid that helps save lives. Communities took to the streets to collect signatures, held inter-faith forums and special church services to mark the day and encourage people to sign the petition calling on our government to stop cuts to the aid budget and invest in peace-building projects.”

Read more: Churches across Australia send a strong message to the PM on global day of action for peace